Fatekeeper, a new first-person fantasy RPG developed by Paraglacial and published by THQ Nordic, has entered early access exclusively on PC via Steam. The game, which draws inspiration from classic titles like Dark Messiah of Might and Magic, is currently unavailable on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S. According to the developer, the full version will not arrive on consoles until early 2028, following an 18-month early access period.
Early Access and Pricing
The early access version of Fatekeeper offers approximately two hours of gameplay and is priced at £8.49. Paraglacial has stated that the price will increase upon the full 1.0 launch, which is expected to feature a 15-hour story. The early access period allows players to explore a handcrafted world built with Unreal Engine 5, utilizing Nanite technology for photorealistic visuals.
Gameplay and Combat
Fatekeeper emphasizes exploration and a robust combat system that blends melee and magic. Players can use swords and spells such as fire bolts and wind pushes, requiring precise timing and dodging to defeat enemies. A progression system with a large skill tree enables character customization. The game's Steam description reads: 'Venture into a handcrafted world where ruins whisper of past cataclysms. Master the art of sword and sorcery and forge your path with relics, spells and choices that shape who you become in this first-person RPG.'
Early Reviews and Reception
Early user reviews on Steam are 'Mostly Positive.' One player noted: 'The game world looks great. You are encouraged to explore, find secrets, gather resources to make potions/vials for buffs and heals. It's a good dungeon crawler with fun interactions with the environment and good fights.' Another added: 'I just want to say right off the bat that this is an absolutely breathtaking game, I could just wander around in it for hours because of how beautiful it is!' A third reviewer commented: 'Combat and gore feel great, world design is partially stellar to watch and overall it seems that the looming promise of what could potentially be makes this feel like the second coming of Dark Messiah.'
However, some criticisms have emerged. One player remarked: 'The combat can feel a bit samey - I think the psychic pull ability could be a bit more of a grab and toss scenario which would give the environmental hazards more depth.' Another stated: 'After playing for a while I honestly enjoy the premise of the game and have had some fun with it, but the combat is extremely unpolished and clunky.'
Console Release Timeline
Paraglacial expects Fatekeeper to remain in early access for about 18 months, with a full release planned for early 2028. At that point, the game will become available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Until then, only PC gamers can access the early access demo.
