Indie Spotlight Review: SWORN (Early Access)

Developer Background

Windwalk, the studio behind SWORN, is best known for its expertise in community building. Originally established as a leading consultancy specializing in growing and managing digital communities on Discord, Windwalk has leveraged its deep understanding of player engagement to create immersive and socially driven gaming experiences.

Gameplay & Design

SWORN is an action roguelike that pits you against a corrupt King Arthur and his twisted Knights of the Round Table. If you’re a fan of Hades, there’s a high chance you’ll love SWORN, the core roguelike experience is similar, but instead of escaping the underworld, your goal is to battle through relentless waves of enemies to reach King Arthur and end his reign once and for all. Along the way, you’ll face legendary beasts and corrupted knights, fighting through chambers packed with danger.

Each chamber rewards you with valuable resources—either a permanent currency to strengthen your character between runs or temporary upgrades that boost your current attempt but disappear upon death. Mid-run, you’ll also collect Fae Emblems, blessings from divine beings that enhance your attacks and provide unique bonuses depending on the deity.

One of SWORN's standout features is its variety. Each of the four different Soulforged characters has access to four unique weapons and four distinct spells, allowing for an incredible range of builds. This diversity ensures that no two runs feel the same, keeping the experience fresh and exciting.

Like any great roguelike, death is just the beginning—you’ll be sent back to the start, able to spend your hard-earned loot on upgrades before diving in again. And trust me, it’s addictive. While I initially drew comparisons to Hades, I have to admit—SWORN might just edge it out for me. The combination of multiple characters, weapons, and spells makes every run feel unique, keeping the gameplay engaging for far longer.

Feedback

Honestly, I don’t have any real feedback to give—SWORN is just that good. Instead, I want to take this space to highlight how much passion and care went into this game. Indie studios like this prove that you don’t need a massive budget to create something incredible. Playing SWORN has been an absolute blast, and it’s the kind of game that reminds me why I love indie titles so much.

What stands out most is how well-thought-out every mechanic feels. The variety in weapons, spells, and builds shows that the developers weren’t just making a roguelike for the sake of making one—they genuinely wanted to craft something special. Every run feels unique, rewarding, and balanced in a way that keeps me coming back. It’s clear that the developers love the genre, and that love shines through in every detail, from the tight combat to the beautifully designed world.

Verdict

SWORN is a masterfully crafted action roguelike that delivers an addictive and rewarding experience. With its diverse character builds, strategic upgrades, and fast-paced combat, every run feels fresh and exciting. The passion behind this game is undeniable—each mechanic is thoughtfully designed, making it clear that the developers truly love the genre. If you’re a fan of Hades or just great roguelikes in general, SWORN is an absolute must-play.

SWORN is available now in Early Access on PC via Steam, but will eventually be available for consoles.

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