Sunless Skies is a dark, atmospheric indie RPG that builds upon the legacy of its predecessor, Sunless Sea, by taking players beyond the oceans and into the stars. Released on August 30, 2017, this adventure game blends elements of narrative-driven exploration, survival management, and moral decision-making in a unique steampunk-meets-cosmic horror setting. Set in an alternate 20th century where London has colonized the heavens, Sunless Skies invites players to take on the role of a spacefaring locomotive captain, navigating the dangers of an unpredictable universe.
Genre and Gameplay Mechanics
Sunless Skies is an indie adventure RPG with a strong emphasis on storytelling and player choice. The gameplay revolves around managing your airship, known as a "locomotive," as you travel between distant celestial ports. Each journey presents new challenges, from navigating treacherous storms to dealing with the ever-present threat of mutiny among your crew. The game features a unique system of resource management, where players must carefully balance fuel, supplies, and crew morale to ensure survival.
Players will encounter a variety of creatures and dangers, including pirates, scorn-flukes, and the mysterious Cyst of Faces. Combat is turn-based and tactical, requiring players to make strategic decisions in high-stakes situations. The game also includes a robust character system, allowing players to recruit and manage a diverse crew, each with their own skills, personalities, and story arcs.
Story and Setting
The game is set in a reimagined version of the 20th century, where Queen Victoria has led a grand exodus from Earth to the stars. Here, the British Empire has expanded into the heavens, seeking to impose its will on the cosmos. However, the stars themselves are governed by ancient, dying intelligences known as the Judgements. As these entities fade, they leave behind vast, unclaimed domains, which the Empire and various factions seek to control.
As the captain of your locomotive, you will chart your own course through this vast, mysterious universe. Your decisions will shape the political landscape of the skies, influencing the balance of power between the Empire, the Independents, and other factions. Whether you choose to run guns for the rebels or serve as a spy for the Empire, your choices will have lasting consequences, not just for your journey but for future captains as well.
Platform Availability and Notable Features
Sunless Skies is available on PC, macOS, and Linux, offering a seamless experience across these platforms. The game is known for its rich, immersive world, dark narrative themes, and a sense of isolation and peril that permeates every journey. Its unique blend of steampunk aesthetics and cosmic horror creates an unforgettable atmosphere that sets it apart from other RPGs.
One of the standout features of Sunless Skies is its emphasis on player agency. Every decision, from the crew you choose to the routes you take, contributes to a dynamic and evolving story. The game also features a detailed ship customization system, allowing players to tailor their locomotive to suit their playstyle, whether through reinforced armor or additional crew capacity.
With a Metacritic score of 87.00, Sunless Skies has been praised for its deep narrative, atmospheric world-building, and challenging gameplay. It appeals to fans of narrative-driven RPGs, survival mechanics, and those who enjoy exploring a richly detailed, morally complex universe.
