Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant, developed by Matthias Linda and published by Deck13, arrives as the first major DLC for the critically acclaimed indie RPG. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, this expansion serves as an epilogue set a year after the events of the base game. It’s designed for players who have already completed the main campaign, offering a continuation of the story and a chance to spend more time with its richly developed world and characters. The DLC retains the SNES-era-inspired visual style and turn-based combat that made the original stand out, while introducing new locations, quests, and mechanics to keep returning players engaged.
Story-wise, Ashes of Elrant picks up threads from the main plot, exploring the lingering consequences of past events and allowing players to reconnect with familiar faces. The narrative is more focused, balancing moments of character-driven reflection with new conflicts that push the world forward. While the base game had a sprawling, multi-faceted story, this DLC’s more contained approach benefits pacing and keeps the emotional beats tight. The writing retains its nuanced tone, delivering light humor alongside weightier themes, ensuring it feels like a natural continuation rather than an afterthought.
Gameplay remains faithful to the original but is enhanced by a handful of additions. New side quests, optional bosses, and areas to explore provide meaningful reasons to experiment with the party’s builds and strategies. Combat still emphasizes tactical resource management and synergy between skills, rewarding careful planning over brute force. For returning players, the learning curve is minimal, though some battles push difficulty higher than expected, which can be rewarding for veterans but might prove challenging for those returning after a long break.
Exploration in Ashes of Elrant feels fresh thanks to new environments that expand the scope of the world. From serene landscapes to more hostile terrain, the variety keeps the DLC visually engaging. The pixel art remains detailed and expressive, with strong use of color and environmental design to convey mood and atmosphere. Combined with the soundtrack – a mix of familiar motifs and new tracks – the presentation retains the charm that made the base game so beloved.
While the DLC’s focused scope is generally a strength, it does mean that Ashes of Elrant can feel shorter than some players might expect, especially if they rush through the main objectives. Those seeking a fully open-ended postgame experience may find it more of a narrative epilogue than a sprawling new chapter. Still, the additional challenges, secrets, and exploration opportunities provide enough content to justify the return trip, particularly for those already invested in the world and its characters.
Ultimately, Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant succeeds as a heartfelt follow-up that respects the base game’s legacy while offering fresh content for its fans. It’s best experienced by players who are deeply familiar with the original’s systems and story, as much of its impact relies on that prior investment. For those who loved the main game, this DLC offers an emotional and satisfying epilogue, blending nostalgia with new adventures in a way that feels both rewarding and complete – thought it won’t sway you if you didn’t already like the base game.
Score: 7.1/10
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