Get ready for an unforgiving journey into the Dark Ages. The Vernyhorn, an ambitious third-person open-world RPG from developer INTERSTUDIO, is shaping up to be one of the most immersive and historically grounded medieval titles on the horizon. Inspired by classic role-playing roots like The Witcher and Baldur’s Gate, the game throws players into a dark, action-packed world steeped in early Slavic myths and the brutal realities of the 9th and 10th centuries.
While the game currently has a To Be Announced release date, the developers have outlined an ambitious roadmap, including plans for an Early Test Build around mid-2026 and a Playable Demo in late 2026, leading to a chapter-based release starting mid-2027.
he Vernyhorn is built on Unreal Engine 5 and is dedicated to achieving a striking level of realism, not just in its visuals, but in its core mechanics:
Scanned World: The environments—including forests, swamps, and mountains—are being meticulously recreated from real-world Polish landscapes using 3D scanning technology (photogrammetry). This aims to create a world that feels authentic and alive.
Realistic Combat: The melee combat is designed to be brutal and unforgiving, drawing heavily on historical European martial arts (HEMA). The developers utilized motion capture from real-world sword fighting champions to ensure that every strike, parry, and desperate scramble feels visceral. Honor is secondary; survival is all that matters.
Minimalist UI and Survival: The game intentionally strips away the “hand-holding” of modern RPGs. The UI is minimal, forcing players to rely on keen observation and preparation. Survival is deeply woven into the experience: players must stock up on food, dress appropriately for the weather, and plan journeys carefully, as the environment is as much an enemy as any living foe.
The game is not just about survival; it’s about a deeply personal narrative. Players follow a man haunted by his past, struggling to face his inner demons.
The Vernyhorn promises a deep, non-linear narrative where player choices have lasting, morally complex consequences.
Dialogue itself can be a dangerous encounter. An innovative “Surprise Attack” mechanic allows players to instantly break the tension of a conversation and physically attack an opponent mid-sentence when a negotiation goes sour. This mechanic emphasizes the raw, unpredictable nature of the world, where words can suddenly shift to violence.
By blending stunning, scanned realism with hardcore survival mechanics and a commitment to historical authenticity, INTERSTUDIO aims to deliver an open-world RPG that truly challenges and immerses players in a dark, forgotten corner of medieval Europe.
