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Godfall

Godfall is a looter-slasher action role-playing game developed by Counterplay Games and published by Gearbox Publishing.^[1]^[2] Released on November 12, 2020, for PlayStation 5 and Microsoft Windows, with subsequent ports to PlayStation 4 in August 2021 and Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One in April 2022, the game is set in the fantasy realm of Aperion, where players assume the role of the last Valorian knight—a god-like warrior equipped with legendary armor sets known as Valorplates—to ascend through elemental realms and confront the mad god Macros in a bid to avert apocalypse.^[1]^[3]^[4] The game's core gameplay revolves around melee-focused combat, emphasizing precise timing for executions, parries, and shield bashes, combined with extensive loot systems that allow customization of Valorplates and weapons across eight damage types, supporting both single-player and cooperative multiplayer for up to three players in the base game, with later updates expanding to six in select modes.^[1]^[2]^[5] Built using Unreal Engine 4, Godfall features five distinct biomes representing the realms of Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Spirit, each culminating in boss battles that advance the narrative of betrayal and divine conflict among the gods.^[6]^[1] Upon release, Godfall received mixed reviews, praised for its visceral combat and visual fidelity as a launch title for the PlayStation 5 but criticized for repetitive endgame content and lack of narrative depth, earning a Metacritic score of 61 out of 100 based on 62 critic reviews.^[7] Gearbox Publishing, known for the Borderlands series, marketed Godfall as a next-generation experience highlighting the PS5's hardware capabilities, including haptic feedback and 3D audio integration.^[8]^[4] Expansions such as Fire & Darkness were released in 2021, adding new story content, missions, and Valorplate sets to extend the loot-driven progression.^[3] In January 2025, developer Counterplay Games disbanded, ending further support for the game.^[9]

Gameplay

Combat and controls

Godfall features a fast-paced, melee-centric combat system that emphasizes precise timing, aggressive engagements, and defensive maneuvers. Players control a Valorian knight equipped with one of five weapon classes, each offering distinct combos and playstyles, paired with a shield for blocking, parrying, and counterattacks. The system rewards skillful chaining of light and heavy attacks to build damage on enemies, culminating in executions that restore health and trigger loot drops. Limited ranged options, such as shield throws or charged weapon projectiles, supplement the core close-quarters focus, while co-op play allows up to three players to synergize attacks without disrupting the solo experience.^[10] The five weapon classes—longsword, dual blades, polearm, warhammer, and greatsword—define the foundational combat inputs and are interchangeable across Valorplates. The longsword provides balanced, versatile combos suitable for beginners, with quick precision strikes and neutral stats that support steady damage output. Dual blades emphasize agility and speed, enabling rapid multi-hit combos ideal for one-on-one duels and quick finishes, though they deal the lowest raw damage among the classes. The polearm offers extended reach through thrusting attacks and javelin-like throws, allowing players to maintain distance while charging for area slams, albeit at the cost of reduced close-range power. Warhammers deliver slow but devastating heavy swings with area-of-effect shockwaves, excelling in crowd control via charged energy blasts that prioritize raw might over speed. The greatsword blends power and precision, featuring moderate-speed combos with whirlwind spins or launched strikes that bridge the gap between hammers and longswords. Each class integrates unique shield mechanics, such as directional bashes or ground slams, and supports executions via heavy attacks on staggered foes to shatter souls and regain health.^[11]^[12]^[10] Valorplates serve as full-body armor sets that enhance specific playstyles and synergize with the weapon classes, acting as pseudo-classes with 12 variants inspired by zodiac themes, such as Silvermane for frost-based control or Phoenix for fire offense. Each Valorplate grants passive bonuses, like increased weakpoint damage or elemental affinities, and unlocks an Archon Fury mode—a temporary empowerment that amplifies abilities, such as area freezes or explosive bursts, tied to the equipped weapon's combos. These sets are non-customizable in appearance but modifiable through augments, allowing players to tailor aggression, defense, or utility while favoring certain weapons for optimal performance, such as pairing warhammers with breach-focused Valorplates for amplified armor-breaking.^[11]^[12] Combat flow revolves around rhythmic melee exchanges, where players dodge or parry incoming attacks (using L1 on PlayStation controllers) to create openings for timed light (R1) and heavy (R2) strikes, often combining them to breach armored enemies and expose weakpoints for bonus damage. Shield bashes interrupt foes and build toward executions, which not only regenerate health but also activate loot traits, encouraging aggressive play over passive defense. Ranged elements remain secondary, limited to throwable shields that boomerang back or weapon-specific projectiles, ensuring melee remains the primary engagement method.^[10] The augments system allows players to socket modular perks onto weapons and Valorplates, customizing loadouts with effects like elemental infusions (fire, ice, or void damage) or status applications (bleed, shock, or slow). These trinket-like items occupy constellation slots on armor sets, providing stackable bonuses such as enhanced shield throws or execution heals, and can be linked to synergize with weapon techniques for deeper build variety without altering core class identities.^[11]

