The world of Enshrouded is a mesmerising mix of survival, RPG combat, and building mechanics that takes the genre to new heights. Developed by Keen Games, this voxel-based adventure pulls you into the fog-drenched land of Embervale, a kingdom lost to the corrupting Shroud. With up to 16-player co-op and a vast open world begging to be explored, the game offers a rich early access experience. Whether you’re crafting, battling, or simply carving out your place in this fractured world, Enshrouded’s innovative building system stands as its crowning jewel. Let’s dive into what makes Enshrouded an instant hit for anyone who’s ready to play a survival action RPG with unparalleled creativity.
Welcome to Embervale, a land both beautiful and cursed. Once thriving, it’s now consumed by the enigmatic Shroud—a deadly fog that twists everything it touches. As the Flameborn, the last spark of hope, you awaken to rebuild, survive, and fight back against the corruption.
The realm of Embervale is lost because your ancestors unleashed a pestilence that consumed the land. Each biome—from the dark forests of Revelwood to the mystical desert of the Kindlewastes—offers its unique lore, challenges, and resources. As you explore, you’ll stumble across ruins, caves, and points of interest packed with secrets waiting to be uncovered. The atmosphere is rich, with Embervale’s visuals evoking a painterly, almost dreamlike quality that’s hard to pull away from. But beauty alone won’t save you from the beasts and factions that lurk within the fog. The Shroud consumes the land it corrupts, making survival even more thrilling.
Combat in Enshrouded takes inspiration from the likes of Dark Souls, but with a less punishing edge. It’s all about reading enemy patterns, exploiting weaknesses, and developing a combat style that suits your preferred archetype. Players can specialise in melee, ranged, or magic builds, with each archetype offering its own skill tree and combat flavour.
The Shroud’s horrors range from mutated beasts to powerful bosses, like the fearsome Vukah Brawlers and the dragon-like Wispwyverns. Whether you’re dodging missile-like attacks or parrying a giant’s crushing blow, the stakes feel high. Exploit the weaknesses of your enemies as you develop your own unique playstyle with an in-depth skill tree. However, combat isn’t without its quirks—some weapons lack differentiation, and the stamina system can occasionally feel restrictive. But these small hitches don’t overshadow the overall thrill of battling for survival.
True to its survival roots, Enshrouded demands resource management. Hunger and thirst impact your combat efficiency, while crafting and upgrading gear is essential for tackling tougher foes. But what truly sets it apart is its Shroud mechanic. Entering this deadly fog starts a countdown timer—if you overstay your welcome, you’ll succumb to its lethal embrace. The constant risk-reward balance keeps gameplay tense and engaging.
You start with nothing but must quickly gather resources to survive the wilds. Fend off the beasts that hunger for your flesh while building the strength to venture into the Shroud and bring the fight back to its horrors. The Shroud covers a large portion of the map, and navigating its dangers is no easy task. But exploring its depths rewards players with valuable loot, crafting materials, and pieces of the fragments of a story that unfolds as you progress.
Now let’s talk about the heart of Enshrouded: its unparalleled building system. Voxel-based and highly intuitive, it’s a builder’s paradise. Whether you’re constructing a fortress atop a hill, a cosy village for your NPC allies, or an elaborate network of tunnels, the game offers unmatched freedom.
At the core of this system is the Construction Hammer. With it, you can place, modify, and sculpt blocks into virtually any shape. The controls are fluid, letting you scroll through materials and block shapes with ease. Want a stone tower with intricate wooden trim? No problem. Fancy carving out custom windows or decorative arches? Done and dusted. It’s easy to create grand architecture that transforms the landscape.
Building isn’t just for aesthetics. NPCs play a critical role in your settlement’s development. Rescue them from Ancient Vaults, and they’ll unlock advanced workshops and the ability to craft epic weapons and armor. These upgrades are essential to progressing through the game. Every structure you create feels purposeful, giving your base a lived-in feel.
What sets Enshrouded apart is how your creations integrate into the environment. Blocks meld naturally into the landscape, adding a sense of history to your builds. Each structure looks like it belongs, whether it’s a sprawling castle or a humble shack nestled in the woods. And with a vast array of building materials, the possibilities are nearly endless.
Enshrouded is best enjoyed with friends. Its 16-player co-op gameplay allows you to divide and conquer. While one player gathers resources, another can build, and a third might take on the Shroud’s dangers. The shared world makes teamwork essential, fostering a sense of camaraderie that elevates the experience.
The multiplayer design also makes it easy to carve out unique roles. Fancy being the dedicated architect while your mates raid dungeons? Go for it. Prefer diving into combat while others handle the farming? You do you. The flexibility ensures there’s something for everyone, making this a standout co-op survival experience.
No early access game is without its bumps, and Enshrouded is no exception. Some players have reported technical issues like frame drops and crashes, particularly on lower-end systems. The combat, while solid, could benefit from greater weapon variety and tighter controls. And while the Shroud mechanic adds tension, it can feel more frustrating than fun at times.
Keen Games has been transparent about addressing these issues. They actively develop the game with feedback from the community and plan to expand the world, adding new biomes of Embervale to immerse yourself in vibrant fallen cultures and ancient myths. With plans to bring life back to the land, the future looks bright for this promising title.
Enshrouded isn’t just another survival game; it’s a genre-defining experience that sets a new standard for creativity and immersion. Its robust building system, captivating world, and engaging multiplayer make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Yes, it’s still in early access and has a few rough edges, but those are far outweighed by its potential.
Whether you’re a survival veteran or a newcomer looking for an accessible yet deep experience, Enshrouded offers something unique. So grab your Construction Hammer, rally your friends, and prepare to forge your destiny in the misty lands of Embervale. Just remember: once you buy Enshrouded and play these games, you’ll discover why it’s likely to be an instant hit for builders, explorers, and adventurers alike.
