What is Enshrouded?
Enshrouded is a dark fantasy survival RPG that combines the exploration of open-world sandbox games with the deep mechanics of action RPGs. Developed by Keen Games, Enshrouded plunges players into a mystical and dangerous world shrouded in fog and mystery, where survival is only the beginning. Players must explore cursed lands, battle grotesque enemies, master crafting systems, and uncover ancient secrets, all while the ever-looming threat of the Shroud corrupts everything in its path.
Whether you’re a solo adventurer or part of a team seeking to rebuild civilization, Enshrouded offers a captivating blend of survival tension, deep storytelling, and immersive combat.
Key Features of Enshrouded
1. Expansive Open World Exploration
The game takes place in the decaying world of Embervale, once a thriving realm now overrun by an evil fog known as the Shroud. With lush forests, desolate ruins, treacherous mountains, and hidden dungeons, exploration is key to discovering the world’s lore and hidden resources.
- Seamlessly integrated biomes
- Dynamic weather and day-night cycles
- Unique landmarks and vertical traversal
2. Dark Fantasy Narrative
A gripping story unfolds as players uncover what led to the downfall of civilization. Ancient magic, fallen kingdoms, and hidden cults weave a rich narrative tapestry that rewards deep exploration.
- Lore-rich worldbuilding
- Player-driven quest progression
- Environmental storytelling and relics
3. Survival and Crafting Mechanics
Survival in Embervale requires managing hunger, stamina, crafting, and shelter building. The game features an intricate system for:
- Gathering resources from nature and enemies
- Crafting weapons, armor, and consumables
- Constructing elaborate bases and strongholds
- Farming and harvesting rare materials
You’re not just surviving—you’re reclaiming a world.
4. Intense Skill-Based Combat
Combat in Enshrouded is visceral and strategic, combining melee, ranged, and magic systems. Players must learn enemy patterns, time dodges, and coordinate attacks, especially in multiplayer.
- Parrying, blocking, and combo systems
- Elemental attacks and enchantments
- Boss battles and elite creatures within the Shroud
- Full character customization and class freedom
5. Multiplayer Co-op Gameplay
Team up with friends in up to 16-player co-op to tackle larger foes, share resources, and build massive bases. The game dynamically scales difficulty, encouraging coordination and role specialization.
- Dedicated servers and seamless drop-in/drop-out
- Shared building and storage
- Raid-style combat encounters
The Shroud: The Core Threat
The game’s central mechanic and narrative force is the Shroud, a creeping, deadly fog that mutates wildlife and poisons the land. Within its boundaries, powerful monsters and corrupted creatures roam, offering high risk but greater rewards.
Players must craft gear to resist the Shroud, uncover ancient technology, and push back the encroaching darkness—or be consumed by it.
Character Progression and RPG Systems
Enshrouded delivers a flexible leveling system that lets players define their own playstyle:
- Choose from multiple skill trees: Warrior, Hunter, Mage, and hybrid options.
- No class restrictions—switch builds at will.
- Gain experience from combat, crafting, and exploration.
- Discover legendary gear, enchantments, and magic-infused artifacts.
This progression system rewards both solo mastery and team synergy, giving each player a distinct role in combat and survival.
Base Building and Customization
Taking cues from games like Valheim and Minecraft, Enshrouded features an intuitive base-building system that lets players shape their environment:
- Design sprawling fortresses or hidden woodland cabins
- Use blueprints and modular pieces to streamline construction
- Defend your home from corrupted enemies and environmental hazards
- Decorate with found objects and mystical artifacts
Your home is not just a haven—it’s a reflection of your journey.
Enshrouded vs Other Survival RPGs
| Feature | Enshrouded | Valheim | Conan Exiles | V Rising |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Narrative Focus | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Combat Depth | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Multiplayer Scale | Up to 16 players | Up to 10 players | 40+ (server dependent) | 4 (Co-op focus) |
| Visual Style | Dark Fantasy Realism | Norse Stylized | Gritty Barbarian | Gothic Vampire |
| Crafting System | Deep & Varied | Moderate | Deep | Moderate |
System Requirements and Platforms
- Platform: PC (Steam Early Access), with potential console releases hinted
- Minimum Specs:
- CPU: Intel i5-8400 / Ryzen 5 1600
- GPU: GTX 1060 / RX 580
- RAM: 16 GB
- Storage: 50 GB available space
- Recommended Specs:
- CPU: Intel i7 / Ryzen 7
- GPU: RTX 2070 / RX 6700 XT
- SSD for optimal performance
Release Status and Future Roadmap
As of now, Enshrouded is in early access, receiving frequent updates based on community feedback. The developers have outlined a robust roadmap including:
- New biomes and story chapters
- Advanced building systems
- PvP elements and large-scale battles
- Mod support and expanded co-op features
Keen Games is actively listening to the community, making Enshrouded a living, evolving experience.
Conclusion
Enshrouded is not just another survival RPG—it’s a dark, mysterious, and deeply strategic journey through a hauntingly beautiful world. With its blend of exploration, combat, crafting, and co-op gameplay, it appeals to players who crave depth and discovery in every session. Whether you’re building, fighting, or uncovering the past, Enshrouded promises an adventure that’s as rewarding as it is perilous.
