Empyreal is an action RPG for PC that centers on exploration and combat inside a massive, ancient Monolith constructed by a lost civilization. Players take on the role of an elite mercenary sent to uncover its secrets after an expedition encounters dangers beyond its capabilities. The game blends skill-based combat with RPG progression systems, where success depends on timing attacks, managing abilities, and adapting to randomized level parameters.
Gameplay
Combat revolves around three weapon archetypes: the Glaive for agile strikes, the Mace and Shield for defensive play, and the Cannon for ranged attacks. Each archetype features distinct move sets that encourage different approaches to encounters with automatons and other threats. Timing plays a central role, as perfectly executed attacks, deflects, parries, and abilities receive bonuses or additional effects.
Players collect equipment and use an extensive modification system to adjust stats and refine builds. Dozens of abilities cover damage, defense, healing, movement, and utility functions. New abilities appear through progression, with stronger ones often hidden or tied to quests. Levels draw from hand-designed environments but incorporate variability through cartograms, ancient artifacts that determine enemy types, loot pools, life counts, elemental resistances, and other parameters for each run. Boss encounters at the end of each cartogram offer targeted loot opportunities based on the chosen artifact.
Exploration rewards attention to detail, with hidden paths and secrets scattered throughout the Monolith. The core loop involves selecting a cartogram, navigating the associated level, defeating the boss, and returning with resources to improve equipment and abilities.
Game Modes
Empyreal operates as a single-player experience focused on repeated delves into the Monolith. No separate competitive or cooperative modes exist. Asynchronous features provide a sense of other players through a mail system and trading post for sharing items, including cartograms. An additional system called Into the Aether lets players gift items that become enhanced with a stat boost for the recipient.
These elements integrate into the solo campaign without requiring real-time interaction. Progression remains personal, centered on character development and quest completion rather than matchmaking or leaderboards.
Character Customization and Progression
Extensive character creation options allow detailed customization or the selection of one of 30 presets. Background choices provide unique starting equipment and backstory elements that occasionally unlock special dialogue options during interactions. Each expedition member offers a personal questline with multiple possible endings, some of which can be failed based on player decisions. Completing these lines grants powerful rewards when followed through.
Cartograms also influence boss loot tables and drop chances, encouraging players to experiment with different artifacts to target specific upgrades. The system supports iterative build refinement across multiple runs.
Is It Worth Playing?
Empyreal suits players who enjoy challenging, timing-focused combat paired with loot-driven progression in a single-player setting. The hand-designed levels combined with cartogram variability create replayability through different enemy compositions and rewards. Asynchronous trading adds a layer of community interaction without shifting focus from solo play.
Reception has been mixed, with praise for the combat flow and exploration incentives alongside criticism of narrative elements. Those drawn to skill-based action RPGs with deep customization may find the systems rewarding, while players seeking a strong story or varied modes might look elsewhere. The game remains available on PC with ongoing support reflected in its post-release updates.
