Bellwright is an open world medieval survival game developed and published by Donkey Crew for PC. Released in early access on 23rd April 2024, it thrusts players into the unforgiving land of Karvenia. Framed for the murder of a prince and living in the shadows ever since, your journey back to the very place you escaped begins with a contract that raises many questions. Was it mere misfortune that you were framed? Or is there a deeper truth behind this conspiracy?
In this medieval survival RPG, you’ll need to build and craft your way to survival while uncovering the truth behind your exile. Expand your own settlements, lead a rebellion, and cement yourself as the hero of the people. With features like advanced structures, skill-based directional combat, and command of squads and formations, this early access game offers an expansive experience for fans of the genre.
Bellwright blends survival game mechanics with the thrill of discovery. Players gather resources such as flax, hunt animals, and craft tools to sustain themselves. The crown and its royal army are ever-present threats, but other dangers lurk in the wild. The open world beckons adventurers to explore its secrets and adventures across the land.
The gameplay is not without its challenges. Gathering essential materials like river reeds can feel tedious, and inventory management is restrictive early on. However, as you grow your armies and establish outposts and towns, these systems become more streamlined.
One of Bellwright’s standout features is its town management system. You start with basic shelters and progress to advanced structures like training grounds. Free the villages from the Crown’s grasp, improve your relations with local NPCs, and recruit followers with unique knowledge along the way. These followers contribute to your rebellion by managing resources to further the technologies of your settlements.
While the tech tree offers opportunities for growth, the process of building structures can be time-consuming. Employ cunning tactics to optimise resource gathering and delegate tasks to your villagers. Outposts provide a critical edge, enabling players to secure distant resources and defend their territory effectively.
Bellwright’s combat system is skill-based and features directional mechanics akin to Mount & Blade. Choose your equipment and hone your skill in directional combat by mastering a variety of medieval weapons. Whether you prefer the reach of a polearm or the precision of a bow, you can choose your unique style of fighting and control your troops on the battlefield to prove your skill.
However, the combat isn’t perfect. Melee encounters often feel clunky, particularly in group fights, leading many players to rely on ranged weapons or environmental exploits. Employ cunning tactics, such as isolating enemies, to survive overwhelming odds.
Bellwright’s deep progression system rewards strategic planning. Train your villagers, gain followers with unique knowledge, and equip your troops for battle. Command your forces in squads and formations, employing strategic positioning to overcome the Crown’s royal army.
The dynamic progression system also extends to your settlements. Villages grow in prosperity as you invest resources, allowing for better-defended outposts and enhanced technologies.
The developers have embraced community feedback, regularly rolling out updates that address key concerns. Features like the ability to disassemble structures without resource loss and enhanced AI behaviours are direct responses to player input. AI-generated voice acting serves as a placeholder until professional voice actors are brought in for the full release.
The world of Bellwright is vast and visually impressive for an early access version. From its lush forests to rugged mountains, the environments feel alive. Highlights include weather effects like rainstorms and the soft glow of fires in the distance, guiding you back to your base.
Despite its immersive atmosphere, Bellwright struggles with animation glitches and occasional jank. Yet, these rough edges are balanced by the game’s charm and potential.
The latest update introduced the village prosperity system, a groundbreaking feature in this building survival game. Prosperity affects militia strength and resource availability, encouraging players to improve and defend their villages. The addition of river docks for fast travel and the ability to manage structures mid-construction are much-needed quality-of-life improvements.
Combat mechanics have been fine-tuned, with improved animations and balancing for weapons like the sledgehammer. These changes make battles against bandits more engaging, though the system still needs refinement.
Bellwright on Steam is an early access game with grand ambitions. Its roadmap includes the addition of horses, sieges, and a more intricate storyline. Developed and published by Donkey Crew, this MMO-inspired survival game has already delivered a solid foundation.
Bellwright offers a unique blend of open world medieval survival game mechanics, strategic village management, and engaging RPG elements. While it’s not without flaws, its charm lies in its potential to evolve into something extraordinary.
For those who enjoy slow-paced, grind-heavy gameplay, Bellwright is a promising addition to the genre. Whether you’re battling bandits, exploring distant outposts, or rallying your forces, this game will keep you entertained for hours of play. If you’ve been considering diving into this medieval survival game, Bellwright is a worthwhile investment.
