Empyreal is ready to deliver unique depth and challenges to the RPG world

GAMING NEWS AlexP - May 12, 2025, 10:32 AM

Empyreal is a single-player action RPG that immerses players in a mysterious sci-fi universe. Set on an uncharted planet, you play as an elite mercenary tasked with exploring the Monolith, a colossal structure filled with deadly automatons and ancient secrets. What sets Empyreal apart in the crowded action RPG genre is its blend of intricate combat, deep customization, and innovative mechanics like the Cartogram system, making it a compelling experience for genre enthusiasts.

What makes Empyreal stand out?

One of Empyreal’s standout features is its skill-based combat, which demands precision with timed attacks, parries, and dodges. Players can choose from three distinct weapon archetypes: Glaive for swift strikes, Mace & Shield for tanky defense, and Cannon for ranged devastation, each offering unique playstyles and abilities. The combat is enhanced by an elemental system, where abilities like Fire’s Burning or Cryo’s Chilled create strategic combos, adding depth to encounters. Unlike many action RPGs, Empyreal’s combat feels rewarding for players who master its rhythm, with enemy attacks telegraphed via orange bars for tactical planning.

The Cartogram system is another unique element, acting as blueprints that randomize level aspects like enemies, loot, and difficulty. This keeps runs fresh and allows targeted farming, a feature praised for its replayability. Combined with hand-crafted levels that reward exploration with hidden secrets, Empyreal balances randomness and intentional design effectively.

Compared to Diablo IV, another action RPG, Empyreal shares a loot-driven focus but diverges in execution. While Diablo IV emphasizes cooperative play and vast open worlds, Empyreal is resolutely single-player, with a tighter narrative focus on the Monolith’s mysteries. Its combat feels more deliberate, requiring precise timing over Diablo’s frenetic pace, and the Cartogram system offers more control over level variation than Diablo’s randomized dungeons.

Despite some clunky movement and a sparse story, Empyreal’s depth makes it a gem for RPG fans seeking a challenging, solo adventure. Check out the best prices for Empyreal using our price comparison tool.