The Unliving is a roguelite action RPG set in a dark fantasy world where players command a necromancer who builds and leads armies of the undead. The core loop centers on raising fallen enemies to serve as soldiers, casting spells to control the battlefield, and pushing through hostile territories filled with living defenders. Each run emphasizes strategic army management alongside direct combat with spells and a scythe.
Gameplay
Players control the necromancer directly while directing groups of reanimated troops. Fallen foes become new recruits with distinct roles. Four primary undead types exist: melee fighters for close combat, ranged attackers for support fire, tanks to absorb damage, and casters that apply curses or other effects. Sacrificing units triggers specialized abilities that can turn the tide in tough fights.
Exploration takes place across randomly generated maps populated with villages, swamps, and hidden areas. Players invade settlements to bolster their forces or clash with stronger living opponents in more dangerous zones. Boss encounters feature unique attack patterns and require careful positioning of both the necromancer and the undead horde. Death does not end a run permanently. The necromancer revives with knowledge gained from the previous attempt, allowing adjustments to spells, army composition, and tactics for the next try.
Progression involves unlocking new spells, improving necromantic abilities, and piecing together the necromancer's backstory through interactions with cult members, enemies, and even the phylactery itself. The pixel-art style delivers a grim, detailed aesthetic that highlights the contrast between the living and the undead legions.
Game Modes
The Unliving centers on roguelite runs through a procedurally generated world. Each attempt presents fresh layouts, enemy placements, artifacts, and traps. Players must adapt their army-building strategy on the fly while navigating different regions occupied by varied living factions. There are no separate named modes beyond the core roguelite structure, which combines exploration, army command, and repeated attempts after death.
Strategic elements shine during larger encounters where living forces move in coordinated groups and use their own abilities. Success depends on balancing direct spellcasting with effective use of undead units rather than relying on any single approach.
World and Necromancy
The setting features a corrupted realm where the necromancer challenges established powers. Villages offer quick reinforcements through weaker inhabitants, while swamps and other zones host more resilient foes. Secret rooms and traps add layers to navigation and reward careful scouting. Dialogue options allow questioning allies within the necromantic cult or extracting information from captives, gradually revealing details about immortality and church hierarchies.
Army growth remains central. Each resurrected creature retains echoes of its former abilities, now turned against its old allies. This system encourages experimentation with different resurrection priorities across runs.
Is It Worth Playing?
The Unliving appeals to fans of roguelites who enjoy army-building mechanics and necromancer themes. Its mixed reception on Steam, with 62 percent positive reviews from over 750 ratings, reflects both strong visual presentation and criticisms around minion pathing and balance. Players who appreciate managing groups of units alongside personal spellcasting may find the strategic depth rewarding, while those seeking polished minion AI or highly varied endgame content might encounter frustrations.
The game launched in early access in 2022 and reached full release in October 2023. It remains available as a complete single-player experience on PC with no additional modes or seasonal content confirmed. Those drawn to dark pixel-art worlds and the fantasy of commanding the undead will find the most value here, particularly if they enjoy learning from repeated runs rather than one continuous story.
