Wartales is an open-world RPG blended with strategy and survival elements, where you command a band of mercenaries navigating a plague-ravaged medieval landscape in search of fortune and survival.
Gameplay
In Wartales, you manage a group of mercenaries, starting with a small crew equipped with basic gear. The core loop involves exploring a vast open world, taking on contracts like bounties or protection jobs, and engaging in turn-based combat. Combat occurs on a gridless map, emphasizing positioning such as flanking to gain advantages. Each mercenary has unique classes, skills, and weapon preferences, like one-handed maces for single-target strikes or two-handed versions for area attacks. Armor functions as an extra layer of hit points that requires repair after battles using tools from your inventory.
Survival mechanics play a key role; you must feed your crew, manage resources, and develop a camp with tools and luxuries to recover from hardships. Crafting and progression systems allow customization of equipment and abilities, while recruiting new members adds variety with their specializations. Exploration uncovers villages, mines, and tombs, revealing the world's history amid banditry and conflicts.
Game Modes
The primary way to experience Wartales is through its single-player campaign, where you guide your mercenary band across regions in a nonlinear adventure focused on survival and wealth accumulation. Difficulty settings offer flexibility, allowing adjustments to suit different playstyles.
For collaborative play, Wartales supports co-op multiplayer with up to four players. In this mode, participants share control of the band, dividing resources, loot, and planning tactics together before battles against hostile forces.
Updates and Current State
Wartales launched its 1.0 version in April 2023 and has received ongoing support, including free updates and expansions like Pirates of Belerion and The Tavern Opens. A notable addition was the Skelmar Invasion update in late 2024, introducing new content to the game world.
As of early 2026, the game maintains active development, though some players report occasional bugs and UI quirks, contributing to its old-school charm.
Is It Worth Playing?
Wartales holds a 90% positive rating on Steam from over 24,000 reviews, praised for its deep mechanics and open-world freedom. Critics, such as MMORPG.com, awarded it an 8.5 out of 10, highlighting the blend of RPG and survival elements.
This title suits players who enjoy tactical strategy games with mercenary management and turn-based battles. If you prefer detailed combat planning and resource juggling in a gritty setting, Wartales offers substantial value, especially with its co-op features and continued updates. However, those sensitive to occasional jank might find the experience uneven.
