Upcoming Xbox and PC dark fantasy RPG, Alkahest, appears exceedingly promising - Combat showcase suggests potential for greatness
In a thrilling unveil on May 22, 2025, IGN disclosed a tantalizing teaser trailer for an impending Xbox and PC title, dubbed Alkahest. Developed by Push On and published by HypeTrain Digital, the first-person RPG is set in a dark, medieval fantasy realm where players wage combat against hordes of menacing creatures with a diverse arsenal of weapons and potent alchemical concoctions.
The intriguing teaser provides a glimpse into the frenzied combat Alkahest offers, with players employing their surroundings, engaging in spellbinding swordplay, and unleashing deadly potions amidst battle to vanquish foes.
The narrative centers around Kadanor, a kingdom ensnared in internal strife between three powerful noble families. Players assume the role of the youngest son of a minor lord, destined to languish in obscurity. To defy his predestined fate, he sets out on a quest to forge a reputation for himself by traversing the kingdom, unearthing lost treasures, taking on jobs for local inhabitants, and quelling an unusual upsurge of goblin raids near the border.
According to the game's Steam page, Alkahest's combat system will boast advanced melee combos, with an emphasis on interacting with the environment, such as felling trees or utilizing nearby siege equipment to dispatch enemies. Furthermore, the game will feature a comprehensive alchemy system, enabling players to craft a myriad of alchemical items, including flammable grenades, healing potions, weapon oils, and even poison, which can be stealthily applied to unsuspecting NPCs.
Alkahest takes inspiration from games like Kingdom Come: Deliverance and Dishonored. While many are yet to ever tackle the former, those who have fought in the latter can discern hints of Dishonored's melee combat in Alkahest. It remains to be seen if Alkahest's combat will keep the same intensity and appeal as it does in the trailers.
While the combat displayed in the trailers is undoubtedly stimulating, it is essential to bear in mind that these trailers could showcase pre-rendered cutscenes, with the final product looking somewhat different. However, comparisons with the combat previews of Black Myth: Wukong suggest that the final version may indeed evoke the same enthusiasm.
The exact launch date for Alkahest remains elusive, though gamers can expect to immerse themselves in this dark, tactical RPG on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Windows and Steam. Stay tuned for further updates.
The upcoming Xbox Series X and PC title, Alkahest, will not limit gaming experiences to just consoles, as it is also scheduled for release on Windows PCs. Upon release, gamers can also enjoy this title on their Xbox gaming devices. In their pursuit of becoming a renowned hero within the medieval fantasy world of Kadanor, players can utilize a variety of gadgets, such as alchemical potions, in their tactical combat strategy, reminiscent of games like Dishonored.
