Raven Errant is a third-person hack and slash RPG set on medieval battlefields where scavenging and survival define every encounter. Players control a lone fighter who enters chaotic skirmishes to strip gear and experience from fallen combatants before the bodies vanish. The core loop centers on looting corpses for clothing, armor, and weapons, then trading those items for permanent stat upgrades that carry over between runs. Death resets the current attempt but allows recovery of lost experience points from the player's own corpse.
Gameplay
Combat emphasizes choice in equipment and approach. Light armor supports quick movement and evasion, while layered heavy plates turn the character into a durable frontline presence, though deep water poses a risk of sinking under the weight. Weapons range from one-handed options paired with shields for defensive play to two-handed arms that deliver high damage at the cost of speed. Stats improve through repeated runs, letting players refine a preferred fighting style over time. The battlefield features roaming groups of raiders that players can join for shared protection and bonus experience or avoid entirely for independent scavenging.
Equipment starts minimal, often with basic undergarments, and builds through direct theft from the dead. Upgrades focus on strength, durability, and combat effectiveness to handle larger threats. The permanent progression system rewards consistent looting across multiple attempts, turning early failures into long-term advantages.
Game Modes
Players decide between two main approaches during each run. Joining a warband provides safety in numbers and steady experience gains from following the group as it raids sites, while operating alone demands careful positioning and opportunistic strikes against isolated targets. Both styles occur within the same battlefield environment filled with competing factions. No separate multiplayer lobby or dedicated single-player campaign exists beyond these integrated choices.
Early Access begins with eight raiding parties drawn from historical periods spanning the 5th to 11th centuries, including groups such as the Avars and Normans. Additional parties and expanded equipment options are planned for later updates.
Progression and Mechanics
Each successful or failed run contributes to lasting character growth. Experience collected from loot converts into stat improvements that persist, encouraging experimentation with different armor weights and weapon types. Corpses decay quickly, adding urgency to scavenging decisions amid ongoing fights. Water hazards and armor weight create tactical considerations during movement across the map.
Is It Worth Playing?
Raven Errant suits players who enjoy methodical looting combined with medieval melee combat and incremental character building. The Early Access version offers the core scavenging and upgrade systems along with the initial set of raiding parties. Those interested in solo battlefield survival or teaming with AI groups for safer progression will find the described mechanics intact from the start. Without widespread player feedback available yet, the game appeals most to fans of persistent progression loops in a compact, run-based format.
