The open-world fantasy RPG will soon be available for testing, and Fire & Frost and TinyBuild are trying to get as much feedback as possible.

Welcome to a world where danger lurks around every corner yet curiosity and courage are always rewarded. Of Ash and Steel is an immersive, third-person, open-world RPG created by a passionate team that values the essence of classic, old-school RPGs as well as modern designs. Explore the lands of a once-prosperous island, hone your combat skills, and survive in the unforgiving realm of the Kingdom of the Seven.

The world is full of hidden treasures, underwater caves, side quests, bosses, and valuable loot. Some of these can be found with a treasure map, while others require pure luck. There is no marker system in the game, and quests won’t lead you by the hand. Rediscover the joy of exploration, and let curiosity be your guide. The world promises rich rewards for those who dare to uncover its secrets.

Build your characters however you like with three different skill branches: Survival, Craftsmanship, and War. Allocate your character’s attribute points, and unlock passive bonuses by exploring the world. The social system makes your progression even more noticeable. As your character’s skills grow, the world around them reacts differently. If you were treated like a ragamuffin at the beginning of the game, by the end, the characters will literally bow to your feet.

The game is set in a cruel, medieval, low-fantasy world. Make your way from an abandoned outcast to a marshal of fortune. Choose your side, forge alliances, and discover the truth about who you really are on your journey. The combat system allows players to use three different stances, each with a unique style for different weapons. You are not a legendary, powerful hero by default. You must learn how to become one! Learn to stand up for yourself by timing your attacks, using the environment to your advantage, and using active skills. Invest in the War branch to become more skilled: attacks become more accurate and powerful, and you’ll learn tricks, such as throwing bottles from the ground to stun opponents.

Players are encouraged to slow down and fully embrace the world around them. The richly detailed environment comes alive with a dynamic day-night cycle, shifting weather, and natural elements, such as wind swaying the trees. Ambient sounds, from the soft rustle of leaves to distant birdsong, enhance the immersion. NPCs follow their own daily routines, adding to the sense of a living, breathing world. The result is an experience that envelops players in a comforting, tranquil atmosphere, inviting them to linger and explore at their own pace.

This game is for everyone, from hardcore RPG fans to casual players. It is inspired by classic old-school RPGs and combines the convenience of modern gaming with homage to legendary classics. There are no quest markers or enemy auto-levelling, but there are modern user interfaces, environmental markers, tutorials, and much more.

You can sign up for the closed playtest of Of Ash and Steel on Steam. The game will be released for PC sometime this year.

Source: Gematsu, Steam