In the crowded field of roguelikes, SWORN manages to stand out by blending its genre’s familiar structure with a distinctive Arthurian twist. Developed by Walkwalk Games and published by Team17, this is a co-op action roguelike that doesn’t just lean on procedural chaos – it wraps it in a world of myth, corruption, and loyalty. Whether played solo or with friends, SWORN draws players into a dark, painterly Camelot where every run feels like a new page in a doomed legend.
At its core, SWORN invites players to reclaim a shattered realm, fighting through corrupted knights and monsters that used to guard the Round Table. The story isn’t heavy on cinematic exposition, but it succeeds through atmosphere and theme. As you interact with familiar figures like Merlin or Nimue, or face the twisted versions of Arthur’s knights, you sense a haunting blend of reverence and decay that fits the mythic tone well. The game’s tone is serious without being self-important, using its roguelike loop to reinforce the idea of endless struggle and redemption – an approach that feels surprisingly cohesive for the genre.
Gameplay-wise, SWORN shines in how it merges individual progression with cooperative synergy. You can play as a Soulforged knight and align yourself with one of several Fae Lords, each offering unique blessings that shape your playstyle. The system allows for immense variety, as more than 200 upgrades and abilities can intertwine in unpredictable ways, ensuring each run feels fresh. The combat itself is fast, deliberate, and skill-based, rewarding timing and coordination. In co-op, it becomes even more dynamic, with players combining elemental effects or blessings to devastating effect.
However, SWORN isn’t without its rough edges. The roguelike grind – repeating levels to earn permanent upgrades – can feel punishing when runs collapse late into a session. Balancing issues also surface, especially in co-op when one player’s build vastly outpaces the rest, leading to uneven difficulty spikes for others. Yet these frustrations are softened by how responsive the controls feel and how clearly the game communicates each combat mechanic. Even during chaotic battles, the hand-drawn art style ensures you never lose track of what’s happening on screen.
Speaking of which, that art direction deserves special praise. Clearly inspired by Mike Mignola’s bold lines and heavy shadows, SWORN has a distinct visual identity that sets it apart from its peers. Every scene feels meticulously composed, with flickering torchlight, looming silhouettes, and stylized characters that make the world both grim and alluring. The accompanying soundtrack and effects carry the same sense of weight, alternating between ominous choral tones and sharp combat cues that heighten the tension during boss fights.
In solo play, SWORN becomes a measured test of endurance – slowly mastering enemy patterns, refining builds, and inching closer to victory over Arthur’s corruption. But in multiplayer, the experience truly comes alive. The joy of chaining abilities with friends or watching plans fall apart in spectacular fashion makes this one of the most engaging co-op roguelikes in recent memory. It’s demanding, but fair, and the combination of mechanical depth and atmospheric storytelling makes every defeat feel like progress toward something greater.
SWORN might not reinvent the genre, but it gives it soul. Its grim reinterpretation of Camelot, paired with tight combat and boundless build possibilities, ensures that each journey into Avalon feels both punishing and rewarding. Minor frustrations aside, it’s a standout effort that proves roguelikes can still surprise – especially when they have something to say about heroism, loyalty, and corruption.
Score: 7.5/10
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