Last updated on November 26, 2025
Fatekeeper has been on the radar of dark fantasy fans since the moment its first teaser dropped. The announcement trailer shot past a million views in no time, which pretty much says everything about the interest around it. But the new eight-minute gameplay demo paints a much clearer picture of what Paraglacial is trying to build — a first-person RPG that wants to stand on its own in a genre already packed with heavy hitters.
A real RPG, not just a fantasy shooter
Some people instantly compared the game to classics like Hexen, but according to the team, Fatekeeper isn’t trying to revive that formula. Yes, the gloomy atmosphere is there, the magic is there, and the melee hits look weighty — but the structure is very much that of a full RPG. Progression, exploration, player choice: those are the pillars. This is not a shooter with a fantasy skin. It’s a game where you carve out your own playstyle and find your own way through a hostile world.
Combat that mixes thought and freedom
There is a tiny hint of soulslike influence in how enemies behave and how timing matters, but Paraglacial is quick to point out that they’re not going for that punishing, rigid design. Combat aims to be demanding enough to keep you alert, but not the kind that slams a wall in your face. Heavy swords, halberds, alchemical tools, fire magic — nothing feels locked behind a specific lane. Builds are open-ended and made to encourage experimentation.
A world shaped by ancient conflict
The story goes surprisingly deep. Long ago, a civilization rebelled against a tyrant and disappeared underground, where it formed a technocratic society cut off from the surface. When natural tunnels reopened, the two worlds — one rational and progressive, the other rooted in revived beliefs — clashed immediately, sparking a fresh war.
You play as the successor of the Druid who once protected the Solace archipelago, a northern region shattered by the conflict. As part of an old order tasked with keeping balance, you travel through the wreckage of war, uncover buried truths, and try to restore some form of stability.
A flexible skill tree that lets you experiment
One of the standout elements is the progression system. Everyone starts with access to both magic and classic weapons, but the skill tree branches out quickly. You can go full tank, full alchemist, long-range pyromancer, or blend everything into something weird but effective. The whole system rewards curiosity and tweaking your playstyle until it feels right.
Powered by Unreal Engine 5
For a team of only 12 people, the visuals are impressive. Fatekeeper runs on the latest version of Unreal Engine 5, and it shows: sharp lighting, dense environments, and effects that look far above what you’d expect from a small studio.
Early Access in 2026, consoles later
For now, the game is only confirmed for Steam, but Paraglacial says console versions are part of the plan. Fatekeeper is expected to hit Steam Early Access in 2026, with console releases coming once the final build is ready.
A fresh project with surprising potential
Fatekeeper could end up being one of those RPGs that sneak up on everyone — the kind with a strong world, a flexible combat system, and enough personality to stand out in a crowded space. If the team delivers on what they’ve shown so far, this might become one of the more pleasant surprises of its release year.
