Is ‘Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon’ the Indie Skyrim We’ve Been Waiting For?

After two years in early access, Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon is finally set to release on May 23, 2025, promising a fresh take on the Arthurian legend. But is it just another RPG, or could it be the indie equivalent of Skyrim that fans have been craving? Let's delve into what makes this game a potential game-changer.

One enthusiastic YouTuber even declared, "Skyrim walked so Tainted Grail could run," a testament to the game's potential impact. Similar to Baldur's Gate 3, the developers at Awaken Realms have used the early access period to refine and expand the game based on player feedback. Currently, only the prologue and first act are available. The full release will bring the second and third acts, complete with an epilogue that reflects choices made in game.

For those curious, a demo is available on Steam, offering a glimpse into the first hour or two of gameplay.

So, what makes Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon so promising? One key element is its open-world design. While games like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 offer deep, immersive experiences, Tainted Grail adds a layer of magic reminiscent of Skyrim. Players can equip spells alongside weapons, offering flexibility in combat.

The game's dark and gritty atmosphere also sets it apart. Featuring the return of the Wyrdness, a long-defeated entity, and a deadly plague, players must navigate a world filled with Red Priests and terrifying monsters. The story grabs your attention from the start, altering the typical Arthurian story into something of its own. The voice acting is decent to good.

Combat in Tainted Grail is challenging, requiring players to master over 55 spells and utilize 400 different weapons. Even the archery is satisfying. Besides a lengthy main quest (60-70 hours), players can expect hundreds of side quests to play.

One reviewer from MMORPG.com highlights the game's immersive world and engaging combat mechanics. Initially worried about the combat not feeling fluid, the reviewer quickly adapted thanks to the tutorials and was soon swapping between a sword and spells. The ability to explore just one more area makes it compelling. The visual set pieces look great from a distance and it's fascinating to investigate areas.

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon offers both first-person and third-person perspectives. The animations in third person could improve further but the option is great nonetheless.

Despite some minor areas needing further polish, Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon seems poised to fill the void for fans of open-world RPGs. Will it truly be the "indie Skyrim" we've been waiting for? Only time will tell.

What are your thoughts on Tainted Grail? Share your expectations and impressions in the comments below!

• RPG
• Skyrim
• Tainted Grail