If you’re counting down the days until Hades 2, here’s some exciting news: while you can’t play Hades 2 early, a compelling alternative is ready for you now. The Arthurian roguelike, Sworn, takes a page from Hades’ playbook with its addictive ‘one more run’ gameplay. After a successful six-month early access period, the full game has officially launched on Steam, offering the perfect adventure to fill the void before Hades 2 arrives.
While it might be reductive to compare them too closely, Sworn’s combat undeniably draws significant inspiration from Supergiant’s acclaimed Hades. Players will recognize familiar elements like intense boss encounters, strategic boons, electrifying music, and rapid-fire action, all echoing the beloved “Hades DNA.” This section would typically feature a gameplay video.
Yet, Sworn offers its own unique twists. Between each thrilling run, players can delve into a robust upgrade system featuring four distinct skill trees, allowing for deep customization to match any playstyle. Plus, there are multiple unique characters to unlock and master, each adding a fresh dynamic to the adventure.
Each of the four playable characters wields a selection of four different weapons, all upgradable at Nimue’s forge. The developers at Windwalk Games have taken a creative approach to Arthurian lore, reimagining Nimue not as a mysterious lake spirit, but as a skilled blacksmith – a playful twist that adds to the charm of this mythological retelling.
An image here would typically show a boss fight against a formidable tree-like monster, unleashing a ring of red line attacks.
The most striking divergence between Hades and Sworn lies in their foundational myths. While Hades draws from the rich tapestry of Greek mythology, Sworn immerses players in the equally compelling world of Arthurian legends and Celtic folklore. Imagine the intense action of Hades, but set in the mystical landscapes of England, offering a distinct flavor to its epic narrative.
Adding another layer of excitement, Sworn also introduces a co-op mode, allowing up to four players to embark on the same challenging run. The prospect of perfectly balanced cooperative roguelike action is thrilling, promising endless fun if Windwalk Games successfully fine-tunes the difficulty for multiplayer.
Another image here might feature a boss fight, perhaps against Gawain, the Butcher of Wirral.
The full launch brings a wealth of new content, including a potion lab unlocked by none other than Guinevere. Players can discover new blessings, enjoy refined balance fixes, and experience enhanced weapon upgrades, ensuring legendary blades like Excalibur gleam brighter than ever. Furthermore, the Fae Lords now boast fresh dialogue and English voice acting, and King Arthur himself presents a formidable new challenge with an additional phase on higher difficulty settings. To uncover why you must face the legendary king in combat, you’ll simply have to dive into the game.
You can purchase Sworn on Steam right now for $24.99 / £24.99.
For those seeking more roguelike adventures while anticipating other major releases, remember to keep an eye on upcoming titles and learn about what’s next in the genre.
Are you excited for Hades 2, or will Sworn be your go-to game in the interim? Share your thoughts and favorite roguelike moments with fellow enthusiasts!