No Rest for the Wicked is an upcoming ARPG that wants to reinvent the genre, and from early feedback it looks as though they might have succeeded.
Developed by Moon Studios GmbH – the creators of the critically acclaimed Ori series – and published by Private Division, this game is set to launch on Steam Early Access on April 18, 2024.
With its stunning hand-crafted world, brutal precision-based combat, and an epic narrative, No Rest for the Wicked is absolutely a must-play for ARPG fans.
No Rest for the Wicked Story – Plague and Politics
Set in the year 841, No Rest for the Wicked weaves a dark and engrossing story that revolves around rulers, rebels, and an ancient plague that threatens to engulf the land.
Players take on the role of a Cerim, a mystical holy warrior belonging to an ancient sect devoted to vanquishing the plague.
As the chosen hero, you must navigate the complex political landscape of Isola Sacra, a war-torn world filled with danger and intrigue, while battling against the relentless forces of the plague.
Gameplay and Features
At the heart of No Rest for the Wicked lies its visceral, precision-based combat system.
Engage in intense battles against fearsome creatures, skilled soldiers, and formidable bosses, each requiring a unique approach to defeat. The game’s animation-driven combat demands deliberate attacks, well-timed parrying, and strategic movement, ensuring that every encounter is a thrilling test of skill and reflexes.
One of the game’s most exciting features is its soft class system, which prioritizes weapons over specific classes.
This innovative approach allows players to create any build imaginable, tailoring their playstyle to their preferences and the challenges that lie ahead.
Whether you prefer to wield a mighty two-handed sword, rain arrows upon your foes from afar, or harness the power of magic, No Rest for the Wicked offers unparalleled flexibility in character development.
Exploring the World of Isola Sacra
Explore the beautiful, interactive environments of Isola Sacra, a hand-crafted world that showcases Moon Studios’ signature attention to detail and unique, ageless art style.
From lush forests to crumbling ruins, each area is meticulously designed to immerse players in the game’s rich lore and atmosphere.
Players will be able to engage in activities such as fishing, harvesting, and interacting with townsfolk to uncover the secrets of this plague-ridden land.
The game’s world is built for players to memorize landmarks and puzzle together the map, emphasizing learning and understanding the handcrafted design.
No Rest for the Wicked deviates from the traditional ARPG approach by offering a fixed game world with procedural elements like enemy and chest spawns, ensuring a rewarding exploration experience.
Character Progression and Customization
- Classless System: No Rest for the Wicked employs a “soft class system,” allowing players to create unique builds by combining various tools, weapons, and abilities, rather than following a predetermined skill tree.
- Gear-Based Playstyle: Combat playstyle is heavily influenced by the player’s choice of gear, similar to the progression systems found in games like Runescape and even New World.
- Rune Attacks and Crafting: Players can craft powerful Rune attacks and build their characters around specific weapon choices and special abilities.
- Itemization: The game features different item rarities (white, blue, purple, unique), each with unique attributes and trade-offs, prioritizing quality over quantity.
Building Your Haven: The Sacrament Town Hub
As you progress through the game, you’ll have the opportunity to rebuild Sacrament, a war-torn town that serves as your base of operations. Purchase property, decorate your dwellings, and craft valuable resources to aid you in your quest. Watch as the town transforms under your guidance, becoming a beacon of hope in a world consumed by darkness.
- Collective Upgrades: Players can contribute to the growth and development of Sacrament, a town hub that evolves based on the community’s efforts.
- Character Progression vs. Town Upgrades: Players must balance their resources between enhancing their characters and investing in the town’s upgrades, creating a satisfying sense of progression.
- Player Housing: Customize your own living space within Sacrament, complete with functional elements like storage, crafting stations, and vanity items.
According to the Roadmap, multiplayer for No Rest For The Wicked is expected to be introduced in an update once the game has been launched.
A Dynamic, Ever-Evolving World
- No Rest for the Wicked features a dynamic world, where enemy placements, loot, and encounters vary with each playthrough, ensuring a fresh experience every time.
- Exploration without Hand-Holding: The game encourages players to explore and solve quests independently, providing a sense of achievement and discovery.
- Post-Launch Support: Moon Studios plans to actively support the game with content updates and expansions based on player feedback, ensuring a dynamic and ever-evolving game world.
Moon Studios: Masters of Their Craft
With No Rest for the Wicked, Moon Studios aims to build upon the success of their previous titles, Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Known for their exceptional artistry, emotional storytelling, and tight gameplay mechanics, the studio is well-equipped to deliver a truly unforgettable ARPG experience.
Throughout the game’s development, Moon Studios has been actively seeking community feedback to ensure that No Rest for the Wicked meets and exceeds the expectations of its players.
Early Access rewards, such as the exclusive Cerim Armor, have been announced to incentivize players to join the game’s development journey and help shape its future.
FAQ
Q: What sets No Rest for the Wicked apart from other ARPGs?
A: “No Rest for the Wicked” aims to revolutionize the ARPG genre with its focus on precise, tactile combat, a semi-open world filled with secrets, and a classless character progression system that allows for unparalleled build creativity.
Q: Will No Rest for the Wicked have multiplayer?
A: It’s likely. Multiplayer is included in the Roadmap as a future Update after the game launches.
Q: How does the game’s combat system work?
A: The combat in No Rest for the Wicked is inspired by games like Dark Souls and Monster Hunter, emphasizing careful timing, dodging, and parrying. Players must approach battles methodically and tactically to succeed.
Q: What kind of character customization options are available?
A: The game features a soft class system, allowing players to create unique builds by combining various attributes, weapons, enchantments, and playstyle preferences. This system promotes experimentation and creativity in character development.
Q: How does the Sacrament town hub work?
A: Sacrament is a collectively upgraded town hub where players can invest resources to improve and expand the town. Players must balance their resources between upgrading their characters and contributing to the town’s growth.
Q: Will there be post-launch support for the game?
A: Yes, Moon Studios plans to actively support No Rest for the Wicked with content updates and expansions based on player feedback, ensuring a dynamic and ever-evolving game world.
This is an exciting year for ARPGs and No Rest for the Wicked is shaping up to be a landmark title in the ARPG genre, offering players a fresh take on combat, character progression, and world-building.
With its emphasis on player creativity, exploration, and a living, breathing game world, Moon Studios’ upcoming title is one to watch closely. As the release date approaches, anticipation for No Rest for the Wicked continues to grow. Preorder on Steam and keep up to date with all the latest news and updates on the official website.
