Introducing Beaten Path, a new solo-developed tactical RPG set in a world of ancient machines and fallen gods. The developer (Jarett Gross) cites Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy Tactics as his inspirations. It includes 25 fully voice-acted characters. Check out the first trailer above and the first screenshots in the gallery below.
Beaten Path’s Kickstarter campaign was fully funded in just six days, and now development progresses. “I started Beaten Path because I wanted to make the kind of tactical RPG I love playing, with meaningful strategy, lots of room for customisation, and a world players can spend time in beyond the battles,” Gross said. “It has now been in development for almost five years, and over that time it has grown into something much bigger than I first imagined. The support from the community has meant a lot, and partnering with Wales Interactive is an exciting next step that gives us the chance to bring Beaten Path to more players across PC and consoles. I’m really looking forward to sharing more as development continues.”
Grid-based maps form the foundation of the turn-based, tactical combat, and as you’d expect in this genre, your position, height, and more matter. You can trigger Sync attacks when you successfully flank enemies, cause foes to Break once you hone in on their weakness and more. Gross says that Beaten Path features over 25 recruitable characters, ten times as many abilities, ten weapon classes with ten times as many weapons, plus a dual-job system. Gross emphasizes party-building as a significant part of the gameplay. Finally, he mentions that “You’ll travel across continents, sail by ship, ride horses, uncover secrets and return to The Haven, a hub where allies gather, conversations change and shops offer new ways to strengthen your party.”
Beaten Path will launch on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch in 2027. Wishlist it on Steam if you’re interested.
Ryan McCaffrey is IGN’s executive editor of previews and host of both IGN’s weekly Xbox show, Podcast Unlocked, as well as our semi-retired interview show, IGN Unfiltered. He’s a North Jersey guy, so it’s “Taylor ham,” not “pork roll.” Debate it with him on Twitter at @DMC_Ryan.
