In the ever-evolving landscape of independent CRPGs, few titles attempt as much as Age of Reforging: The Freelands. Developed by PersonaeGame Studio and released into its full version in early 2025, this ambitious title is a fascinating hybrid of classic isometric role-playing games and the brutal, “emergent storytelling” sandbox style popularized by games like Kenshi. It is a game that values player agency above all else, casting the player into a world that is as indifferent to their survival as it is full of opportunity.
The game is set in the Freelands, a sprawling medieval fantasy territory where the rule of law has long since crumbled. You play as a “Reforger,” a figure chosen by the Goddess of Fate to carve out a legacy in this chaotic frontier. While there is a central narrative thread to pull on, the game’s heart lies in its sandbox nature.
From the moment you finish the deep character creator—which offers various races like Humans, Elves, Dwarves, and Grey Orcs—you are largely left to your own devices. You can choose a humble origin, such as a down-on-their-luck mercenary or a scholar of the arcane, and then decide how you will survive. Will you become a legendary gladiator in the arenas of Blackthorn, a wealthy merchant leading a massive caravan across dangerous trade routes, or a warlord who occupies and manages ancient castles?
Deep Mechanics and Real-Time Combat
Age of Reforging utilizes a Real-Time with Pause (RTwP) combat system, a staple of the genre that allows for tactical precision. However, it distinguishes itself with a heavy emphasis on physics and hitboxes. Much like in Kenshi, characters don’t just “roll for hits” in a vacuum; positioning and equipment matter immensely.
The progression system is notably fluid. There are no rigid class restrictions. Instead, players can mix and match:
- Over 200 combat skills and 100 magic spells across various schools (such as Lightning, Spirit, and White magic).
- Usage-based growth: Your attributes and proficiencies improve as you use them, supplemented by skill books you can find or purchase.
- Tactical AI Editor: For those who prefer a “hands-off” approach, the game features a robust AI trigger system where you can program your companions’ behavior down to the smallest detail.
Survival and Simulation
The Freelands is a “living” world. NPCs have their own daily routines, and the economy is dynamic. To survive, you must manage more than just your health bar; hunger, fatigue, and morale are constant pressures. The game’s survival mechanics create a sense of “accrued fatigue,” where a long journey across the eight distinct ecological zones (from sun-scorched deserts to misty swamps) feels like a genuine ordeal.
The recruitment system is equally expansive. Beyond the ten handcrafted “story companions”—who have their own voice acting, unique gear, and quest-altering opinions—you can recruit almost any generic NPC. Whether through hiring them at a tavern or “convincing” them after a battle, building a specialized squad is essential for tackling the game’s 150+ side quests and 30+ wilderness locations.
As with many ambitious indie projects, Age of Reforging has its rough edges. Players often note that the English translation can be clunky and the user interface lacks the high-gloss finish of a AAA production. However, for many fans of the genre, these are minor trade-offs for the sheer depth of the simulation. The developers have been remarkably active, frequently releasing patches that add everything from new gladiator arenas and “Xiake” questlines to visual overhauls and optimization fixes.
Age of Reforging: The Freelands is a rare breed of RPG that respects the player’s intelligence and curiosity. It doesn’t hold your hand; it gives you a sword, a map, and a world of possibilities, then asks you what kind of legend you want to be. Whether you are a fan of Baldur’s Gate’s tactical depth or Kenshi’s brutal freedom, this is a journey worth taking.
