Project Pantheon offers a unique ARPG experience, blending Diablo’s grim hack-and-slash gameplay with Escape from Tarkov’s intense extraction mechanics.

If you’ve read my musings over the years, you’ll know that Diablo has always been a favorite of mine. Its dark tone, gripping combat, and an unshakable sense of despair draw me in like no other. While there are plenty of other ARPGs—like Path of Exile 2 or Last Epoch—I’ve never strayed too far from Sanctuary. That said, Wolcen Studio’s Project Pantheon has caught my attention, with its fresh take on the formula that might just lure me away.

Welcome to the Realm of Fate, a once-thriving land of myths now in ruins. Your task? Restore life to this broken world by battling through the Afterlife at Death’s command.

The First “ExtrAction RPG”

Project Pantheon combines dungeon crawling, reminiscent of Diablo, with Escape from Tarkov’s high-stakes extraction gameplay. Unlike Dark and Darker, this ARPG adopts a top-down perspective, ensuring a more tactical approach to combat.

You’ll start your journey at your base, upgrading your facilities and customizing your equipment. From there, venture into distinct maps, each offering unique loot and challenges. Fight your way through enemies, grab valuable items, and make it back to safety.

Risk and Reward

The game raises the stakes. Die in the wilderness, and your gear is lost—just like in Escape from Tarkov. While not as punishing as Diablo 4 Hardcore’s permadeath, it offers an exciting middle ground for players seeking thrills without too much risk.

Successful extractions allow you to trade loot with others. With a community-driven economy, Project Pantheon encourages player interaction and market strategies. Will you risk everything for the ultimate gear?

The first Closed Alpha runs January 25-26 in Europe and February 1-2 in North America, primarily testing the game’s stability. Future tests are planned throughout 2025.

Source: PCGamesN