White Pearl

White Pearl is a story-focused RPG with turn-based combat, sidequests and crafting. In the world of Ottrea, Pearlto and the allies he meets must try to prevent the Fifth Dark Era, a cataclysm that would destroy and rebirth the world. The story follows several characters’ perspectives, which come together as the plot progresses, and includes a main ending and an alternate ending. A playthrough takes around 25–35 hours, with additional content beyond the main story.

The world of Ottrea

You explore varied regions across Ottrea’s Overworld and Underworld, shown on 2D pixel-art maps. The world’s history is shaped by Dark Eras, cycles of cataclysm that change or rebirth it. Pearlto faces the approaching Fifth Dark Era and the Priori, the game’s antagonists, while the origins of the world remain a mystery to uncover.

The party’s stories are tied to their histories and relationships. Pearlto Divinia, a religious man and childhood friend of Katkin, must confront his faith as he faces the threat. Katkin Elderflower comes from a restrictive noble family and hides its purpose and origins from the party. Elrise Valenheart, brother to Elsay, appears morbid and cold after a traumatic experience and unknowingly harbours a dark secret. Cassopeia is a dark magic user who has lost her childhood memories but soon discovers her identity and connection to a long-forgotten figure. Kurone lives in the Underworld, chronicles events in the world and knows about Cassopeia’s past; she and Elrise were childhood friends who later went their separate ways.

Turn-based combat

Combat centres on choosing actions for each character before the turn begins, followed by the enemy’s turn. You can weigh equipment against each character’s strengths and weaknesses, and use abilities with different effects. Some skills have cast times: the character cannot act while charging and must wait for the skill to finish. Other skills have cooldowns, so you need to choose when to use them. A combat log records what has happened, while the combat interface displays current buffs, debuffs, health and MP.

Exploration and quests

Outside combat, you can interact with objects in the field, often to solve puzzles needed for progression. Lore books scattered around Ottrea reveal more about its mythology and history, though reading them is optional. Alongside the main quest, you can complete sidequests and find and unlock areas.

Crafting and progression

Crafting becomes available after the first chapter. You use materials to make new gear or reinforce equipment you already have; enemies drop some materials, while items such as leather and cloth can be bought in shops. Optional battle content can also let you bypass crafting menus.

Main characters gradually gain distinct skillsets as they level up, with some skills shared between them. Their stats develop along set paths, and character overviews show how each stat progresses. Characters can also learn skills as the story unfolds and they develop. Before some story sections temporarily restrict the open world or make areas inaccessible later, the game gives you a warning and lets you choose whether to proceed, along with a recommended level.