Of Ash and Steel

 
Of Ash and Steel is a third-person open-world RPG that unapologetically embraces the spirit of early 2000s classics. Developed by Fire & Frost and published by tinyBuild, this low-fantasy adventure drops you onto the perilous island of Grayshaft with little more than a rusty sword and your wits. In an era of map markers and guided tours, Of Ash and Steel dares to let you get lost, demanding you navigate by landmarks, journal entries, and genuine curiosity. While it suffers from some technical jank and clunky combat, its immersive world offers a refreshing challenge for fans of “sink or swim” role-playing.
Core Gameplay and Features

Explore Without Hand-Holding: The game features no quest markers or magical GPS. You must rely on road signs, environmental clues, and your own cartography skills to navigate the Kingdom of the Seven.
Zero to Hero Progression: You play as Tristan, a cartographer who starts as a capable-of-nothing nobody. Progression feels earned; finding a decent sword or learning a basic parry is a monumental victory in the early hours.
Dynamic Combat System: Engage in tactical combat that mixes stances, active dodging, and parrying. You can specialize in various weapon types, bows, and magic, though the system can feel deliberate and sometimes unforgivingly stiff.
Survival Lite Elements: While not a full survival game, you’ll need to manage campfires, cook food for buffs, and brew potions. These preparations are often the difference between life and death in the wild.
Faction-Based Story: The island is torn between conflicting factions. Your choices in quests and allegiances determine your allies, your enemies, and ultimately the fate of the realm.
Old-School Atmosphere: The world design focuses on density and verticality rather than empty sprawl, packed with hidden caves, underwater secrets, and environmental storytelling that rewards thorough exploration.

Détails clés

Date de sortie : November 24, 2025
Développeur : Fire & Frost Studios
Éditeur : tinyBuild
Genre : Action RPG, Open World, Low Fantasy
Moteur : Unreal Engine 4
Modes : Joueur unique
Plateformes : PC (Steam, GOG)
Languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Russian, and more

Of Ash and Steel vs Gothic and The Witcher

Gothic: Of Ash and Steel is a spiritual successor to the Gothique series. It shares the same DNA: a nameless (or fixed) hero starting weak, hostile NPCs, and a world that doesn’t care about you. However, it lacks the extreme harshness of Gothic’s control scheme, offering slightly more modern sensibilities.
The Witcher: While it shares a third-person perspective and swordplay, it lacks the narrative depth and cinematic polish of The Witcher 3. Instead, it focuses more on the player’s own journey of discovery rather than a pre-defined narrative epic.

Should You Step Into the Kingdom of the Seven?
Of Ash and Steel is a diamond in the rough, perfect for players tired of Ubisoft-style open worlds filled with checklists. If you can look past the euro-jank charm and occasional bug, you’ll find a deeply rewarding adventure that treats you like an adult and makes every victory feel truly earned.