Eternal Strands is an experience worth having. While the game isn’t without its rough edges, its ambitious design, engaging gameplay, and intriguing world make it a compelling title. It may not reach the level of polish of some bigger-budget RPGs, but what it lacks in refinement, it makes up for in sheer creativity and heart.
From the moment I started playing, I could tell there was something special here. Though it takes a little time to fully settle into its world and mechanics, Eternal Strands delivers an adventure filled with breathtaking moments, massive encounters, and a progression system that keeps you invested.
Story
Eternal Strands takes place in the world of Aeloria, a land filled with ancient magic, warring factions, and towering beasts that threaten civilization itself. You play as Rhia, a young warrior and weaver of magic, who is a member of The Stranded, a band of exiles tasked with reclaiming lost knowledge and protecting the remnants of their people.
The game begins with Rhia and her group embarking on a mission deep into the ruins of an old kingdom, searching for artifacts that could help restore balance to Aeloria. However, things quickly go awry when a mysterious cataclysm disrupts the land, unleashing massive, godlike creatures known as the Colossi. Separated from her allies and stranded in a dangerous new frontier, Rhia must navigate this unfamiliar landscape, uncovering the truth behind the disaster while forging alliances and battling the monstrous threats that now roam the land.
At first, the story feels somewhat thin, as the early quests seem more focused on guiding you through exploration rather than deep narrative moments. However, as you progress, the story gradually unfolds, revealing deeper mysteries and compelling character arcs. The way Eternal Strands paces its storytelling reminded me a lot of BioWare games, which makes sense given that some of the developers on this project previously worked there. Familiar RPG tropes—such as political intrigue, personal stakes, and branching character interactions—are all present, but they are executed in a way that keeps you engaged.
What I appreciated most was how the game doesn’t overload you with lore dumps. Instead, the narrative builds over time, rewarding players who take the time to explore, converse with characters, and pay attention to environmental storytelling. By the time I reached the later chapters, I was fully invested in Rhia’s journey and the fate of Aeloria.
Gameplay
If there’s one aspect where Eternal Strands truly shines, it’s the gameplay. That said, it does take a little time to click.
Traversal in the game feels slightly floaty at first, especially when jumping, but after a bit of time, I found myself adapting to its mechanics and appreciating the fluidity. You start with standard fire and ice magic, along with a sword and shield, but the real depth comes from how you use these abilities in combat.
The game’s clear Influences from Shadow of the Colossus make for some incredible battles. While you begin by facing typical RPG-style enemies, you quickly find yourself up against massive, towering bosses that demand strategy and skill. These encounters are where the game truly sets itself apart.
For example, one boss was heavily armored, making direct attacks ineffective. However, using ice magic to weaken certain parts of its armor exposed weak points, allowing me to strike where it hurt most. This kind of smart, physics-based combat made every major battle feel fresh and exciting. The way the game encourages creativity in how you approach these encounters adds an extra layer of depth that kept me engaged from start to finish.
Graphics
Visually, Eternal Strands is stunning. It features a cel-shaded, painterly art style reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Fortnite. The world is vibrant and detailed, with environments that feel alive and well-crafted.
The aesthetic choice gives the game a timeless quality, making it stand out from more hyper-realistic RPGs. Whether you’re climbing a massive creature or exploring the open world, the game’s visuals consistently impress. Even in intense battles, the fluidity of the animation and effects make for a spectacle worth experiencing.
Endgame & Release Timing
By the time you reach the later stages of Eternal Strands, you truly feel like a force to be reckoned with. What starts as a relatively grounded combat system expands into something far more powerful and dynamic.
In the early game, Rhia relies on basic elemental magic and melee combat, but by the end, she is wielding devastating abilities that allow for incredible combat creativity. One of my favorite late-game abilities lets you temporarily suspend gravity around enemies, making it possible to launch them into the air before shattering them with an enhanced magic strike. Another powerful technique allows Rhia to create elemental chains between multiple enemies, linking them together so that a single attack affects them all at once.
The climbing mechanics also evolve significantly, with upgrades that allow for faster scaling and even mid-air dashes that let you reposition quickly during massive boss encounters. In the final few battles, I was using every tool at my disposal—grappling onto Colossi, setting their weak points ablaze, and then using high-powered finishers to bring them crashing down. The level of power you reach is immensely satisfying and makes the climactic battles feel appropriately grand.
Despite how much I enjoyed my time with the game, I can’t help but feel that Eternal Strands wasn’t served well by its release date. I had just finished Dragon Age: The Veilguard before starting this, and while the two games are very different in their priorities and execution, there was enough overlap in certain RPG mechanics to invite comparisons.
Had Eternal Strands launched in a window with less competition, I believe it would have had a stronger initial reception. It’s the kind of game that deserves more attention, and I hope word of mouth helps it find a larger audience over time.
Conclusion
Eternal Strands is a game that deserves a second wind. While it may not have launched at the perfect time, its strengths in gameplay, world-building, and ambitious boss encounters make it an adventure worth experiencing. Some design decisions like written but voice acted dialogue instead of full motion cut scenes expose some of its rough-edges, but the way the story unfolds, combined with its engaging combat and striking visuals, makes it stand out in an increasingly crowded RPG space.
Given how the game is structured, there’s a strong chance we’ll see DLC expanding on its world and mechanics. I genuinely hope the development team sticks with it because there’s so much potential here. If they continue refining what they’ve built, Eternal Strands could become a cult favorite.
For those interested, Eternal Strands is currently available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC ( Windows & Steam Store). As of this writing, the game is also currently available on Xbox Gamepass console and PC. If you’re a fan of action RPGs with grand battles and a world worth exploring, this is a game that shouldn’t be overlooked.
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