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Of Ash and Steel

Of Ash and Steel

Released: 11/6/2025

Features 45+ hours of main story, packed with dialogue, well-developed characters, books, and side quests. Two major factions to choose from — each with its own unique storyline, quests, and exclusive rewards. Combat system features three distinct battle stances, multiple weapon types, and active skills. A vibrant, open-world island with diverse biomes to explore. A wide range of professions to master, including fishing, hunting, blacksmithing (with the ability to craft your own one-of-a-kind sword), alchemy, and more. Of Ash and Steel offers a challenging yet rewarding combat system. You are not a legendary bounty hunter or monster slayer by default. Instead, you must master the mechanics: manage stamina, time your attacks and parries, and determine which combat stances and weapon types suit you best. It takes time and practice, but the more you play, the more both you and Tristan evolve and gain an understanding of what is happening around you. Learn to stand up for yourself using different weapons, environments, and active skills. Tailor your fighting style to suit you, from the agile rapier wielder to a heavy armour-clad knight, or create something unique! Immerse yourself in a story full of twists, humor, and discoveries. Step into the shoes of a man who is destined to become much more than just a cartographer. Gain strength, survive, and forge alliances. Prove that even someone who has lost everything can become a significant force that can shape the fate of the whole world. Talk to locals to learn about their daily lives, and help them with tasks. Watch how people’s opinions of you change as your character grows. Join one of the two major factions and complete its unique storyline to earn exclusive rewards. Your actions and choices will also affect the world and the characters around you. Of Ash and Steel has no marker system, and quests won't lead you by the hand. Rediscover the joy of exploration and let curiosity be your guide; the world promises rich rewards for those who dare to uncover its secrets. Listen carefully to what people tell you and pay attention to what is said in the quests to find your way. Read books and notes to learn more about the world. Mark interesting locations on your map, explore the island, and uncover hidden treasures!

Features 45+ hours of main story, packed with dialogue, well-developed characters, books, and side quests. Two major factions to choose from — each with its own unique storyline, quests, and exclusive rewards. Combat system features three distinct battle stances, multiple weapon types, and active skills. A vibrant, open-world island with diverse biomes to explore. A wide range of professions to master, including fishing, hunting, blacksmithing (with the ability to craft your own one-of-a-kind sword), alchemy, and more. Of Ash and Steel offers a challenging yet rewarding combat system. You are not a legendary bounty hunter or monster slayer by default. Instead, you must master the mechanics: manage stamina, time your attacks and parries, and determine which combat stances and weapon types suit you best. It takes time and practice, but the more you play, the more both you and Tristan evolve and gain an understanding of what is happening around you. Learn to stand up for yourself using different weapons, environments, and active skills. Tailor your fighting style to suit you, from the agile rapier wielder to a heavy armour-clad knight, or create something unique! Immerse yourself in a story full of twists, humor, and discoveries. Step into the shoes of a man who is destined to become much more than just a cartographer. Gain strength, survive, and forge alliances. Prove that even someone who has lost everything can become a significant force that can shape the fate of the whole world. Talk to locals to learn about their daily lives, and help them with tasks. Watch how people’s opinions of you change as your character grows. Join one of the two major factions and complete its unique storyline to earn exclusive rewards. Your actions and choices will also affect the world and the characters around you. Of Ash and Steel has no marker system, and quests won't lead you by the hand. Rediscover the joy of exploration and let curiosity be your guide; the world promises rich rewards for those who dare to uncover its secrets. Listen carefully to what people tell you and pay attention to what is said in the quests to find your way. Read books and notes to learn more about the world. Mark interesting locations on your map, explore the island, and uncover hidden treasures!

Features 45+ hours of main story, packed with dialogue, well-developed characters, books, and side quests. Two major factions to choose from — each with its own unique storyline, quests, and exclusive rewards. Combat system features three distinct battle stances, multiple weapon types, and active skills. A vibrant, open-world island with diverse biomes to explore. A wide range of professions to master, including fishing, hunting, blacksmithing (with the ability to craft your own one-of-a-kind sword), alchemy, and more. Of Ash and Steel offers a challenging yet rewarding combat system. You are not a legendary bounty hunter or monster slayer by default. Instead, you must master the mechanics: manage stamina, time your attacks and parries, and determine which combat stances and weapon types suit you best. It takes time and practice, but the more you play, the more both you and Tristan evolve and gain an understanding of what is happening around you. Learn to stand up for yourself using different weapons, environments, and active skills. Tailor your fighting style to suit you, from the agile rapier wielder to a heavy armour-clad knight, or create something unique! Immerse yourself in a story full of twists, humor, and discoveries. Step into the shoes of a man who is destined to become much more than just a cartographer. Gain strength, survive, and forge alliances. Prove that even someone who has lost everything can become a significant force that can shape the fate of the whole world. Talk to locals to learn about their daily lives, and help them with tasks. Watch how people’s opinions of you change as your character grows. Join one of the two major factions and complete its unique storyline to earn exclusive rewards. Your actions and choices will also affect the world and the characters around you. Of Ash and Steel has no marker system, and quests won't lead you by the hand. Rediscover the joy of exploration and let curiosity be your guide; the world promises rich rewards for those who dare to uncover its secrets. Listen carefully to what people tell you and pay attention to what is said in the quests to find your way. Read books and notes to learn more about the world. Mark interesting locations on your map, explore the island, and uncover hidden treasures!

Critics
61
Steam
66
Metacritic
51

Score Breakdown

61.4

Critic Average

14 reviews

66

Steam User Score

6,932 reviews

51

Metacritic User Score

25 reviews

Disparity Breakdown

Steam Disparity
-4.6
Metacritic Disparity
+10.4
Combined Disparity
+2.9

Average of both sources

Review Timing

13 launch window (93%)1 late (7%)

Review summary

Updated Aug 29, 2026

Based on 14 scored critic reviews, critics give this game an average score of 61.4/100. Critics score this game 4.6 points lower than Steam users and 10.4 points higher than Metacritic users.

How these comparisons are calculated
Sources behind this summary(5 recent of 14)+
  1. TheSixthAxis StaffviaTheSixthAxis
    Jan 19, 2026·Late review
    70/100View review
    Steam 66.1/100 · +3.9 ptsMetacritic 51/100 · +19.0 pts
  2. 3DNews Staffvia3DNews
    Dec 6, 2025·Launch window
    70/100View review
    Steam 66.1/100 · +3.9 ptsMetacritic 51/100 · +19.0 pts
  3. Oliver StogdenviaSteamDeckHQ
    Dec 4, 2025·Launch window
    60/100View review
    Steam 66.1/100 · -6.1 ptsMetacritic 51/100 · +9.0 pts
  4. Erik HodgesviaTry Hard Guides
    Dec 3, 2025·Launch window
    40/100View review
    Steam 66.1/100 · -26.1 ptsMetacritic 51/100 · -11.0 pts
  5. Kelvin RichardsviaAnalog Stick Gaming
    Dec 2, 2025·Launch window
    85/100View review
    Steam 66.1/100 · +18.9 ptsMetacritic 51/100 · +34.0 pts