Enshrouded, developed and published by Keen Games GmbH, entered Early Access on Steam on 24th January 2024. This open-world survival fantasy RPG blends exploration, base building, and intense combat, offering a unique experience for both solo players and groups of up to 16 in co-op mode. Set in a crumbling world teetering on the edge of extinction, you take on the role of the Flameborn, the last ember of hope for a dying race. With its expansive environments, intricate crafting systems, and a compelling mix of survival and fantasy elements, Enshrouded promises an immersive adventure.
As the game is still in Early Access, this review-in-progress explores its current strengths and shortcomings while keeping an eye on its potential to evolve into a standout title. Let’s delve into the overall experience to see how Enshrouded measures up so far.
What’s the experience been like so far?
In short, it’s been phenomenal. The developers at Keen Games GmbH have been open about drawing inspiration from titles like Breath of the Wild and the Soulsborne series, and it shows in the best possible way. However, they’ve succeeded in crafting something that feels distinctly their own. I haven’t felt this sense of wonder and adventure since first stepping out of the Shrine of Resurrection in Breath of the Wild.
Unlike Zelda’s sweeping cinematic reveal of Hyrule, Enshrouded takes a subtler approach. There are no dramatic cutscenes to frame your entry into the world, but that doesn’t diminish its impact. Instead, the vast and beautifully detailed landscape is unveiled as you move, encouraging you to stop and take in the view. As I walked down the initial path, a shrine caught my attention, its design both intriguing and mysterious, gently guiding me on how to move forward. Beyond it, I noticed an abandoned encampment nearby, while in the far distance, areas were cloaked in dense blue and red fog. The world is immediately alive with promise, inviting exploration.
Standing on a high ledge, I realised I couldn’t simply leap into this new world without thought—there was no safe way down. My eyes were drawn to a nearby cave entrance, and curiosity led me inside. What followed was a brief yet effective introduction to the game’s survival mechanics and combat system. These mechanics are intuitive, blending challenges with accessibility in a way that makes even basic encounters feel rewarding. Emerging on the other side of the cave, I was struck by the sheer freedom ahead of me. It was a moment of triumph, not just for surviving but for being granted my first taste of the world’s vast potential.
Enshrouded doesn’t just thrust you into its world—it invites you to uncover it at your own pace, rewarding your curiosity and daring. It’s a promising start that sets the stage for countless adventures yet to come.
Romanticization aside, let’s talk about gameplay
Enshrouded wears its inspirations on its sleeve, blending elements from the Soulsborne series with classic survival mechanics. Venturing into the game blind, I found myself instinctively raising my shield as I crept around corners, unsure of what might leap out. My cautious anticipation was rewarded—though perhaps not as expected—when a rat unexpectedly barrelled around the corner and knocked me flat. Moments like these highlight how the game plays with your expectations while keeping you on edge.
The gameplay is bolstered by a variety of weapon types you can craft and wield, ranging from hefty two-handed hammers to swift dual daggers (added in a major update). Combat feels satisfying and weighty, but what truly sets Enshrouded apart is its innovative skill tree. Displayed elegantly around the screen’s border, the tree offers paths that enhance traditional fantasy archetypes or introduce unique abilities like double jumping, assassinations, or reduced stamina consumption while gliding.
The skill system is particularly intriguing for co-op play, where a party of up to 16 players can strategise and specialise their builds to complement each other. Whether it’s crafting a balanced team or focusing on individual strengths, the potential for collaborative gameplay adds an exciting layer of depth.
Resource gathering, a staple of the survival genre, is familiar yet effective in Enshrouded. While it doesn’t revolutionise the system, it supports the core mechanics seamlessly. Where the game truly excels, however, is in its building system. Creativity is the limit here, as the developers themselves have showcased awe-inspiring community creations—including a faithful recreation of Minas Tirith. For those with an imaginative streak, Enshrouded provides an unparalleled canvas to build, customise, and truly make the world your own.
The gameplay strikes a careful balance between familiarity and innovation, creating an experience that feels fresh yet comfortably familiar for fans of the genre. Whether you’re playing solo or diving in with friends, Enshrouded’s potential shines brightest in its freedom to craft, explore, and survive in a beautifully realised fantasy world.
What’s been released since initial launch
While there have been numerous hotfixes since the games initial rocky launch, there have also been a couple of major updates:
Melodies of the Mire introduced a whole new region to the game, called The Blackmire. Which included new quests, more skill points, enemies alongside musical instruments and a vanity system into the game.
Souls of the Frozen Frontier introduced the Albaneve Summits, an icy mountain biome. This update increased the level cap, and introduced more quests etc, alongside Dynamic Weather, new townsfolk, farm animal and pets.
And there’s more to come to Enshrouded in 2025, as mentioned in the Enshrouded World Design Team Reddit AMA. Players should expect a new roadmap for the game to be released by the end of January which details what’s to come.
Is Enshrouded worth checking out?
Whether you’re a lone adventurer or part of a group of friends seeking a new cooperative experience, Enshrouded offers a captivating blend of exploration, survival, and creativity. Its vast and intricately detailed world invites curiosity, while the intuitive skill tree and satisfying combat system provide depth and replayability.
With its phenomenal first year in Early Access, Enshrouded has already laid a solid foundation for what promises to be an exceptional survival RPG. The consistent updates and community-driven creativity, showcased through awe-inspiring builds, highlight the developers’ dedication to fostering a vibrant player experience.
This is only the beginning for Enshrouded, and it’s already shaping up to be a standout title in the genre. Whether you’re building towering structures, crafting unique weapons, or diving into the rich, mysterious world as the Flameborn, the game offers an experience that’s well worth your time.