There is no shortage of open-world RPGs available on Steam, but very few can capture the feel of iconic franchises like The Elder Scrolls. However, the upcoming Steam title Ardenfall aims to do just that, and it has a unique twist that sets it apart from the crowd. Aside from the first-person fantasy RPG gameplay that Ardenfall borrows from The Elder Scrolls, the indie game also features a gorgeous cel-shaded art style that gives it a tinge of Breath of the Wild flair.
The debut game from indie developer Spellcast Studios has a tall task in living up to its inspirations. Its unique art style and gameplay hook go a long way toward achieving this goal, but it's the world Ardenfall sets out to create that will likely keep players exploring everything it has to offer. For Elder Scrolls fans looking for something to occupy the wait for The Elder Scrolls 6, Ardenfall might be the stylish RPG they've been waiting for.
Ardenfall currently has a free demo available on Steam for interested players to try, and it currently boasts a Very Positive rating from reviewers.
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Ardenfall Features at a Glance
- Diverse landscapes to explore
- Player freedom of choice with consequences
- Immersive Atmosphere
- Sandbox combat
- Countless interesting characters to meet
Ardenfall Blends the Best Elements of The Elder Scrolls with Zelda: Breath of the Wild's Art Style
While the first-person fantasy genre has seen some impressive releases in the past year, including Bethesda's Oblivion Remastered and Obsidian's Avowed, Ardenfall looks to do something neither of these games has done. Ardenfall has a heavy emphasis on its unique art style that aims to give the game a specific vibe for players to get immersed in. The graceful beauty of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was largely achieved by its art style, and Ardenfall's use of a similar cel-shaded look seems to recapture that feel.
The World of Ardenfall is Filled with Secrets to Uncover
Ardenfall may have a beautiful art style that complements the varied biomes of the game's different regions, but it's the exploration of these regions that will keep players engaged. From windy plains and flooded wetlands, to ancient ruins and winding caves, Ardenfall boasts a range of environments filled with monsters and treasure for players to uncover. Players will be able to traverse both the game's open world and its handcrafted dungeons like those of Skyrim to find everything the game has to offer.
Player Choice Affects the World of Ardenfall
Freedom is a major part of Ardenfall's identity, and the player's ability to impact the world around them with their choices should be a major draw for fans of The Elder Scrolls and other first-person RPGs. Completing certain quests or joining some of Ardenfall's different factions can change how the game's NPCs perceive the player, and they will respond appropriately. The game's trailer showcases a lighthouse that is either standing or in ruins, implying that players can completely destroy structures in the world depending on their actions.
Character customization also plays a big role in how NPCs view the player, as things like the character's race, tattoos, attributes, and traits can unlock certain dialogue options with specific NPCs that wouldn't otherwise be available. Players may end up turning one faction hostile simply due to their character's race, creating a situation where they will need to fight off certain NPCs that would otherwise be neutral. Ardenfall also gives players other tools to navigate conflicts within its world, such as the ability to charm, convince, and lie their way toward achieving their goals.
Ardenfall also features a reputation system for players to manage, allowing them to track their favor with the game's different factions.
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Ardenfall Looks Like Morrowind with Sandbox Combat
Ardenfall is already being hailed as a spiritual successor to Morrowind, and its world design and player freedom support this notion. But even more like Morrowind is Ardenfall's sandbox-like combat that features near-limitless ways for players to approach the world and its enemies. Morrowind offers players the ability to create custom spells, but Ardenfall boasts that every rule in the game is breakable, suggesting that its magic system may go beyond its Elder Scrolls inspiration.
From Ardenfall's trailer, players can get a good look at the types of combat options available to them as they interact with the world. In one instance, a player can be seen raising a corpse like a necromancer, while another can be seen throwing a potion to defeat an enemy. All the fantasy weapons players could want are also on display, from one-handed swords and massive great axes, to daggers for backstabbing and bows for ranged combat. The broad range of weapons and spells gives Ardenfall players the freedom to craft their ideal build.
Ardenfall Could Be the Perfect Game to Ease the Wait for The Elder Scrolls 6
The wait for The Elder Scrolls 6 will likely continue for some time, since Bethesda has yet to reveal anything of significance about the game. For fans of first-person fantasy RPGs looking to scratch that Elder Scrolls itch in the meantime, it seems like Ardenfall checks all the boxes and then some. While there isn't a firm release date for the game yet, Ardenfall is still on target to launch in 2026, with a demo currently available that features around 2 hours of content and 5 unique quest endings to showcase Ardenfall's commitment to player agency in its storytelling.
- Developer(s)
- Spellcast Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Spellcast Studios
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- RPG
