Dragonkin: The Banished is an action RPG that places players in a corrupted fantasy world overrun by dragon-spawned creatures. The core loop revolves around selecting one of four hero classes, battling through enemy-filled areas, collecting loot to power up via a modular skill system, and returning to a central hub city that expands based on player progress. Combat emphasizes fast, responsive attacks against hordes and tougher foes, with a small dragon companion providing occasional support during fights.
Gameplay
The game features real-time isometric combat where players control one of four distinct heroes. The Knight and Barbarian excel in close-quarters melee engagements, while the Oracle and Tracker handle ranged attacks and utility from a distance. Each class comes with unique abilities that evolve through progression. A standout element is the Ancestral Grid, a hex-based layout where players slot skills obtained as loot alongside various modifiers. Positioning matters, as skills interact based on their placement relative to one another, creating numerous build possibilities without traditional linear skill trees.
Progression also ties into the City of Montescail, a hub that players upgrade through decisions and discoveries. Improvements unlock new services, equipment options, and character enhancements that feed back into combat effectiveness. A Wyrmling companion accompanies the hero, adding minor tactical elements during encounters. The overall loop blends exploration of segmented areas, enemy grinding for experience and items, and strategic customization that rewards experimentation with the grid system.
Game Modes
Players can experience the full story campaign either solo or with others. Online co-op supports up to four participants, allowing the entire adventure from initial arrival in the city through later activities to be shared. Seamless local couch co-op is also available for smaller groups. Endgame content focuses on repeatable Hunting Maps, which introduce powerful enemies with variable modifiers to maintain variety and provide meaningful rewards. These activities build on the core combat and build systems rather than introducing entirely separate structures.
Key Mechanics and Progression
Loot drives advancement, with skills and modifiers feeding directly into the Ancestral Grid for personalized power spikes. Character gear, the Wyrmling, and city upgrades all scale alongside player choices, encouraging repeated runs to optimize setups. The system avoids rigid classes beyond the initial hero selection, instead emphasizing flexible combinations that suit different playstyles. Difficulty options allow tuning the challenge, though some players note the need for mechanical depth in later stages to sustain long-term engagement.
Is It Worth Playing?
Dragonkin: The Banished delivers a solid foundation for fans of action RPGs who enjoy build experimentation and co-op sessions. The responsive combat and innovative Ancestral Grid stand out as strengths, offering satisfying progression and customization that differentiate it from more linear entries in the genre. The city development layer adds a persistent sense of advancement beyond individual characters. Reception highlights the engaging core loop and visual presentation, though story presentation and voice acting receive consistent criticism for feeling underdeveloped. The game reached full release after a period of Early Access updates that refined systems and added endgame features like Hunting Maps. It suits players seeking a co-op-friendly hack-and-slash experience with modular builds, particularly those willing to invest time in optimizing the grid and hub upgrades. Those prioritizing narrative depth or polished presentation may find it less compelling.
