While big names like Diablo 4 and Path of Exile 2 dominate, a fresh face in the ARPG scene, Fractured Worlds, is creating buzz. Developed by Laser Guided Games, this newcomer offers a unique twist by seamlessly blending its action RPG core with innovative multiplayer elements inspired by the renowned Dark Souls series, setting it apart from its contemporaries.
The narrative of Fractured Worlds plunges you into a shattered reality, a consequence of its inhabitants’ insatiable ambition. Your quest involves journeying across these fractured realms to uncover the architects of this catastrophe. A fascinating element is how the fabric of time and space occasionally intertwines your world with those of other players. This creates spontaneous opportunities for interaction, moving beyond the usual solo, co-op, or trading multiplayer modes typical of action RPGs. By embracing principles from beloved Souls-like titles, Fractured Worlds introduces a dynamic, unpredictable multiplayer dimension.
When other adventurers appear in your world, you have a choice: engage with them or continue on your solitary journey. You can offer help and support, or, if you’re feeling mischievous, you might choose to invade, disrupt, or even deceive them. The developers hint at exciting possibilities, like sharing valuable loot or luring unsuspecting players into dangerous enemy ambushes to claim the rewards yourself.
Further multiplayer depth comes from ‘map shards,’ items that allow you to create co-operative instances with unique monster modifiers, akin to high-level content in other popular ARPGs. Echoing a distinctive style, you can even craft a description for these shared maps using predefined phrases, leading to intriguing social dynamics. Will you be a benevolent guide or a cunning trickster?
Combat in Fractured Worlds is refreshingly class-free, offering a highly flexible and respec-friendly progression system. Each weapon boasts its own distinct moveset, from the heavy, staggering blows of two-handed maces to the strategic reach of spears for crowd control, or the arcane power of aether-channeling wands. This design encourages experimentation, allowing players to swiftly adapt to new builds or optimize their character around a newly acquired legendary item.
True to its name, Fractured Worlds offers incredible environmental diversity, taking players from mystical enchanted forests and classic medieval dungeons to futuristic industrial landscapes. This variety extends to its boss encounters, featuring formidable foes like colossal treasure golems, majestic noble dragons, spectral knights, and the enigmatic, mind-altering Rorsch. If this sounds intriguing, you’re in luck: a public playtest is currently underway. While access needs to be requested, it appears to be granted almost instantly, so don’t hesitate to jump in.
Good news for eager players: The Fractured Worlds playtest is currently live and will run until Thursday, October 9. You can dive in for free by accessing it through either Steam or the Epic Games Store. The full game is expected to launch in early 2026. To join, simply request access – many players report immediate entry!