Progression and customization

In Godfall, the loot system revolves around randomized drops obtained from defeating enemies, breaking environmental objects, and completing objectives, yielding weapons, pieces of Valorplate armor, and sundries such as rings, amulets, charms, banners, and life stones that confer passive buffs to stats like damage or survivability. Items adhere to a tiered rarity structure—common, uncommon, rare, epic, and legendary—where higher rarities incorporate more potent base attributes (e.g., increased might for melee damage or spirit for ability cooldowns) alongside additional effects, such as applying status ailments like bleed or fire on hits. A value-based economy facilitates trading up, allowing players to salvage excess gear at the forge for crafting materials or currency, which can then be used to upgrade item levels, reroll effects, or elevate rarity, promoting strategic inventory management without excessive grinding.^[13]^[14]^[15] Player leveling progresses up to a cap of 50, with experience earned primarily through combat and mission completion unlocking skill points for allocation in a flexible 5x5 grid-based skill tree comprising 25 distinct abilities, each expandable across five tiers. These upgrades emphasize core stats such as maximum health, overall damage multipliers, ability cooldown reductions, and resistance caps to elemental or physical damage types, enabling players to specialize in aggressive, defensive, or utility-focused playstyles. The system supports full respeccing at any time, with points shared across all characters for seamless adaptation, ensuring progression feels rewarding and experimental rather than punitive.^[15]^[16]^[14] Customization centers on synergizing one of 12 zodiac-inspired Valorplates—full armor sets with unique passive traits (e.g., elemental resistances) and an Archon Fury ultimate ability—with dual weapon slots from five classes (longsword, polearm, warhammer, greatsword, dual blades) to craft hybrid builds that blend melee prowess with thematic affinities like fire or earth. Sundries slot into equipment for further personalization, while enchanting occurs via the forge, where players apply augments to gear for targeted enhancements like critical hit boosts or status effect potency. Scattered shrines within realms offer temporary buffs, such as amplified health regeneration or damage spikes, providing situational advantages during intense fights without permanent commitment.^[15]^[13]^[17] Endgame advancement hinges on Dreamstones, collectible artifacts that activate New Game+ variants of the campaign, incrementally scaling enemy difficulty, loot quality, and reward yields across multiple tiers while preserving player progress. Unlocked post-story, these modes culminate in heightened challenges like the Tower of Trials—a rogue-like ascent through floors of escalating combat trials—yielding exclusive materials for gear optimization and extra skill points beyond the base cap. Post-launch updates refined this with Stability (risk mitigation) and Lucidity (reward amplification) mechanics, fostering replayability for refined builds and higher-tier acquisitions.^[18]^[19]^[20]

Game modes

Godfall's main campaign consists of story-driven quests structured across the elemental realms of Earth, Water, and Air, where players pursue objectives such as locating lunar gates, defeating enemy ambushes, and battling bosses to prevent the apocalypse orchestrated by the mad god Macros.^[21] Each realm features distinct environments and escalating challenges, progressing linearly from the crimson forests of Earth through the aquatic depths of Water to the floating islands of Air, with optional hunt missions for additional rewards. The campaign supports solo play or co-op, emphasizing melee combat synergies among team members for efficient progression.^[1] Beyond the campaign, endgame modes provide replayable challenges. The Lightbringer mode, introduced in a free August 2021 update, tasks players with sealing dark tears to restore sanctum lights while surviving enemy waves, featuring adjustable difficulty tiers and curses that modify gameplay for higher risks and rewards.^[22] The Ascended Tower of Trials, unlocked after completing the main story, is a 30-floor gauntlet in the Air realm that scales enemy levels starting from 50, requiring strategic builds to ascend fully and earn rare loot like primal items.^[23] The Exalted update in April 2022 added Spirit Realms, a roguelike arena mode where up to six players engage in PvE co-op across procedurally generated challenges, collecting souls from defeated enemies to purchase boons and facing lieutenants en route to god-like ascension trials.^[24] Multiplayer focuses on co-op experiences, allowing up to three players in the campaign, Lightbringer, and Tower of Trials, with post-launch matchmaking integrated for these activities to facilitate random team formation.^[25] Spirit Realms expands this to six-player squads for larger-scale encounters.^[2] While cross-play between PC and PlayStation platforms was tested and functional in community reports, official support remains limited to same-platform grouping in most cases.^[26] The game lacks dedicated PvP arena modes, prioritizing cooperative PvE content throughout.^[27]

Plot and setting

Story overview

In Godfall, the player assumes the role of Orin, a Valorian knight and one of the last members of an ancient order of god-like warriors tasked with protecting the realm of Aperion.^[28] Orin, along with his brother Macros, had previously led the Valorians in a millennium-long war against the Archons, twelve divine beings born from the dreams of the primordial dragon Kosmera, ultimately defeating them to safeguard the world.^[29] However, this victory sowed the seeds of internal strife, as the Valorians' quest for power mirrored the hubris that doomed the gods before them.^[30] The central conflict erupts from Macros' betrayal of Orin, driven by his ambition to ascend to godhood himself. Macros, driven by his ambition to ascend to godhood, activates the Skybreaker Monolith to merge the elemental realms into a chaotic void, summoning his loyal armies including the Black Tide and Crimson Wind to plunge Aperion into apocalypse.^[28] Left for dead after the treachery, Orin awakens determined to reclaim the suit and halt Macros' destructive ritual at the Skybreaker Monolith, a towering structure piercing the realms.^[31] This fraternal rift underscores cycles of destruction, where the victors over divine tyranny risk becoming the new tyrants through their own unchecked desires.^[29] Orin's journey unfolds across the three elemental realms of Earth, Water, and Air, where he pursues fragments of Archon power embodied in Valorplate armors to bolster his strength against Macros' forces.^[30] Key encounters involve battling Macros' lieutenants, elite warriors from his corrupted forces who guard the path upward, each representing aspects of the fallen gods.^[32] These confrontations build toward the climactic ascent of the Monolith, culminating in a direct showdown with Macros, the self-proclaimed mad god, whose defeat offers a chance for redemption amid the ruins of immortal ambition.^[31] The narrative explores themes of hubris, as the gods' fall echoes in the immortals' failings, and the perpetual cycle of creation and ruin in Aperion's history.^[29]

