The landscape of classic open-world RPGs just got a significant injection of grit with the release of Of Ash and Steel. Developed by Fire & Frost and published by tinyBuild, this ambitious title is positioning itself as a spiritual successor to the legendary RPGs of the early 2000s, blending the unforgiving atmosphere of the Gothic series with the narrative depth and world-building of The Witcher. Set in a low-fantasy realm where danger lurks behind every thicket and stone, the game eschews the modern trend of hand-holding, instead challenging players to forge their own path through a world that is as beautiful as it is brutal.
At the heart of Of Ash and Steel is a commitment to old-school exploration and player agency. Rather than following a trail of quest markers on a mini-map, players must rely on their own wits, environmental cues, and the words of the island’s inhabitants to uncover secrets and progress through the story. The game takes place on the treacherous Kingdom of the Seven, a land scarred by war and internal strife. As a commoner who has lost everything, you must climb the social and martial ladder, evolving from a vulnerable wanderer into a seasoned warrior capable of shifting the balance of power between the realm’s warring factions.
The combat system is designed to reflect this journey of growth, offering a visceral and tactical experience that prioritizes timing and positioning over mindless button-mashing. Players can specialize in three distinct combat stances, each tailored to different weapon types and enemy encounters. Whether you prefer the heavy, bone-crushing impact of a two-handed mace or the fluid, precise strikes of a dual-wielding duelist, the progression system allows for a high degree of customization. Furthermore, the game’s “Active Skills” system ensures that your character’s power feels earned, with new abilities unlocking as you master your chosen discipline and survive the increasingly lethal threats of the wilderness.
Visually, the game utilizes a striking art style that emphasizes the “low-fantasy” aesthetic, where magic is rare, terrifying, and physically taxing. The environments range from sun-drenched coastal cliffs to oppressive, rain-slicked forests, all designed to make the player feel small against the backdrop of a vast and indifferent world. The social systems are equally deep, as your reputation with various guilds and settlements will dictate who will trade with you, who will offer you sanctuary, and who will draw their blade the moment you enter their sight.
With its focus on immersive storytelling and unguided discovery, Of Ash and Steel is a love letter to the era when RPGs felt like true adventures rather than checklists of tasks. As the development team nears completion, the excitement within the community continues to grow for a game that promises to respect the player’s intelligence while providing a challenge that is as rewarding as it is demanding. It is a bold return to the roots of the genre, where every victory is hard-won and every scar tells a story of survival.
