Empyreal

Empyreal is an action RPG set on an unexplored planet in a far-flung corner of the galaxy. An Expedition finds a colossal Monolith built by a lost civilisation, but its dangerous interior and the secrets it holds are beyond the Expedition’s capabilities. You play as an elite mercenary sent inside to face the remaining automatons, survive and uncover revelations that change humanity’s understanding of itself.

Combat and equipment

Choose one of three weapon archetypes: The Glaive, The Mace & Shield or the Cannon. Each has its own core moveset and playstyle. Combat combines RPG systems with skill-based action: time attacks, deflects, parries and Abilities precisely to gain extra effects.

You find equipment, adjust your stats through an extensive modification system and refine your build. Dozens of Abilities offer effects such as damage, defence, healing, additional movement and other utility. You discover Abilities as you progress; many of the most powerful are hidden or require lengthy Quests.

Character and expedition

Create a character using a range of customisation options or choose from 30 presets. Your character’s background determines a backstory and starting equipment, and can unlock occasional special dialogue options.

Each Expedition member has a personal questline with multiple possible endings, and it is possible to fail a questline entirely. Paying close attention to your fellow Expedition members can lead to powerful rewards, provided you see their quests through.

Cartograms and levels

Cartograms are ancient artifacts that act as blueprints for aspects of each level inside the Monolith. They randomly determine features such as the enemies you face, the loot you find, how many lives you receive and which elemental resistances you need. Each level’s layout is designed by hand, with hidden details, shortcuts and secrets to find through exploration.

Every Cartogram includes an end boss. The chosen Cartogram determines the boss’s loot table and drop chance, letting you target items that may be useful for future Cartograms.

Sharing and other players

Empyreal is a single-player game with asynchronous features that create a sense of other players within the Monolith. Through Into the Aether, you can send an item to another player through a tear in the aether; it becomes Aether Touched and gains a significant stat boost. Items, including Cartograms, can also be shared through a Mail system or Trading Post.