World and factions

The world of Godfall is set in Aperion, a vibrant fantasy realm born from the primordial Great Dragon Kosmera, who created existence by devouring her own form, birthing Aetherium—the fundamental magical essence that infuses all life and powers divine artifacts.^[33] This cyclical universe revolves around themes of creation, conflict, and renewal, where realms periodically split and merge in response to cosmic forces tied to Kosmera's legacy.^[33] Environmental diversity shapes Aperion's biomes, including mountain fastnesses, fantastical forests, and elemental landscapes that reflect the primal energies of earth, water, and air.^[34] Aperion is divided into distinct realms, each embodying elemental forces and historical significance. The Earth Realm represents primal terrestrial powers, featuring subterranean crimson forests, alluvial plains, and prismatic falls where ancient forces stir.^[35] The Water Realm evokes ancient, submerged seas with cavernous depths and aquatic ruins, serving as a domain of fluid mystery and hidden currents. The Air Realm consists of soaring sky citadels and ethereal heights, embodying freedom and volatility amid floating fortresses and wind-swept expanses.^[36] The Fire Realm, added in the Fire & Darkness expansion, introduces volcanic terrains and infernal challenges. Key factions define Aperion's societal and conflictual landscape, rooted in the legacy of divine wars that scarred the world. The Valorian Knights form the central order of god-like warriors, elite defenders who wield Valorplates—legendary armor sets forged from Aetherium that grant superhuman abilities and embed fragments of divine power, allowing wearers to channel the essences of fallen gods.^[33] Historically, the Valorians rose as the first creations of the Archons, twelve lesser gods who were aspects of Kosmera's dreams; these exalted beings incarnated into physical forms, only to be overthrown by their own armies in a cataclysmic rebellion that banished the Archons to the realm of dreams and ushered in a golden age of mortal ascendancy.^[37] Artifacts like the Skybreaker Monolith, capable of rending realms, and Sanctums—repositories of ancient knowledge—stem from this era, symbolizing the Valorians' role as ascended custodians of cosmic balance.^[33] Opposing the Valorians are antagonistic forces led by Macros, a former Valorian knight turned "mad god" driven by ambitions of entropy and personal divinity. His followers include the Black Tide, a fanatically loyal personal army skilled in cunning warfare, and the Crimson Wind, ex-Valorians corrupted and tasked with guarding his archives.^[38] These groups, alongside Corrupt Valorians enhanced by unstable Aetherium infusions, embody the philosophical schism between preservation (championed by the protagonist Orin) and destruction, fueling a thousand-year war that embedded god powers into weapons and armor as trophies of divine conquest.^[33] Other peripheral factions, such as the territorial Vargul Tribes and the primordial Nyak Kindred who worship natural phenomena, navigate Aperion's realms amid these greater conflicts, highlighting the world's interconnected web of tribes, creatures, and lingering godly domains.^[38]

Development

Conception

Counterplay Games was founded in 2014 by industry veteran Keith Lee, who previously served as lead producer on Blizzard's Diablo III, along with co-founder Emil Anticevic. The studio's initial project was Duelyst, a free-to-play tactical collectible card game launched in 2016 that blended strategy and squad-based combat on a grid-based battlefield. Building on this experience, Counterplay aimed to transition to larger-scale titles, conceiving Godfall as a AAA looter-slasher to establish themselves in the action RPG space.^[39]^[40] The game's creative vision drew from diverse literary and gaming sources to shape its high-fantasy setting and mechanics. World-building was influenced by epic series such as Brandon Sanderson's The Stormlight Archive for its intricate magic systems and heroic scale, Joe Abercrombie's The First Law trilogy for gritty realism amid political intrigue, and Isaac Asimov's Foundation for grand, civilization-spanning narratives. Mechanically, Monster Hunter inspired the emphasis on diverse weapon types, intricate combos, and rewarding skillful melee engagements against large-scale foes.^[41]^[42] At its core, Godfall was envisioned as a melee-centric action RPG where players embody Valorian knights—god-like warriors capable of wielding immense power through armor sets called Valorplates—prioritizing fluid, execution-heavy combat in a realm called Aperion over deep narrative storytelling. This focus on visceral, close-quarters battles with complex execution frames and environmental interactions positioned the title as an ideal technical showcase for the PlayStation 5's hardware capabilities upon its announcement.^[12]^[41] A pivotal milestone came in September 2018 when Counterplay secured funding from Kowloon Nights, an independent video game investment fund, enabling the studio to scale production for this ambitious project. This investment supported expansion from a core team of approximately 15-20 developers—many working remotely—to around 75 staff members, facilitating the shift from indie roots to AAA development without compromising creative control.^[43]^[44]^[45]

Production and technology

Counterplay Games, an independent studio based in California, expanded its team to approximately 75 developers for the production of Godfall, with key contributions from combat designers and artists focused on melee systems and visual effects.^[46] The game was co-developed with Disruptive Games, which handled visual effects for abilities and environments, as well as blueprint integration for art assets.^[47] Development commenced following funding secured from Kowloon Nights in September 2018, positioning Godfall as a triple-A title aimed at the PlayStation 5 launch window in November 2020. The studio leveraged this timeline to iterate on core mechanics, ensuring alignment with next-generation hardware capabilities. Godfall was built on Unreal Engine 4, enabling advanced features such as dynamic lighting and environmental destruction to enhance immersive combat sequences.^[48]^[49] Optimizations targeted the PS5's ultra-high-speed SSD for near-instantaneous loading between elemental realms and post-death respawns, reducing downtime in gameplay.^[50] The DualSense controller's haptic feedback was integrated to convey weapon-specific sensations, such as the nimble rhythm of dual blades or the heavy impact of a warhammer, heightening the tactile feedback of melee engagements.^[50] A primary challenge during production involved balancing the depth of the loot system with combat accessibility, aiming to create a "tinkerer's dream" where players could experiment with builds without overwhelming complexity.^[17] Developers iterated extensively on the Valorplate system—representing customizable knight classes—to promote replayability, tying progression to realm-specific crafting materials and augmentations that encouraged varied playstyles while maintaining fluid, aggressive melee combat.^[17]

Release

Announcement and marketing

Godfall was announced on December 12, 2019, during The Game Awards, where it was positioned as a PlayStation 5 console-exclusive launch title (also releasing on PC). The reveal included a cinematic trailer that showcased the game's melee-focused combat, emphasizing visceral swordplay and elemental effects in a high-fantasy world.^[51] Marketing efforts highlighted Godfall as a pioneering "looter-slasher," a genre blending loot-driven progression typical of action RPGs with third-person melee combat designed to leverage next-generation hardware like the PS5's SSD for seamless loading and responsive action. Promotional materials, including gameplay trailers at the PlayStation 5 Future of Gaming event in June 2020 and a State of Play presentation in August 2020, featured extended demos that focused on the spectacle of close-quarters battles, such as shield bashing and aerial combos against mythical foes. Influencer previews and media hands-on sessions further amplified this, praising the weighty feel of weapons and value system, though some noted the combat's reliance on familiar ARPG mechanics. Subsequent campaigns built on this hype through targeted events and partnerships. In June 2021, during Summer Game Fest, Gearbox Publishing—Godfall's publisher—unveiled trailers for the PlayStation 4 port and the Fire and Darkness expansion, integrating the title into their broader showcase alongside other properties for cross-promotion. These efforts aimed to extend the game's reach beyond PS5, with demos available at select conventions to demonstrate cross-play features and new content like the Fire Realm challenges.^[52] The pre-launch period also saw controversies that tempered excitement. In October 2020, developer Counterplay Games confirmed an always-online requirement for all modes, including solo play, sparking backlash over potential accessibility issues for players without stable internet and concerns about unnecessary server dependencies in a non-live-service title. Early previews additionally drew criticism for the game's perceived lack of innovation, with commentators arguing it recycled loot-shooter tropes from titles like Destiny without introducing fresh mechanics beyond its melee emphasis.^[53]

