Publisher Firesquid and developer Quickfire Games have announced that their upcoming turn-based strategy RPG, Prelude: Dark Pain, will officially launch in Early Access on PC via Steam on July 27. The announcement was accompanied by a new trailer showcasing the tactical combat and dark fantasy setting of the world of Statera.
Lead the Fight Against the Order of the Ashen Crusade
In Prelude: Dark Pain, players take on the role of Soren, an ancient warrior turned blacksmith. The narrative centers on a revolution against the Order of the Ashen Crusade, a group that rules the territory through blood and terror while serving the "Lord of Pain." As the Order’s influence tears the veil between realities, creatures of Pain have begun invading Statera, forcing the remaining free people to fight back.
The game’s tactical combat system allows players to command a group of up to five heroes in battle. Players must choose from eight distinct character classes, including DPS, Support, and Assassin roles. With over 20 playable heroes available, each featuring two talent branches and a pool of 25 skills, the game emphasizes the creation of powerful ability combos to overcome challenging encounters.
Strategic Management and World Missions
Beyond the battlefield, the game features a base management system. Players can use their settlement to craft essential weapons and equipment. The base also serves as a hub to send heroes on various raids, which can be used to rescue villages, gather resources, or spy on rival factions. However, Quickfire Games notes that heroes sent on these missions will be unavailable for combat until they return, requiring players to plan their squads carefully.
The world of Statera is populated by over 20 different cultures, many of which are hostile. Players will encounter more than 70 different enemy types, including challenging final bosses. To flesh out the lore and provide opportunities for hero recruitment, the developers have included "WORLD MISSIONS"—sidequests that exist alongside the main story.
Decisions made during the campaign will carry significant weight. According to the developers, choices made by the player will influence the main narrative and determine which heroes can be recruited; some characters may be missed entirely depending on the path taken.