Experience a World of Light and Shadow in Ashen

Ashen is an evocative action RPG that invites players on a journey through a world gripped by darkness. Developed by A44, the game follows a lone wanderer searching for a place to call home in a realm where nothing stays permanent. While the setting is defined by a bleak period of shadow following the disappearance of the eponymous god—a massive, radiant bird—the gameplay focuses on the struggle to restore light and hope to a decaying landscape.

As you navigate this perilous environment, your primary goal is survival and reconstruction. Players can encounter other travelers throughout the world; choosing to guide trusted companions back to your camp allows them to rest by the fire. As your settlement grows, these survivors bring unique skills and specialized crafting abilities that are essential for bolstering your chances of enduring the darkness.

Combat Mechanics and Gameplay

For fans of the "Souls-like" subgenre, Ashen offers a familiar and weighty combat system. The gameplay is methodical and demands precision, utilizing stamina management to regulate light attacks, heavy attacks, and essential dodge rolls. Combat typically revolves around close-range encounters using both single-handed and two-handed weaponry, where a single misstep can prove fatal.

The game implements several key mechanics designed to provide a high-stakes experience:

  • Crimson Gourds: Use these vital items to restore your health during intense encounters.
  • Scoria: This serves as the game's primary currency. However, death comes with a cost; losing your Scoria upon defeat means you must return to the site of your demise to retrieve it before dying again.
  • Ritual Stones: These serve as essential waypoints for saving your progress and facilitating fast travel across the map.
  • Co-op Integration: The game features a charmingly minimalistic two-player co-op mode, allowing you to tackle challenges with a partner.

An Atmospheric Open World

Unlike many games in its genre that rely on claustrophobic corridors, Ashen utilizes a vibrant, cartoonish art style and an expansive open world. This design choice encourages players to venture off the main pathways to explore diverse and dangerous environments. The narrative is deeply embedded in these surroundings, telling a stirring tale of hope and despair through the landscapes you traverse and the people you meet.

Who Is This Game For?

Ashen is an ideal match for players who enjoy challenging action RPGs with deep progression systems. It appeals strongly to fans of the Dark Souls series due to its combat DNA, but it also attracts those looking for a more exploratory experience thanks to its beautiful art direction and open-world structure. If you enjoy games that balance high-stakes combat with the rewarding loop of building up a home base and managing a community, this is a journey worth taking.

Platform Availability

You can embark on your journey in Ashen across a wide range of platforms, including:

  • PC
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series S/X
  • PlayStation 4
  • Nintendo Switch