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Ashen, an action RPG inspired by Journey and Dark Souls, is out now

Announced live during this year’s Game Awards

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Charlie Hall is Polygon’s tabletop editor. In 10-plus years as a journalist & photographer, he has covered simulation, strategy, and spacefaring games, as well as public policy.

Ashen, the cooperative action role-playing game from New Zealand-based Aurora44, is now live on the new Epic Games Store and the Xbox Marketplace. The announcement came during this year’s Game Awards.

Initially revealed as an Xbox One console exclusive, Ashen was first announced in 2015. Since then, the team has been refining the RPG’s “passive multiplayer” aspects. Although the game will have challenging, Dark Souls-inspired combat, developers stress that working together will be the key to victory.

From the game’s official website:

There are those who prefer the darkness and will try to stop you on your quest. You’ll need to be fast on your feet, quick to learn and willing to work with others if you hope to survive against the many threats you’ll encounter on your journey.

At its core, Ashen is about relationships. You will meet people out in the world, perhaps a tinker or huntress, a fortune-hunter or weaver of shadows. Each character has unique knowledge and crafting abilities that will bolster your chances of survival and victory.

Ashen is also included with the Xbox One Game Pass. It’s also planned for release on Steam.