GRAVEN is a first-person shooter that combines action, role-playing, and adventure elements in a dark fantasy setting on PC. Players take on the role of a fallen priest seeking redemption after a self-defense killing that led to exile from his order. The experience centers on navigating a grim world filled with horrors from humanity and the wilds, using a mix of medieval armaments and magic to survive and progress.
Gameplay
The core loop involves exploration across three expansive regions that form an interconnected world. Players interact with townsfolk to accept quests, uncover upgrades, and gather hints that guide progress through the environment. Combat mixes fast-paced melee strikes with ranged options, while spells add layers for solving puzzles or handling threats in creative ways. Many encounters require precise use of weapons against eldritch monsters, and the design rewards careful observation of the surroundings for secrets and alternative paths. Progression feels deliberate, with upgrades and abilities earned through exploration rather than linear checkpoints.
Atmosphere plays a central role, with detailed visuals and sound that emphasize the decaying, moss-covered landscapes and floating funeral pyres. Puzzles integrate into the levels, often tied to environmental interactions or spell effects that open new routes. The world encourages backtracking and experimentation, as some areas reveal more depth upon return with new tools.
Game Modes
The primary experience is a solo campaign that spans the full journey through the regions. Co-operative options expand this for groups, including split-screen local play and online sessions supporting up to four participants. These modes allow shared exploration and combat without altering the fundamental structure of quests and progression. No separate competitive or arena-style modes exist; the focus remains on the narrative-driven adventure whether played alone or with others.
World and Atmosphere
The setting draws from dark fantasy traditions, placing the protagonist in a land where faith, betrayal, and supernatural forces collide. Towns serve as hubs for dialogue and side activities, while wild areas hide both dangers and opportunities for discovery. Visual effects for magic stand out during use, and the overall aesthetic blends old-school shooter influences with modern detail in textures and lighting. This creates a consistent tone of isolation and atonement that ties directly into the story beats encountered along the way.
The Digital Artbook
The official GRAVEN Digital Artbook adds depth beyond the main game by presenting over fifty pages of concept art and developmental pieces, most of which have not appeared elsewhere. Commentary from the development team accompanies the visuals, offering insight into the creative decisions behind the world, characters, and mechanics. This companion piece appeals to those interested in the lore and production process, providing a behind-the-scenes perspective that complements time spent in the game itself.
Is It Worth Playing?
GRAVEN suits players who enjoy deliberate first-person combat paired with exploration and light role-playing systems in a fantasy context. The full release arrived in early 2024 following an early access period, and subsequent patches have addressed various technical and balance aspects. Reception highlights the strong sense of place and variety in encounters, though some note that spell implementation and certain progression choices can feel uneven. Those drawn to interconnected level design and atmospheric storytelling will find the most value, especially if they appreciate titles that blend shooter action with puzzle-solving and quest elements. The co-op features make it accessible for shared play without requiring a large group. The artbook further extends engagement for fans seeking additional context on the game's creation. Overall, it delivers a focused single-player campaign with optional multiplayer support that rewards patient exploration.
