Sworn, developed by Windwalk Games, is setting the stage for its 1.0 release by offering players a taste of its uniquely crafted world free on Steam this weekend. Drawing inspiration from the mythological tales of King Arthur, Sworn delivers a distinct twist on the action roguelike genre, reminiscent of popular titles such as Hades.
At the heart of Sworn lies a corrupted Camelot, where players are tasked with navigating the challenges posed by the fallen King Arthur and his formidable Knights of the Round Table. The game's intricate design boasts a lineup of four playable characters, each armed with an array of four powerful weapons and four magical spells. This variety results in 64 potential starting configurations, offering players the chance to explore diverse strategies. Layered on top of this are skill trees with passive bonuses and signature nodes that allow for customized experiences, ensuring no two runs feel identical.
Unique Gameplay Enhancements
Sworn sets itself apart by replacing the familiar pantheon of gods with formidable fae lords. Players can receive blessings from these ethereal entities. King Oberon, for example, imparts fury stacks to heighten attack damage, while Mab introduces venom effects, and Cliona provides the ability to diminish enemy strengths.
Notable characters from the Camelot legend aid players on their journey. Nimue, known for her magical prowess, offers crucial weapon upgrades, while the ever-strategic Guinevere grants access to new room types and elemental dynamics. Merlin, ever the guiding presence, oversees the skill trees which evolve as players progress.
Sworn supports both solo play and cooperative modes, accommodating up to four players, with boss battles that scale for added challenge. This cooperative element allows for shared experiences and strategic team play, enhancing the overall immersion of venturing through the treacherous terrains of a war-torn Camelot.
Eschewing heavy-handed narratives, Sworn instead hones in on delivering captivating and varied gameplay, making use of its Arthurian-themed backdrop as a springboard for dynamic action. With its official 1.0 launch set for Thursday, September 25, players have the opportunity to experience Sworn during this open weekend, which concludes on Monday, September 1.