Platforms and editions

Godfall launched on November 12, 2020, for Windows via the Epic Games Store worldwide and for PlayStation 5 in North America and Australia, followed by a European PS5 release on November 19, 2020.^[54]^[55] The standard edition retailed for $69.99 on PS5 and $59.99 on PC at launch.^[56] The game expanded to additional platforms over time. A PlayStation 4 version arrived on August 10, 2021, coinciding with the Fire & Darkness expansion.^[57] On April 7, 2022, the Ultimate Edition debuted for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam, incorporating all prior downloadable content.^[58] Several editions were offered throughout the game's lifecycle. The Standard Edition contained the core game, while the Deluxe Edition added pre-order bonuses such as cosmetic armor skins and weapon appearances.^[59] The Ultimate Edition bundled the base game with the Fire & Darkness expansion and all free updates, including the Exalted Update.^[58] Cross-generational matchmaking was added for Xbox platforms with the 2022 launch. Cross-play is supported between PC versions (Epic Games Store and Steam), but not between consoles and PC.^[58] The PlayStation 4 version includes backward compatibility with PlayStation 5 through a free upgrade path, and the Xbox One edition is backward compatible with Xbox Series X/S.^[57]^[60]

Post-release

Expansions and updates

Following its launch, Godfall received its first major expansion, Fire & Darkness, on August 10, 2021, which introduced a new storyline set in the Fire Realm, featuring four story missions, five Hunt missions, new weapons, enemies, and bosses, while also enabling support for the PlayStation 4 version.^[61]^[62] This paid DLC, priced at $20, was accompanied by the free Lightbringer Update, which added quality-of-life improvements, new cosmetics, and enhancements to endgame content accessible to all base game owners.^[63] In December 2021, the Challenger Edition launched as a free-to-play version on PlayStation and Epic Games Store, incorporating cross-generation play between PS4 and PS5, along with balance tweaks and additional cosmetics via patch 4.1.9. This update facilitated cross-play between PlayStation and PC platforms, expanding multiplayer accessibility.^[64] Subsequent patches in early 2022 focused on stability, including fixes for co-op sessions and optimization for various hardware configurations.^[65] The Exalted Update, released on April 7, 2022, as a free content addition, introduced the Spirit Realms mode—a roguelike endgame experience with procedurally generated challenges—along with Valorplate Shards for customization, balance changes to combat and progression, and the Exalted Tower of Trials for high-difficulty encounters.^[24]^[66] This update coincided with the Ultimate Edition's debut on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam, which bundled all prior DLC and enabled cross-generation matchmaking within console families.^[67] Free content during this period included weekly rotating challenges in modes like Dreamstone Hunts, offering exclusive rewards such as skins and aetheric charges to encourage ongoing engagement.^[68] Post-Exalted patches, such as version 5.1.23 in May 2022, delivered further stability fixes, minor balance adjustments to shards and weapons, and new cutscenes expanding the narrative without altering core mechanics.^[65] Following the July 2022 announcement, no further content updates were released, though servers remained operational for existing players.^[69]

End of support and studio closure

Counterplay Games ceased operations in January 2025, becoming one of three studios to close within the first two weeks of the year amid widespread industry layoffs.^[70] The closure followed Take-Two Interactive's acquisition of Gearbox Entertainment—Godfall's publisher—in March 2024 for $460 million, which integrated Gearbox into the 2K division and shifted development priorities toward established franchises like Borderlands.^[71] This came after Godfall received mixed critical reception, earning a Metacritic score of 61 based on 59 reviews.^[7] Support for Godfall ended with Gearbox Publishing's July 2022 announcement that the studio would no longer develop additional content, though multiplayer servers would be maintained indefinitely.^[69] As of November 2025, no new updates, expansions, or bug fixes have been released since mid-2022, but the game's servers remain operational for online multiplayer features.^[69] Following the studio's closure in January 2025, players reported intermittent multiplayer issues in June 2025, though efforts were made to address them, and servers remained operational as of November 2025.^[72]^[73] The title requires a constant internet connection even for single-player modes, limiting accessibility should servers eventually shut down.^[74] In the wake of the studio's disbandment, the PC version has seen ongoing community support through mods hosted on platforms like Nexus Mods, including cosmetic and gameplay enhancements. No official plans for a remaster or port have been announced by 2K or Gearbox as of late 2025.^[75]

Reception

Critical reviews

Godfall received mixed reviews from critics upon its launch, with a Metacritic aggregate score of 61 out of 100 for the PlayStation 5 version based on 59 reviews, indicating "mixed or average" reception.^[7] On Steam, user reviews were also mixed, with approximately 64% positive out of 1,609 ratings (as of November 2025).^[2] Critics frequently praised the game's melee combat system for its fluidity and visceral feel, often comparing it to action titles like Devil May Cry, while highlighting its showcase of next-generation visuals on PS5.^[76] IGN awarded it a 6 out of 10, commending the "satisfying" weapon-based combat that emphasized timing and combos, though noting it became repetitive over time.^[76] However, common criticisms centered on the game's repetitive mission structure, shallow narrative, and lack of innovation in its loot system. Game Informer scored it 7 out of 10, appreciating the loot management but faulting the "soulless" world-building and missions that lacked variety or depth.^[77] Reviewers also lambasted the always-online requirement, which prevented solo offline play and frustrated single-player enthusiasts, alongside an endgame that devolved into grindy repetition without meaningful progression.^[78] Following the release of the Fire & Darkness expansion in August 2021, which added a new story realm, enemies, and endgame modes alongside the Lightbringer update for improved multiplayer, some critics noted enhancements in content variety and polish.^[63] Gaming Trend described it as delivering "oodles of endgame content" that built on the core strengths, though the underlying repetition and narrative shallowness persisted, making it appealing mainly to existing fans.^[79] Overall, these updates tempered but did not fully resolve the original game's core issues, as reflected in generally positive but qualified expansion reviews.^[80]

