Grim Trials is an action roguelite with RPG and adventure elements that places players in the role of Avelin, a young woman navigating the afterlife as a Reaper in training. Set on Xbox Series consoles and PC, the game combines fast-paced combat with weapon crafting and build customization in a narrative focused on personal growth after death.
Gameplay
Combat centers on dual-wielded weapons, primarily scythes and crossbows, across hex-grid arenas populated by monsters, traps, and sinful souls. Players manage positioning and timing to chain attacks effectively, with the system rewarding coordinated use of both weapons for maximum damage output. Materials collected from these encounters feed into crafting sessions at the Academy, where mentors help forge upgraded weapons, armor, and consumables.
Each run begins with investments in a broad skill tree that grants permanent abilities carried forward after death. Mid-run choices from randomized Blessings drawn from various gods allow further tailoring of playstyles. Equipment mixes and matches freely, supporting diverse approaches to the same challenges through repeated attempts.
The Academy serves as the central hub for progression outside combat. Here players interact with mentors and other Reapers to pursue quests, strengthen relationships, and unlock additional support options or narrative insights into the stories of the deceased.
Game Modes
The core experience revolves around repeated runs through procedurally influenced hex-grid arenas leading toward encounters with seven sacrilegious bosses. These trials test combat mastery while advancing the central story of Avelin confronting her past.
Hub activities in the Academy function as a separate layer, emphasizing exploration, dialogue, and quest completion rather than direct combat. Progress from arena runs carries over in the form of materials and experience, creating a loop of failure and incremental improvement without resetting all gains.
Customization and Builds
Weapon and equipment crafting draws directly from battlefield spoils, allowing players to experiment with combinations that suit preferred combat rhythms. The skill tree and Blessing selections expand options further, encouraging investment in different paths across multiple runs to discover synergistic effects.
Personalized builds emerge from mixing crafted pieces with chosen abilities, adapting to the randomized elements encountered during trials. This system supports varied strategies without requiring external tools or guides for basic engagement.
Is It Worth Playing?
Grim Trials targets fans of roguelite structures who enjoy crafting loops and narrative progression tied to repeated attempts. The permanent upgrades from each run reduce frustration while maintaining challenge through arena encounters and boss fights.
With a release date of August 20, 2026, the game remains in a pre-launch state where a demo has provided early feedback on its combat and build depth. Availability on Xbox Series and PC ensures broad access for those interested in single-player action experiences with strong customization focus. Players who appreciate deliberate weapon handling and hub-based relationship building will find the most alignment with its design.
