New Open-World Survival-Crafting Game Confirmed for November 10

It’s no secret that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’s open-world design had a significant impact on the overarching open-world game genre. In the time since this celebrated title was released, more and more AAA games have borrowed its “climb everything” approach, and its lack of handholding has been matched by stellar open-world experiences like Elden Ring that have a similar vibe. With this particular Zelda game (and its equally celebrated sequel) being so beloved, it’s no surprise whatsoever that indie developers are also using it as a point of reference. One such BOTW-inspired game is Steam’s Stormforge, which is set to launch on PC very soon.

Stormforge’s similarities to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are plentiful. It boasts a cel-shaded art style and muted color palette, traversal that allows for gliding across vast environments, and combat that looks very similar to modern Zelda. However, Stormforge isn’t just a Zelda-like game on PC. Not only is it up to 8-player co-op with some survival crafting mechanics like building, gathering, and hazardous storms to overcome, but it even has some Skyrim-level character building for RPG enjoyers while promising an “endless variety of mods” to Steam users. Hopefully, this hodgepodge of features results in a game that plays as well as it looks poised to do on paper.

Wishlist Stormforge Before Its Release Date

• EXPLORE a procedurally generated open world solo or with up to 7 other players.
• SURVIVE dangerous storms full of enemies but packed with useful loot.
• TRAVERSE the environment using boats and gliders.
• DESIGN your ideal base by collecting wood, stone, and more.
• BUILD your character by mixing and matching over 100 upgrades from five class types.
• MOD your game with community-created equipment, enemies, points of interest, and more.

You are Stormforged, with the ability to brave and harness power from magical storms. Explore, fight, forage, craft, build, and defeat bosses in this epic fantasy game. Survive the Storms and thrive!

Stormforge is Zelda: BOTW With a Survival Crafting Twist

Stormforge’s Zelda vibes really shine through, not just in the look of the game, but its enemy designs as well. Some of the foes look like bokoblins crossed with Lord of the Rings’ orcs, with one huge troll-like creature looking like it stepped right out of the legendary Nintendo franchise. And though the world itself is procedurally generated, meaning it’s less painstakingly crafted than Hyrule, getting around that world feels like a trip down memory lane. Whether they’re getting around using small boats resembling those of Wind Waker or BOTW-style gliders, Zelda fans will surely feel right at home.

One thing working in Stormforge’s favor is its 8-player co-op mode. While Zelda fans surely wouldn’t trade the modern games’ single-player stories, boss fights, and NPCs for multiplayer, many have likely imagined how cool it would be to explore Hyrule with some buddies, and Stormforge is essentially the next best thing. The game can absolutely be enjoyed solo, but just like with any other survival crafting title, a lot of the fun comes from adventuring and building with friends. As players explore the world of Stormforge, they’ll encounter dangerous tornadoes and firestorms, and if they enter into them, they’ll need to dodge flying rubble and contend with waves of enemies. However, they’ll also find useful resources for their group.

Said resources, as well as chopped wood and cut stone, can be used to construct player bases like towering castles, allowing players to forge themselves a home in between all their adventuring. The combat itself will feature an arsenal Breath of the Wild fans will be hugely familiar with, that being blades, bows, and magic, and the animations when using these tools are even a bit Zelda-like. Zelda doesn’t seem to be the only influence on Stormforge, either, as it features a classic RPG skill tree and modding that could have as much potential as Skyrim.

Stormforge’s Character-Building and Skyrim-Like Modding May Be The Aces Up Its Sleeve

Skyrim’s constellation of skill upgrades and stat levels like Sneak 100 have become some of the most recognizable HUD elements ever, and while Stormforge’s presentation is a bit less flashy, it still aims to offer plenty of depth for those who enjoy crafting their own character. After players have made their character (and chosen from a range of outfits), they’ll begin mixing and matching skills from five different classes: Warrior, Ranger, Mage, Forager, and Villager. There will be over 100 skills to choose from, including over 20 active abilities, forcing players to make meaningful choices and properly plan out their builds. However, while the Stormforge skill tree approach can be compared to a range of other games, the openness with which it’s embracing modding can only really be compared to Bethesda’s encouragement of creative gamers.

It’s no secret that modding has been a key part of Skyrim’s unparalleled longevity, with Bethesda actively encouraging modders through the Creation Club and the rare allowance of modding on consoles. Stormforge making mods a part of its mission statement, then, is a great sign. Like Skyrim, it seems players will be able to influence practically every aspect of the game, from equipment and enemies to POIs and game rules. Mods can even be added to the game without any extra downloads, making the process as efficient as possible and encouraging those unfamiliar with modding to give it a shot. If there aren’t too many restrictions in place, it won’t be long before some Dragonborn outfits and Hyrule iconography get added to Stormforge’s world, making the similarities more apparent than ever.