Sales and player metrics

Godfall achieved modest commercial performance upon its launch as a PlayStation 5 exclusive alongside a PC release via the Epic Games Store. In Japan, the game sold 5,342 physical units during its first week of availability from November 9 to 15, 2020, ranking 21st on the Famitsu sales charts.^[81] Digital sales on Steam, following the Ultimate Edition's release in April 2022, totaled approximately 72,990 units and generated around $1.9 million in gross revenue.^[82] The port reached a peak of 1,762 concurrent players on Steam shortly after launch, but player engagement declined sharply thereafter, with concurrent counts falling below 100 by 2023.^[83] Sales were strongest on the PS5 platform at launch, benefiting from its status as a next-generation console exclusive that drove initial interest among early adopters. Subsequent ports to Xbox Series X/S and Steam in 2022 provided minimal uplift, as evidenced by the low peak player numbers and revenue relative to the game's age and pricing history.^[84] The exclusivity arrangement with Sony and Epic Games Store contributed to a strong debut in targeted markets, though the game's mixed critical reception, averaging 61/100 on Metacritic for the PS5 version based on 59 reviews, correlated with a rapid drop in sustained player metrics post-launch.^[7]

Legacy

Godfall is remembered primarily as a flagship PlayStation 5 launch title that demonstrated the potential of next-generation hardware through its emphasis on fluid, melee-focused combat in a fantasy setting. Released in November 2020, it popularized the "looter-slasher" genre descriptor, blending action-RPG loot progression with third-person slashing mechanics to create a novel hybrid experience that sparked early discussions on evolving looter-shooter formulas toward closer-quarters combat.^[51]^[85] However, its cultural footprint diminished over time due to repetitive mission structures and insufficient long-term content updates, leading it to be overshadowed by more enduring titles in the genre.^[76]^[86] As of 2025, a dedicated niche community persists around Godfall, particularly on platforms like Reddit's r/PlayGodfall subreddit, where players share builds, co-op strategies, and updates on gameplay viability.^[87] YouTube retrospectives from creators have revisited the game, often highlighting its satisfying combat loops and visual flair as redeeming qualities despite acknowledged shortcomings in variety and depth.^[88] The game's servers remain operational, supporting solo and co-op play for a small but enthusiastic player base, though intermittent matchmaking disruptions have been noted since mid-2025.^[72]^[73] The project's trajectory offers key industry lessons on the perils of pursuing live-service ambitions without robust, ongoing support mechanisms. Counterplay Games' quiet closure in January 2025, following the game's shift from expansive multiplayer plans to a more contained release, illustrates the precarious position of independent studios tackling AAA-scale live-service elements amid fluctuating market demands.^[89]^[90] This outcome underscores broader challenges in the sector, where inadequate post-launch investment can lead to rapid obsolescence and studio instability for titles reliant on continuous engagement.^[91] In modern reflections from 2024 and 2025, Godfall is frequently characterized as a "forgotten but fun" entry in gaming history, valued for its innovative combat experimentation even as its lack of evolution limited broader adoption.^[88]^[92] Community discussions and video essays often position it as a cautionary yet intriguing artifact of early next-gen gaming, with its core mechanics occasionally cited in conversations about refining looter-slasher design principles.

