SWORN: Everything We Know

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Camelot’s story took a dark turn? SWORN is a game that boldly reimagines the Arthurian legends in a way you’ve never seen before. The air is thick with anticipation: In a corrupted Camelot, how will you forge your path to victory, and what adventures await you in this shadowed kingdom?

SWORN invites players on an epic journey filled with danger, mystery, and the chance to rewrite destiny itself. With darkness looming over Camelot's once-glorious towers, the game beckons you to uncover hidden secrets, ally with mythical characters, and harness the powers bestowed by the Fae. The question is, how will you use your strength, cunning, and magical blessings to fight back against the night? And if you are excited to learn more, here’s everything we know about SWORN.

What is SWORN?

SWORN is an upcoming action rogue-like game that beckons players into an enigmatic and immersive rendition of Camelot. Now shrouded in darkness and tyranny, this setting is far from the noble kingdom it once was. This cooperative venture, supporting 1-4 players, is crafted with a promise. It is not just about exploring a narrative-rich world but also reclaiming it. The clutches of a corrupted Arthur and his formidable Knights of the Round Table await. It will transcend traditional cooperative play boundaries. Through exploration, combat, and strategy, players forge their path. They can do this in solitude or in the company of allies.

At its core, SWORN is about diving deep into cooperative gameplay mechanics. Here, each player's unique abilities and strengths can combine in surprising, effective ways. The game introduces a dynamic blessing system. It offers over 200 unique powers through allegiance to the Fae Lords. Here, the system encourages experimentation and versatility. It allows for thousands of potential builds. This ensures every journey into Camelot is as unique as the players themselves. From battling solo to uniting with friends, the game is designed to accommodate various playstyles and strategies. All the while, it immerses players in a beautifully crafted world inspired by Mike Mignola's work.

Story

SWORN's story is a fresh take on the well-loved Arthurian tales, introducing us to a Camelot unlike any we've known. This once-majestic kingdom is now under a dark spell, with its noble leaders transformed into ruthless rulers. Our journey is filled with challenges and revelations, aided by legendary figures like Merlin and Nimue. Together, we'll fight to uncover and eliminate the sinister force corrupting Avalon, encountering both familiar and unknown adversaries along the way. So, our goal will be to bring back light to a world plunged into darkness.

Gameplay

We caught a sneak peek of SWORN's gameplay from its announcement trailer, and although the full gameplay details are still under wraps, here's what the game is shaping up to offer, based on the developer's insights.

SWORN is set up as a cooperative adventure game where 1 to 4 players can team up or go solo through a darkly reimagined Camelot. The game is built around the idea of teaming up with friends or tackling the challenges on your own. You'll be going head-to-head with the corrupted Knights of the Round Table, using your character's unique abilities. The fun twist is that when playing with friends, you can mix and match your characters' powers for some truly unique team strategies.

The heart of this game lies in exploration. Players will dive into the lore-rich world of Camelot, now fallen and shrouded in darkness. As you journey, you'll meet legendary characters like Merlin and Nimue, who will help guide you. Additionally, a standout feature of SWORN is the game's blessing system, where players can tap into the powers of the Fae, choosing from over 200 unique abilities. So, this opens up endless possibilities for customizing your character.

Development

SWORN is being developed by Windwalk, a small game studio that likes to work closely with its players to make great games. Team 17 has partnered with them to publish it. Right now, the game is still being worked on, but before it comes out, the developers will let some players try it early. They want to hear what these players think so they can make the game even better before it's released later this year.

Trailer

The game's announcement trailer gives us a first look at its characters and a sneak peek into the adventure that awaits. Make sure to watch the video above to see what the game is all about!

Release Date, Platforms, and Editions

SWORN is slated for release in 2024 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch, and PC via Steam, though we don't have an exact release date yet. Also, details regarding specific editions and any special bonuses for early access are yet to be announced.

Before the launch, a closed playtest offers a sneak peek into the adventure that awaits. This early access phase invites players to explore the Wirral Forest, the first biome of the game, where they can test their mettle against Sir Gawain. With one character initially available and the possibility to unlock more, including weapons and crests, players get a real feel for the customization and strategy that lie at the heart of SWORN. This PC (Steam)-exclusive playtest adapts its difficulty based on how many players join forces, ensuring a challenging yet rewarding experience. For those keen to join, sign-ups are open on the official website here.

So, are you excited for SWORN? Let us know on our socials here!