Dark and Light

Dark and Light is a survival game set on Archos, a satellite planet of the shattered world Gaia. As a lone explorer, you learn the terrain, gather resources, tame local creatures and build a home while harnessing the planet’s magic. Gaia’s destruction brought dark forces to Archos, and you must decide whether to embrace that darkness or fight it.

Archos and Gaia

Gaia’s existence is shaped by the elements of wind, earth, water, fire, light and darkness. Their forces sometimes clash, causing major changes to the world. Archos contains lush forests, ice-capped mountain peaks, a sulfurous volcano, floating islands, dark forests, swamps and deep caverns. Extreme weather makes it necessary to find food and water and gather the tools needed to travel through the land.

Long ago, dark forces attacked Gaia and plunged it into darkness. Many survivors fled to Archos, bringing those forces with them. Archos is peaceful by day, but strange events and chaos emerge at night. At times, Gaia’s remains eclipse the sun, driving native creatures into a violent frenzy. Eclipses also expose rare magical resources, so surviving them can help you thrive.

Survive and build

You can build across the sandbox world, from underground bases to fortresses on floating islands. As darkness threatens your home, you can defend it with physical and magical fortifications, NPCs and tamed creatures. Magic can also help you construct buildings, create portals across the continent and control the weather.

You need to work with others to meet the challenges of survival, exploration and combat. Players can start in one of three main cities, each belonging to one of Archos’s three ruling factions. Faction support is especially important when characters are weak, and your chosen specialty can help your faction as you progress. Large battles reward groups that coordinate support among warriors, mages, trainers and other fighters.

Magic and combat

The game includes dozens of magical skills for survival, exploration, defense, transformation, control and attack. You can fight with a magic staff and more than 14 melee and ranged weapons, including bows, swords and daggers. Magic can also be used to forge weapons and create your own equipment.

Creatures and character growth

Archos is home to dozens of magical creatures, including dragons, griffins, unicorns, centaurs and goblins, alongside other species native to the planet. They survived Gaia’s destruction and carry magical powers. You can hunt them for food and clothing, extract their magical essence, or tame them as companions.

Players and NPCs develop through growth systems, and you choose which skills your character masters. These include physical abilities such as speed, endurance and strength, as well as crafting skills. You can specialize as an architect, mage or warrior, or pursue many combinations of skills and attributes. Mastering every skill is possible but takes considerable time and effort, and specializing and cooperating can help you build a strong foundation.