Last week, Questline and publisher Awaken Realms fully released Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon, an open-world RPG with a unique dark and immersive take on Arthurian legends. After more than two years in Early Access, this ambitious title has established itself as a must-play for fans of The Elder Scrolls and Kingdom Come: Deliverance. You can grab it on PC via Steam and GOG, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S for €43.99.
Starting as a prisoner freed by a mysterious stranger, your task is to shape the future of Avalon. The story, penned by Polish fantasy writer Krzysztof Piskorski, spans three acts across regions like Misty Horns, Cuanacht, and Forlorn Swords, each filled with over 200 side quests and 250 NPCs. This is no typical Arthurian tale; it’s a mature, morally ambiguous journey where every choice carries immense weight and offers multiple endings.
Tainted Grail is a love letter to open-world RPGs, offering boundless freedom. Character creation allows you to forge unique builds, whether you want to be a stealthy archer, a mystical blacksmith and wizard, or even an alchemist and berserker, utilizing over 50 spells, countless weapons, and customizable gear. Combat is responsive, featuring light and heavy spells, stamina-based fighting, and a Souls-like dodge and parry system for elite enemies and bosses.
The world is brimming with hidden dungeons, secret items, and lore diaries. Activities like fishing, farming, and alchemy further enrich the gameplay experience. In addition, there is a Wyrdness mechanic that transforms the world at night, making enemies stronger but the loot more lucrative. A portable campfire system for leveling up, cooking, and fast travel also adds a unique flair.
With a “Very Positive” rating on Steam (87% from 6,483 reviews), Tainted Grail is clearly delighting RPG enthusiasts who crave depth and freedom. Its Elder Scrolls-inspired mechanics, coupled with a darker and more desperate tone, fill a void left by titles like Oblivion and Skyrim. While some technical hitches and a few unfinished mechanics prevent perfection, the game’s heart and soul make it an outstanding RPG title.
