The Dwarves is a fantasy role-playing game set in a detailed world drawn from Markus Heitz's bestselling novel of the same name. Players follow the dwarf Tungdil as he travels across the continent of Girdlegard, facing threats from orcs, ogres, dark mages, and other enemies while uncovering the story of his people. The title emphasizes single-player narrative progression combined with tactical combat on PC.
Gameplay
Combat takes place in real time but allows pausing at any moment to issue orders to a small group of heroes. Up to 15 distinct characters become available, each equipped with unique abilities that players must combine effectively against larger enemy forces. Battles feature physical interactions among dozens of units on screen, creating opportunities for positioning, flanking, and targeted strikes rather than simple button mashing.
Outside of fights, the game centers on a freely traversable world map. Players move between locations ranging from mountain peaks to desert regions, interact with non-player characters, and complete side activities such as optional puzzles. Choices made during exploration influence later events and available paths, adding replay value to the core campaign.
Hero management requires attention to individual skill sets and how they complement one another in different encounters. The system rewards careful preparation before engaging superior numbers, with the pause function serving as the main tool for adapting to shifting battlefield conditions.
Game Modes
The experience revolves around a single-player story campaign that blends linear progression with open exploration. No separate multiplayer or competitive modes exist. All activity occurs within the main narrative thread, where tactical battles serve as the primary challenge alongside world-map decisions that shape outcomes.
Progression follows Tungdil's journey, with side content integrated into the same map rather than isolated playlists. This structure keeps focus on the fantasy setting and the dwarves' perspective without branching into unrelated formats.
Story and World
The plot draws directly from the source novel, placing dwarves at the center of events in Girdlegard. Players encounter a range of factions and creatures while learning about regional conflicts and hidden locations. Exploration rewards curiosity with additional context about inhabitants and history, though the main thread remains the driving force.
Consequences from map actions create a sense of weight to decisions, encouraging players to consider long-term effects before committing to certain routes or alliances. The setting spans varied environments that reflect the novel's geography without requiring prior knowledge of the books.
Is It Worth Playing?
Reception stands at mostly positive based on over one thousand user reviews, with 74 percent rating the title favorably. The game suits players who enjoy story-focused RPGs that prioritize tactical decision-making over fast-paced action or large-scale multiplayer systems.
Those interested in a self-contained campaign with pause-and-plan combat and meaningful exploration choices will find the mechanics align closely with that preference. The title has received no major post-launch seasons or ongoing content additions since its 2016 release, so expectations should center on the original experience rather than live-service elements.
Overall, the combination of hero variety, real-time tactical layers, and consequence-driven world travel provides a focused fantasy RPG for audiences seeking depth in smaller-scale battles and narrative delivery.
