The realm is troubled by a strange sickness. To find a cure, the King's son ventures out on a journey down the river. You must fight enemies, improve your raft and gear, find allies and explore mysteries along the shores. Can you save the kingdom?
All Reviews:
Positive (40) - 80% of the 40 user reviews for this game are positive.
Release Date:
Feb 28, 2023
Developer:
Publisher:

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Early Access Game

Get instant access and start playing; get involved with this game as it develops.

Note: This Early Access game is not complete and may or may not change further. If you are not excited to play this game in its current state, then you should wait to see if the game progresses further in development. Learn more

What the developers have to say:

Why Early Access?

“In Dreadful River the player explores a vast meandering river on a raft, fighting off enemy forces while trying to keep the crew alive. In addition to core gameplay features, we have lots of ideas that will get implemented in future updates. In the past SureAI has worked on several open world RPG titles (of which some are also available on Steam for free). Dreadful River has a smaller scope than previous titles but it's designed to be an open framework which makes it easy to expand for the whole timeframe of the project's lifecycle. The world design includes design and gameplay principles that were popular from previous projects. By receiving input from the community, we strive to create something engaging to play and fun to explore.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“At this point the game has been in development for approximately two years. This time has been used to create the core systems and to provide a solid ground for further additions. Another year of development will be needed to realize the full potential of the project. Naturally there will be regular updates, both in gameplay and content, while the game is in the Early Access phase. Nevertheless we also plan on improving and expanding the game in the post-release phase.”

How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?

“As far as the river flows

  • Additional friends and foes, new enemy variations and factions - DONE
  • New ships and upgrades, more items to find and purchase
  • Land on the shore and explore mystical locations - DONE
  • Introducing seasons with new challenges - DONE
  • Branching river and additional environments - DONE
  • Take the journey to complete the crown - DONE
  • A lot more cool ideas will be added, we will find out while development proceeds

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“Survive as long as you can while floating down the river

  • Explore the ever changing river with different bioms that will be different each run
  • Fight a wide variety of enemies and factions that will try to stop your journey
  • Conquer enemy forts on your way down the river
  • Hire different crew members with varying abilities
  • Find new equipment to strengthen your force
  • Craft new items and learn new skills
  • Trade items with different merchants along the river, in towns or villages
  • Upgrade your vessel and provide more room for your crew
  • Day night cycle, weather effects, there is wildlife too!
  • Explore different dungeons, caves, ruins and ancient structures below the surface
  • Complete the crown by collecting all the crown stones and learn mighty abilities

Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?

“The games pricing will change over time. As new game elements and features are implemented, the selling price of the game will most likely rise at certain points in development. At least the final release version the game will be priced higher.”

How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?

“Feedback is always appreciated. We will consider the requested features if they're feasible and adequate to implement. You can reach out to us on the Steam forums or by visiting our website https://sureai.net/, where we provide more options.”
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About This Game

After your father befell an unknown sickness, you set sail down the river to find a cure. When word about the existence of old and otherworldly stones reach your ear, collecting every last one of them becomes a great shimmer of hope.

Defend your party and survive against your adversaries who are prepared to ambush you at any moment to destroy all hopes of salvation. All sorts of creatures’ prey upon you in dark dungeons while wild animal or dreads hunt you in bright daylight. To face this many challenges the bravest soldiers your pouch has to offer stand by your side.

Improve your chance of survival by improving their abilities and gear, find powerful allies and explore mysteries along the shores. Gather important resources and trade with townsfolk.

Uncover the truth behind the legends surrounding the ‘Tales of the fallen Stars’. On the search for a cure, you maybe even find the course for the strange smell above the water. Utilize everything in your grasps and save your Kingdom.

Explore the vast winding river



Steer the raft along the river and its ever changing scenery. Watch your supplies and keep your guard while the weather and the cycle of day and night will affect your view. With each run of the game, the river will have a new course and lead you through different landscapes.

Fight enemies and protect the crown



Your raft will be attacked from the shores and on the water. Defend your vessel and its crew against archers, javelin throwers, spellcasters and many more threats. Choose the right tactics and decide if you want to charge enemies or quietly evade them by floating ahead while they‘re sleeping.

Acquire items and improve your equipment



Pick up flotsam, collect drops from defeated enemies or purchase items in settlements along the river. Merchants will have different selections, prices, trading choices and unique items.

Upgrade your vessel



Improve your raft: Increase crew capacity and inventory size and fortify your defenses.

Manage and hire new crew members



Manage your crew members and improve their strength. Stop your raft at settlements and mercenary camps. Hire crew members such as Archers, Mages, Spearfighters and more. Also discover new crew member classes on your journey.


Be sure to check out the early access section to find out what is planned for the future.

System Requirements

    Minimum:
    • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    • OS: Windows 10, 11
    • Processor: Quad-core Intel or AMD, 2.5 GHz
    • Memory: 8 GB RAM
    • Graphics: DirectX 11, 12 compatible graphics card, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060
    • DirectX: Version 11
    • Storage: 14 GB available space
    • Sound Card: DirectX compatible Sound card
    • Additional Notes: Latest drivers Vulkan: AMD (21.11.3+) and NVIDIA (496.76+)
    Recommended:
    • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    • OS: Windows 10, 11
    • Processor: Quad-core Intel or AMD, 4 GHz
    • Memory: 16 GB RAM
    • Graphics: DirectX 11, 12 compatible graphics card, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 3060
    • DirectX: Version 11
    • Network: Broadband Internet connection
    • Storage: 14 GB available space
    • Sound Card: DirectX compatible Sound card
    • Additional Notes: Latest drivers Vulkan: AMD (21.11.3+) and NVIDIA (496.76+)

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