Pax Dei

Pax Dei initially attracted players with its beautiful environment, detailed building system, and extensive crafting mechanics, offering a sandbox experience reminiscent of games like Valheim and Life is Feudal. Players enjoyed the creative freedom in construction and the depth of crafting skills, which included various trades such as blacksmithing, tailoring, and alchemy. The progression system, while complex, had potential for immersive gameplay, especially in clans where responsibilities could be shared.

However, the game suffers from an extremely grind-heavy resource gathering and crafting system, with players often spending hours crafting low-value items just to progress. The limited inventory and lack of transport options exacerbate the tediousness. Combat is basic and lacks engaging content, and the world feels empty with repetitive PvE and minimal PvP. Development updates have been slow, with many promised features delayed or removed.

The most critical issue is the controversial shift to a subscription-based model requiring players to pay monthly fees to maintain land plots they previously purchased, effectively turning permanent ownership into a rental. This bait-and-switch has alienated the community, leading to widespread dissatisfaction, accusations of greed, and a steep decline in player count. Many early backers feel betrayed and are abandoning the game despite its initial promise.

Highlights

Players praise Pax Dei's beautiful graphics and impressive building system, which allows creative and structurally sound constructions. The depth of crafting skills and the variety of trades provide a complex progression system that some find engaging. The game’s large open world and relaxing pacing in gathering resources add to the immersive sandbox experience. Clan play offers shared crafting roles and social interaction, slightly mitigating the grind. The combat system, while basic, has potential for growth.

Criticisms

The game is heavily criticized for its excessive crafting and resource grind, requiring players to craft hundreds or thousands of low-value items to level skills. The limited inventory and absence of transport options make gathering tedious. Combat and PvE content are considered boring and repetitive, and PvP is minimal. Development is slow with few meaningful updates. The subscription model forcing payment to keep previously owned land plots is viewed as a bait-and-switch, causing community outrage. Many players report poor customer communication and feel the game lacks a coherent game loop or sufficient content.