Darfall

Developer: SquareNite
Release: May 8th 2025
Platforms:
Indie
RPG
Simulation
Strategy
Addictive
Challenging
Strategic
Buggy
Incomplete
Darfall Poster

" Engaging hero-based RPG city-builder with deep strategy but hindered by pathfinding bugs "

Darfall Review

Darfall is a hybrid RTS game blending elements from hero-based RTS, colony simulation, and survival genres. Players appreciate its mix of crafting, unit management, and swarming enemy mechanics, drawing comparisons to Warcraft 3, They Are Billions, and Against the Storm. The game offers a considerable challenge, especially on harder difficulties, with a steep learning curve in economy management. Its campaign and survival modes provide enjoyable gameplay, though mission variety is somewhat limited.

Players note that the game feels somewhat incomplete, akin to an early access state, with occasional pathfinding issues and bugs like units getting stuck or dropping resources. The energy mechanic limits skill usage early on but can be mitigated with items. There is strong potential for future content expansions involving lore factions like Vampires, Dwarfs, and Elves, which are currently absent. Overall, Darfall appeals to fans of complex RTS and survival systems but may overwhelm newcomers or casual players.

Highlights

Players praise Darfall's engaging mix of hero RTS mechanics and colony simulation crafting systems. The game's challenging survival mode and campaign evoke nostalgia for Warcraft 3 while incorporating modern RTS elements.

The crafting production lines and tactical unit kiting add depth to gameplay. The game's lore hints at exciting future content, and the blend of multiple gameplay styles is well received. The overall gameplay loop is considered fun and addictive by many.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the game's rough polish, with pathfinding bugs causing units to get stuck or drop resources. The economy management system can be tedious and confusing for new players. Mission variety in survival mode is limited, leading to repetitive gameplay.

Some players find the energy mechanic overly restrictive early on. The absence of promised lore factions and additional content leads to feelings of incompleteness. Players hope for more updates and content to enrich the experience.

Pros

  • Engaging blend of hero RTS and colony simulation crafting mechanics.
  • Challenging survival mode with rewarding gameplay depth.
  • Campaign mode reminiscent of classic Warcraft 3 experience.
  • Complex production lines requiring strategic resource management.
  • Tactical unit control with enemy kiting adds excitement.
  • Addictive gameplay loop keeps players invested for hours.
  • Strong potential for future content expansions and lore.

Cons

  • Pathfinding bugs cause units to get stuck or drop items.
  • Economy management can be confusing and tedious for newcomers.
  • Limited mission variety leads to repetitive survival mode gameplay.
  • Energy mechanic feels too restrictive until late game items.
  • Game feels incomplete, similar to early access state.
  • Lack of promised lore factions like Vampires and Elves.
  • Some units occasionally walk into walls or buildings.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Darfall is a hero-based RPG city-building game that puts you in the role of a hero who must protect their home and help it grow! During the day, grow your hero’s might, find epic loot, master new abilities, and fortify your settlement. At night, survive the hordes of undead, until you triumph.

Release Date May 8th 2025
Publisher Paradox Arc
Developer SquareNite
Platforms

User Reviews

Mostly Positive (271)
80% Positive 20% Negative