Wartales, The Skelmar Invasion stands out as a strategy RPG that blends tactical combat with resource management in a war-torn setting. Players take command of a group of survivors tasked with reclaiming the county of Ormance from a massive Skelmar invasion, making strategic decisions that shape the resistance effort against overwhelming odds.
Gameplay
In this strategy RPG, the core loop revolves around exploring ruined baronies, engaging in turn-based battles, and gradually liberating territories from Skelmar control. Combat unfolds on grid-based maps where positioning and unit abilities matter greatly, especially during sieges that feature multiple phases. First, forces clash outside fortress walls, requiring players to neutralize watchtowers that fire arrows and breach gates to advance. Once inside, the fight shifts to eliminating enemy leaders amid fortified interiors.
Resource management plays a central role, with three key elements: manpower for recruiting local combatants, construction materials for rebuilding destroyed landmarks, and supplies to maintain troop readiness. Liberated areas provide ongoing benefits, such as resource production from farms or defensive support from watchtowers, allowing players to build a network of allied locations that bolster the overall war effort.
New mechanics introduce subclasses like the gunner and cannoneer, which add ranged firepower options, while units such as the exorcist offer powerful counterattack capabilities against multiple foes. Exploration involves scouting occupied lands, deciding which strongholds to target, and investing in reconstructions that restore functionality and unlock advantages for future battles.
Game Modes
The primary experience centers on a campaign mode where players progress through the invasion narrative by reclaiming one barony at a time. This mode emphasizes strategic planning across a map divided into regions, each with its own stronghold siege as the climax.
Within this framework, battles vary between standard skirmishes in open areas and elaborate multi-stage sieges that demand coordinated assaults. There are no separate multiplayer options; the focus remains on single-player progression through the story-driven liberation of Ormance.
Key Mechanics and Features
Factions in the game include the invading Skelmars, a united clan under High Jarl Sven, known for their ruthless tactics and fortified positions. Opposing them are scattered Edoran defenders and local allies that emerge after liberations, offering recruitment opportunities and specialized support.
Mechanics like rallying the war effort let players choose how to utilize freed locations, either for resource generation or unique bonuses that enhance combat effectiveness. The addition of new enemy types and animal companions expands tactical variety, while the siege system introduces elements like door breaching and tower neutralization to keep engagements fresh.
Is It Worth Playing?
For fans of strategy RPGs that combine tactical depth with progression through conquest, this title delivers a compelling challenge. Player feedback highlights the engaging siege battles and new subclasses as strong points, with one review awarding it 4.5 out of 5 for its fresh take on the genre. Released in late 2024, it remains supported as an active expansion, making it a solid choice for those seeking intense, decision-heavy gameplay in a medieval-inspired world. If turn-based combat and resource strategy appeal to you, it offers substantial value without requiring prior experience in similar titles.
