Children of Morta: Ancient Spirits expands the action RPG experience of the original game with fresh combat options and cooperative features. This indie title blends narrative-driven progression with intense top-down combat against corrupted foes on Mount Morta. Players control members of the Bergson family or the new addition from the DLC as they navigate procedurally generated challenges and permanent upgrades that affect the entire family.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on selecting a character and entering dangerous areas filled with aggressive enemies. Combat relies on precise movement and directional attacks, with players using keyboard and mouse controls to dodge incoming threats while landing strikes and abilities. Each family member brings distinct skills that encourage experimentation across multiple runs. Permanent progression comes through a family tree system where experience earned unlocks shared improvements such as better health, loot chances, and new abilities for all characters. The DLC introduces Yajouj'Majouj, a fighter with two switchable forms that combine different attack styles for varied combat approaches. This character appears exclusively in one specific mode and rewards players who master form transitions to chain powerful strikes.
Additional content from Ancient Spirits includes new relics, charms, and graces that alter gameplay in meaningful ways. Five new divine graces provide options like enhanced movement or combat bonuses, while charms and relics offer trade-offs or powerful effects during runs. Character customization expands with a mask system that lets players apply special appearances to the heroes without changing mechanics.
Game Modes
Story mode delivers the main narrative campaign where players follow the Bergson family's efforts to combat spreading corruption. Runs through the mountain incorporate exploration, side events, and boss encounters that advance the overarching tale. Family Trials mode shifts focus to pure combat challenges in fast-paced, procedurally generated dungeons. This mode supports the new DLC character and emphasizes skill testing through repeated attempts and high enemy density.
Cooperative play integrates into both modes. Local co-op allows two players to share a screen on the same device, while the free online co-op update enables remote sessions limited to two participants. These options work across story progression and combat trials, letting pairs coordinate attacks and share the load against tougher groups of enemies.
Progression and Customization
Upgrades flow through the family tree, where completed runs grant experience that benefits every character. This system creates long-term investment as players unlock tiers of improvements that make later attempts more viable. The DLC adds targeted items that slot into existing loadouts, expanding tactical choices without overhauling the base structure. Skins provide visual variety at the character selection screen, keeping the focus on mechanical differences between the Bergsons and the dual-form fighter.
Is It Worth Playing?
Children of Morta: Ancient Spirits suits players who enjoy challenging roguelike action RPGs with strong narrative elements and cooperative support. The base experience offers meaningful progression and varied character abilities that reward repeated play. The DLC extends this with a unique combatant available in Family Trials and new items that refresh build options. Reception for the expansion shows mixed results among reviewers, with some appreciating the added character while others note its limited scope outside one mode. Those already engaged with the original game will find the most value in the new forms, co-op accessibility, and item variety. Newcomers benefit from starting with the core campaign before diving into the combat-focused trials. The combination of story, skill-based combat, and family-wide upgrades creates a focused experience for fans of indie action titles that emphasize persistence and cooperation over broad open worlds.