References

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Godfall - Gearbox Publishing
GAME INFORMATION ; Release Date: November 12, 2020 ; Developer: Counterplay ; Publisher: Gearbox Publishing ; Genre: Looter Slasher, Action RPG ; Rating:.
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Godfall Ultimate Edition on Steam
Rating 3.0 (1,609) · 14-day returnsSmash through your enemies and seize ultimate power in this loot-powered action adventure set in a bright fantasy world.
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Godfall Official Site - 2K Games
Tear through foes as you climb through the elemental realms and challenge the mad god, Macros in fast and furious, single-player and co-op action for 3 players.
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Godfall - PS4 & PS5 Games | PlayStation (US)
Buy Godfall on PS4 & PS5. Godfall is a brand-new, next-gen looter-slasher, set in a bright fantasy universe filled with heroic knights and arcane magic.
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Godfall Wiki - Fandom
Godfall ; Publisher, Gearbox Publishing ; Genre, Looter Slasher Co-op ; Mode, Multiplayer ; Engine, Unreal Engine ; Release date, November 12, 2020.
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Godfall Reviews - Metacritic
Rating 61% (62) Godfall is a massive surprise. It borrows combat from God of War and has enough loot to make Diablo blush. It may look garish but it's well designed.<|control11|><|separator|>
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Dec 12, 2019 · Developer Counterplay Games and Gearbox Publishing announced Godfall at The Game Awards 2019, confirming a new PlayStation 5 game.<|control11|><|separator|>
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Prepare for battle with a deeper dive into Godfall’s combat techniques
### Godfall Combat and Controls Summary
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The ultimate Godfall weapons, classes & equipment guide - Dexerto
Oct 27, 2020 · Godfall is an intense action-adventure, looter game, so we've documented all of the Godfall weapons, equipment, classes, and combat in our ...The Ultimate Godfall Weapons... · Weapons In Godfall · Godfall Equipment Guide
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How Godfall brings intense melee combat to life on PS5
Aug 6, 2020 · You are a Valorian knight, a god-like warrior that is unique in all the realm for their ability to don Valorplates, armor sets with legendary ...
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Godfall Review - GameSpot
Rating 5/10 · Review by Richard WakelingNov 18, 2020 · ... skill tree. ... Aside from being flashy displays of power, these techniques are also a vital part of Godfall's Soulshatter mechanic.
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Godfall Video Details Loot and Progression System - Game Rant
Oct 22, 2020 · A loot-based game like Godfall lives or dies depending on how it balances its myriad customization options with the effort required to ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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Godfall Beginner Guide | TechRaptor
Nov 12, 2020 · Godfall Skills. The Godfall Skill tree is a five-by-five grid of abilities. Starting in each of the corners, you can make your way through ...Godfall Character Guide · Godfall Skills · Godfall Combat Guide
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Dec 6, 2020 · In total, there are 25 different skills that can be unlocked in Godfall, each with five levels within them that can be upgraded using skill ...
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Godfall Devs on Loot, Progression, and Making 'The Tinkerer's Dream'
Oct 22, 2020 · Heyne explained this system came from the idea that “If there was a piece of loot that you really liked and you wanted to use for an ...Godfall Devs On Loot... · Godfall: Loot Variety... · Godfall Skill Grid, Augment...<|control11|><|separator|>
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Dreamstones - Godfall Guide - IGN
Nov 30, 2020 · Dreamstones are part of the endgame content in Godfall, and are unlocked after beating Macros and finishing the main story campaign.
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Godfall Explains How the Endgame Will Work
### Endgame Progression, Dreamstones, New Game+, Scaling, Rewards in Godfall
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Dreamstones in Godfall Overhauled and Enhanced with new ...
Feb 14, 2021 · With the Primal Update, Counterplay Games revamp the Dreamstones by introducing the concept of Stability and Lucidity.Missing: Game+ | Show results with:Game+
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Walkthrough - Godfall Guide - IGN
Nov 12, 2020 · This guide covers every step of Godfall, including collectibles, boss strategies, and main quests like Sunforge Temple, Earth Realm, and Water ...
[20]
Godfall: Fire and Darkness Enemies Revealed, Lightbringer Mode ...
Aug 6, 2021 · Battle the Flameblood Tribe in the new expansion or rid the realms of darkness in Lightbringer Mode when both go live on August 10th.
[21]
Ascended Tower of Trials - Godfall Guide - IGN
Nov 30, 2020 · The Ascended Tower of Trials is unlocked after completing the main story campaign and can be located in the Central Tower section of the Air ...
[22]
Godfall Exalted Update 5.0.118 - Gearbox Publishing
Apr 4, 2022 · With the launch of the Exalted Update, we have provided a whopping 12 patches to polish the Godfall experience into the ultimate looter-slasher you see today.
[23]
Godfall - Lightbringer DLC Trophy Guide • PSNProfiles.com
Jan 12, 2022 · A new game mode added to Godfall and free for all players, Lightbringer is an end-game activity that adds 6 new trophies for you to collect ...
[24]
CROSSPLAY between EPIC and PS4 (Does it work?) - YouTube
Dec 10, 2021 · ... Godfall: Challenger Edition Godfall crossplay Godfall multiplayer godfall coop godfall co-op godfall challenger edition crossplay godfall on ...
[25]
Does Godfall Have PvP? Answered - Twinfinite
Nov 19, 2020 · At the time of writing, Godfall does not feature any sort of PvP mode. You can team up with your friends, but you won't be able to actually hit ...
[26]
Godfall is an overstuffed mess - Polygon
Nov 17, 2020 · ... Orin, is betrayed by their brother, Macros, who plunges Orin into the ocean and leaves them for dead. Orin quickly picks themselves back up ...
[27]
The Story of Godfall - MentalMars
Jul 16, 2020 · Godfall takes place in the world Aperion which was created by Kosmera. The creation devoured her in the process as she created the Archons.
[28]
Every last detail we know about Godfall, the PS5's flagship launch title
Aug 11, 2020 · Godfall is set to ship during the holiday season of 2020, which is when Sony announced the PS5 would launch as well.
[29]
Godfall Review - Gamecritics.com
Jan 22, 2021 · The story of Godfall tells the tale of Orin (the protagonist) and his brother Marcos. The pair fought together to destroy an invading army, but ...Missing: video sources
[30]
Review: Godfall | Console Creatures
