Ashen

Ashen is a top-down, pixel-art action RPG set in a world shattered by fire into islands. Forty-seven years ago, the Conflagration consumed an empire in a single night. The surviving world is made up of ash and ruins, while the Ember—a living fire—still smoulders and has changed almost every creature it touched.

You wake near Braseval, a village of survivors, with no name or memories and an ash mark on your arm that will not heal. You set out to learn what really happened on the night of the Conflagration, exploring the islands, meeting survivors and piecing together their quests and lost memories.

Combat and equipment

Fight creatures born of the Ember in real time. Chain combos, roll away from danger, charge your blade’s technique and throw fireballs. There is no fixed class: your abilities depend on what you wear. Completing an armor set unlocks its bonus and appearance, with equipment ranging from a frost blade to a rain of fire. Bosses drop legendary pieces, Olf forges other gear, and Tab’s Awakening lets you improve your best equipment further.

Islands and dungeons

Set sail from Braseval to the obsidian and lava of Kael'Dorne, the frozen shores of Ceptem, the glass dunes of Witrol and the vineyards of Sinteloy. Each island has its own creatures, survivors, quests and lost memories to uncover. Rekindle the Cinder Hearths to travel faster, fill your bestiary and watch day turn to night over the ashes.

Every island also has a dungeon to climb, level by level, up to Mythic difficulty. Each boss changes the ground beneath you, with hazards such as slowing ice, slippery glass and burning embers. The First Messenger, a giant raven, sometimes swoops down on the village.

Life between fights

Fishing has you watch for shadows circling your float, time a bite and win a duel to fill your basket. In Kawett's field, sow Ember Berries and seeds brought back from the islands, water them and harvest them. At Abel's, cook your catch and crops into dishes that keep you going. The Fisherman, Farmer, Cook and Blacksmith crafts each level up separately.

Little companions—including a Little Ember, a Jelly and a Scarab—can follow you. Keep them in Lou's pen, feed them seeds, level them up and take them across every island.