Ashen

Ashen is a top-down pixel art action RPG set in a world that fire broke into islands.

Forty-seven years ago, the Conflagration swallowed an empire in a single night. What remains is ash, ruins and the Ember: a living fire that still smoulders and has changed nearly every creature it touched.

You wake up near Braseval, a village of survivors. No name, no memory. Just a mark of ash on your arm that will not heal. Find out what really happened that night.

Real-time combat against creatures born of the Ember: chain combos, roll out of danger, charge your blade's technique and hurl fireballs. There is no fixed class: you are what you wear. Complete an armor set to unlock its bonus and its look, from a frost blade to a rain of fire. Bosses drop legendary pieces, Olf forges the rest, and Tab's Awakening pushes your best gear even further.

Each island hides its own dungeon, climbed level by level all the way to Mythic difficulty. Every boss changes the ground beneath your feet: ice that slows you down, glass that sends you sliding, embers that burn.

And keep an eye on the sky: the First Messenger, a giant raven, sometimes swoops down on the village...

Set sail from Braseval to the obsidian and lava of Kael'Dorne, the frozen shores of Ceptem, the glass dunes of Witrol and the vineyards of Sinteloy. Every island has its own creatures, survivors, quests and lost memories to piece together. Rekindle the Cinder Hearths to travel faster, fill your bestiary, and watch day turn to night over the ashes.

Between two fights, catch your breath. Fish shadows circle your float: time the bite, win the duel, fill your basket.

In Kawett's field, sow Ember Berries and seeds brought back from every island, water them, harvest. Then cook your catch and your crops at Abel's for dishes that keep you going. Fisherman, Farmer, Cook, Blacksmith: each craft levels up on its own.

A Little Ember, a Jelly, a Scarab... Little companions will follow you. Keep them in Lou's pen, feed them seeds, level them up and take them with you across every island.

Ashen is out now in Early Access. It is made by a solo developer and keeps growing with each update, shaped by your feedback. Want to try it first? The free demo is still available. Full controller support.