Dec 7, 2020 · Godfall focuses on two warring brothers – Orin and Macros – you'll play as Orin who is shortly betrayed by Macros and left for dead. With Orin ...Missing: summary sources
[31]
Lore | Godfall Wiki
Oct 18, 2021 · Godfall's lore, found via lorestones, recounts past events in Aperion, a world with a cyclical history, where Valorian knights fight the mad ...
[32]
Locations | Godfall Wiki
Nov 15, 2021 · The world in Godfall is divided in four different parts. The Earth Realm, The Water Realm and The Air Realm, that are part of the main game ...Missing: Maledictum | Show results with:Maledictum
[33]
Earth Realm - Godfall Guide - IGN
Nov 25, 2020 · The Earth Realm is the first major area in Godfall, including locations like Crimson Glades, Alluvial Plains, and Prismatic Falls, with Hunt ...
[34]
Air Realm - Godfall Guide - IGN
Nov 27, 2020 · The Air Realm is the third major area in Godfall you'll travel to after completing the Water Realm. This section of the walkthrough contains ...
[35]
The Lore of Godfall - MentalMars
The History of Aperion. Kosmera made the world when she devoured herself. The Archons were her dreams and they dreamt hungrily of existence.
[36]
Factions | Godfall Wiki
Oct 15, 2021 · Factions in Godfall are the different Tribes and classes of people and creatures found across the Realms.
[37]
Keith Lee - MobyGames
He then moved to Blizzard Entertainment where he was Lead Producer for Diablo III, before co-founding Booyah and Counterplay Games. Lee holds BA and BS ...Missing: Destiny | Show results with:Destiny
[38]
Godfall Dev Explains How A Small Indie Company Got To Create ...
Oct 25, 2020 · He started up a mobile development studio in 2008, which he left three years later and, in 2014 co-founded Counterplay Games. The Studio's first ...
[39]
Duelyst - Wikipedia
Duelyst is a free and open-source digital collectible card game and turn-based strategy hybrid developed by Counterplay Games, who initially self-published ...
[40]
How Godfall Takes Advantage of the PS5 Tech and Controller, More ...
Dec 12, 2019 · ... Law trilogy and Isaac Asimov's Foundation series sets the tone and texture of our fantasy world. The long-running Monster Hunter series with ...
[41]
Godfall's Armored-Based Combat and How the Stormlight Archive ...
Mar 27, 2020 · Already, there are clear similarities between the settings of Godfall and the Stormlight Archive: a world buffeted by apocalyptic storms, ...
[42]
https://screenrant.com/godfall-ps5-stormlight-archive-comparison/
[43]
Godfall Interview – Story, Setting, Loot, and More - GamingBolt
Nov 3, 2020 · Godfall sees a pretty significant leap from Counterplay Games ... Our team size was roughly around 15 to 20. The team was very eager to try ...
[44]
Godfall - What we know so far | Fanatical Blog
May 14, 2020 · According to Lee, Godfall is set in a "bright high fantasy universe filled with heroic knights, arcane magic, and forbidden realms". "The ...
[45]
Next-gen title Godfall 'playable in solo, duo or trio co-op' | VGC
Dec 13, 2019 · Developed by Counterplay Games and set to be published by Gearbox ... The Godfall development team is comprised of around 75 people ...
[46]
Godfall - Disruptive Games
GODFALL · VFX for Abilities & Environment · Crafted effects for multiple character abilities and levels. · Fully Integrated Art · Used blueprints to integrate and ...
[47]
Godfall - Wikipedia
Godfall is an action role-playing game developed by Counterplay Games and published by Gearbox Publishing. The game was released for PlayStation 5 and ...
[48]
Godfall Benchmark Test & Performance Analysis - Conclusion
Rating 3.0 · Review by W1zzard (TPU)Nov 14, 2020 · In terms of graphics, Godfall can definitely impress. It's based on Unreal Engine 4, just like Borderlands, but uses DirectX 12 exclusively.<|separator|>
[49]
Godfall Tech Analysis – A Showcase of PS5's Potential - GamingBolt
Jan 1, 2020 · Particle effects play exuberantly across the screen. In scenes with environmental destruction, dense particle volumes are paired with volumetric ...
[50]
Perfecting the feel of Godfall on PS5 - PlayStation.Blog
Oct 26, 2020 · How Counterplay Games utilized the ultra-high speed SSD and DualSense controller to make combat feel just right. Dick Heyne Technical Producer, ...
[51]
Godfall Announced for PlayStation 5, Bringing Looter-Slasher Action ...
Dec 12, 2019 · Our goal with Godfall is to reforge fantasy ARPG-style loot progression and third-person melee combat into a whole new genre: The Looter-Slasher ...Missing: marketing strategy demos
[52]
Godfall for PS4, Fire and Darkness Expansion Announced - E3 2021
Jun 12, 2021 · Titled Fire and Darkness, the new expansion will have players venture into the Fire Realm, face new enemies, and acquire new high-level gear.
[53]
Godfall isn't a "service game" even though it requires an always-on ...
Oct 4, 2020 · Godfall developer Counterplay Games has confirmed that players will need an always-on internet connection in order to play the upcoming game ...
[54]
Godfall release date and preorder guide - Shacknews
Nov 3, 2020 · Godfall will release on both PlayStation 5 and PC on November 12, 2020, the same day as the PlayStation 5.
[55]
Godfall release date revealed | RPG Site
Sep 16, 2020 · Following the announcement of the PS5's release date, Gearbox Publishing have that Godfall will release on PS5 and PC on November 12th.
[56]
'Godfall' Review (PS5): Worse Than Avengers, Worse Than Anthem
Nov 18, 2020 · : November 12, 2020. Price: $69.99 for the standard edition. Review Score: 5 out of 10. Gearbox provided a review code for the PS5 version of ...
[57]
Godfall comes to PS4 August 10, alongside new Fire & Darkness ...
Aug 6, 2021 · Further, the Lightbringer Update adds more than 50+ new cosmetic skins for Valorplates to help you stand out from fellow knights while in ...
[58]
GODFALL: ULTIMATE EDITION NOW AVAILABLE ON ...
Apr 7, 2022 · Godfall: Ultimate Edition is now available on Steam, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, as well as PlayStation 4/5, and Epic Games Store.Missing: promotion | Show results with:promotion
[59]
Godfall will be available in three editions - here's what you get in ...
Sep 13, 2020 · We now know there will be three variants available: the $60 Godfall Standard edition, the $80 Godfall Deluxe Edition, and the $90 Godfall Ascended Edition.
[60]
Godfall: Ultimate Edition coming to Xbox on April 7
Mar 24, 2022 · Godfall: Ultimate Edition will retail for $39.99, with a special limited time Xbox launch price of $29.99! Take on the Epic Campaign in Single- ...Missing: platforms | Show results with:platforms<|control11|><|separator|>
[61]
GODFALL ARRIVES ON PLAYSTATION 4; LAUNCHES NEW ...
Aug 10, 2021 · The Fire & Darkness expansion unlocks the Fire realm, brimming with new threats to extinguish and powerful loot to claim. An all-consuming ...
[62]
Fire & Darkness Expansion - Godfall Wiki - FextraLife
Dec 21, 2021 · Fire and Darkness is a paid expansion that unlocked new endgame content, Locations, Quests and Skins. This gives players access to the all new Fire Realm.Missing: details | Show results with:details
