Elex
An action, role-playing open world game for PC and Consoles, Elex was developed by Piranha Bytes, creators of the award winning Gothic series and is set in a brand new, post-apocalyptic, Science-Fantasy universe where magic meets mechs. "Advanced in technology, civilized and with a population of billions, Magalan was a planet looking to the future. Then the meteor hit. Those who survived are now trapped in a battle to survive, a struggle to decide the fate of a planet. At the center of this fight is the element “Elex”. A precious, limited resource that arrived with the meteor, Elex can power machines, open the door to magic, or re-sculpt life into new, different forms. But which of these choices should be the future of Magalan? Can technology or magic save this world? Or will this new power destroy all those left alive amongst the ruins?"
What it feels like
The struggle for survival and moral weight of world-shaping choices establish a harsh, serious tone.
What it's about
The core setting is a collapsed civilization struggling to survive after a meteor strike, with the remnants of the old world defining the landscape and stakes. Technology, mechs, and advanced systems powered by Elex are foundational to the world and player progression. Magic coexists with technology as a parallel power system, alongside a grim, decayed post-apocalyptic world with moral corruption.
How it plays
An action RPG with real-time melee and gunplay combat requiring timing and positioning in an open world. 'Deep moral choices' are explicitly highlighted as central to the experience of determining Magalan's future. RPG systems allowing player customization of character abilities and loadouts typical of the genre.
How it looks and sounds
Explicitly described as third-person in Steam tags and typical of the action RPG genre from Piranha Bytes. Post-apocalyptic setting with mutated creatures and ruins creates a grimy, worn aesthetic.
How it's structured
Described as a 'huge seamless game world' that players explore in a non-linear fashion with many paths and choices. Described as a 'seamless game world' without loading screens or hard boundaries. Explicitly single-player focused experience with no multiplayer component.
Kindred games
Shares Post-Apocalyptic, Open World, Science Fiction, Survival Against Nature.
Both lean into Post-Apocalyptic, Open World, Science Fiction, Single-Player.
Shares Open World, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Third-Person.
Both lean into Open World, Science Fiction, Post-Apocalyptic, Single-Player.
Shares Third-Person, Open World, Dark Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic.
Both lean into Single-Player, Dark Fantasy, Third-Person, Open World.
Closest hidden gems
A lesser-known kindred — Third-Person, Dark Fantasy, Open World, Character Builds. 89% positive across 4,940 Steam reviews.
Both lean into Third-Person, Single-Player, Dark Fantasy, Open World.
A lesser-known kindred — Third-Person, Gunplay, Character Action, Grim. 88% positive across 4,693 Steam reviews.
Both lean into Third-Person, Gunplay, Character Action, Grim.
A lesser-known kindred — Open World, Melee Combat, Third-Person, Character Action. 90% positive across 4,775 Steam reviews.
Both lean into Open World, Melee Combat, Third-Person, Single-Player.