[63]
Godfall Fire & Darkness DLC review | GodisaGeek.com
Aug 10, 2021 · Fire and Darkness is the first story expansion for Godfall, and introduces a host of new features and endgame content.<|control11|><|separator|>
[64]
Godfall Patch Updates - MentalMars
Dec 3, 2021 · Featuring Cross-gen play allowing PS4 and PS5 players to play cooperatively in both campaign and endgame content. Godfall on PlayStation ...
[65]
Godfall: Patch 5.1.23 Notes - Gearbox Publishing
May 11, 2022 · Spirit Realms · Players can now carry a maximum of 6 souls of the same color at once (up from 5), enabling players to fully charge two soul ...
[66]
GODFALL EXALTED UPDATE 5.0.118 - Steam News
WELCOME VALORIANS, NEW AND OLD! Over a year ago Godfall made its way into the hands of eager players, many of which would go on to become fans that continue ...
[67]
Godfall: Ultimate Edition Launches on April 7th for PS4, PS5, Xbox ...
Mar 22, 2022 · Counterplay Games' Godfall will be getting an Ultimate Edition on April 7th for PS4, PS5 and the Epic Games Store. This also marks its debut on Xbox One, Xbox ...
[68]
Patch Notes | Godfall Wiki
Oct 14, 2021 · Patch Notes for Godfall features an overview of all the patches released by the developer Counterplay Games. The following patches are free.
[69]
https://www.gearboxpublishing.com/godfall-a-share-of-gratitude/
[70]
Two weeks into 2025, three studios are already closing down
Jan 13, 2025 · The third studio to reportedly have closed its doors is Counterplay Games, the developer behind PlayStation 5 launch title, Godfall. It was ...
[71]
Take-Two to buy 'Borderlands' maker Gearbox from Embracer for ...
Mar 28, 2024 · U.S. videogame publisher Take-Two Interactive Software has agreed to buy Gearbox Entertainment from Sweden's Embracer for $460 million in ...
[72]
Godfall – A share of Gratitude - Gearbox Publishing
Godfall – A share of Gratitude. July 26, 2022. First, on behalf of ... While we are no longer actively working on additional content, the servers will ...
[73]
'Godfall' can't be played offline, even for single-player mode - NME
Oct 6, 2020 · Sony has revealed that 'Godfall', one of the launch titles for the PS5, will require players to be connected to the internet at all times.
[74]
Godfall studio Counterplay Games has reportedly 'disbanded' | VGC
Jan 14, 2025 · Godfall studio Counterplay Games has reportedly 'disbanded'. Layoffs have seemingly hit the maker of PS5 launch title Godfall. Video Game News.
[75]
Godfall Review - IGN
Rating 6/10 · Review by Tom MarksNov 13, 2020 · The missions that make up this story take place on three open-world maps called realms, which are dotted with a decent variety of enemies to ...Missing: plot summary sources
[76]
https://www.ign.com/articles/godfall-review
[77]
Godfall review: "great combat but its focus on grind might not sit well ...
Nov 11, 2020 · And that's in 'Favor Performance' mode. It only seems to do it when there's a maximum number of enemies and you've just dropped every special ...
[78]
“Your world will burn” — Godfall Fire & Darkness expansion review
Aug 10, 2021 · With a fresh storyline to chew, a new realm to explore, and a massive expansion to the endgame content, Godfall: Fire & Darkness is a must-have.Missing: details | Show results with:details
[79]
Godfall Fire & Darkness Review - Infinite Start
Aug 21, 2021 · The gameplay remains awesome, largely due to Godfall rewarding a tactical playstyle, but it really isn't that different for many players if a ...
[80]
Famitsu Sales: 11/9/20 – 11/15/20 [Update] - Gematsu
Nov 19, 2020 · Read more about those numbers here. The Switch family sold 116,267 units, while the PlayStation 4 family sold 2,974 units, and the 3DS family ...Missing: figures | Show results with:figures
[81]
Godfall – Steam Stats – Video Game Insights - Sensor Tower
90-day returnsDevelopers: Counterplay Games Inc. ; Publishers: Gearbox Publishing ; Release Date: Apr 6, 2022 ; Steam Page Created: Mar 21, 2022 (16 days before release).
[82]
Steam charts - Godfall - SteamDB
Rating 62% (2,434) User reviews history. Mixed; 62.30% SteamDB Rating; 1,548 63.6% positive reviews; 886 36.4% negative reviews. Sign in to see reviews chart. How many players ...
[83]
Godfall Price history - SteamDB
Rating 62% (2,433) · $39.99 · WindowsSteam price history US Dollar. Set your currency. Current Price $39.99. Lowest Recorded Price $9.99 at -75%. 21 November 2023.Missing: initial | Show results with:initial
[84]
'Godfall' is a fantasy 'looter-slasher' RPG from Gearbox for PS5
Dec 12, 2019 · Godfall will adopt a third-person perspective for gameplay. You can play solo, or you can team up with a friend or two for duo or trio co-op.
[85]
Godfall Looks To Create Its Own Genre With Better Loot And Skillful ...
Jul 15, 2020 · Counterplay says it sees Godfall as expanding on action-RPGs and loot game genres to create something new--what it calls a looter-slasher.
[86]
Godfall Xbox Mutiplayer 2025 featuring Mesa Dual Blades - Reddit
Mar 2, 2025 · I am starting to play it, I have been playing for almost two weeks and I have already made the complete normal tower and the exalted tower up to the 14th floor.
[87]
I Played this forgotten game in 2025… - YouTube
May 8, 2025 · I Played this forgotten game in 2025 to see if it was really that bad... #godfall #forgottengames #ps5 #gaming2025 #gamereview.Missing: fun | Show results with:fun
[88]
Recent multiplayer state (june 2025) :: Godfall General Discussions
Jun 26, 2025 · Be advised that the game's co-op feature isn't working properly since June 13th of 2025. Players grouping up are greeted with a message ...
[89]
Multiplayer servers are being worked on. : r/PlayGodfall - Reddit
Jun 27, 2025 · I reached out to 2K Customer Support and submitted a ticket regarding the issues Godfalls server matchmaking was having.is godfall still being updated? : r/PlayGodfall - RedditOnce the servers go down, do you think that the game will ... - RedditMore results from www.reddit.com
[90]
Report: Godfall dev Counterplay Games has quietly closed down
Jan 13, 2025 · A developer at Jackalyptic Games claims Godfall creator Counterplay Games closed its doors over the holiday break.Missing: conception founding
[91]
Godfall developer Counterplay has reportedly shut down
Jan 14, 2025 · Godfall developer Counterplay has reportedly shut down. Whilst not formally confirmed by the studio, PlayStation Lifestyle allegedly spotted and verified a ...Missing: ex Destiny
[92]
Counterplay Games (Duelyst, Godfall) shutting down? - Reddit
Jan 10, 2025 · Unfortunately we were unable to continue our partnership into the new year and CPG was disbanded. I want to share the profiles of a few folks I worked with ...Duelyst 2 vs. Duelyst.gg - RedditSo this game isn't a scam right? Where did it come from? : r/duelystMore results from www.reddit.comMissing: 2015 Destiny
[93]
Is this game worth it in 2025? : r/PlayGodfall - Reddit
Mar 5, 2025 · But MH combat and movement is so slow and clunky by comparison. And the gameplay loop is extremely different. Not saying MH isnt an amazing ...My impressions of godfall after 7 hours : r/PlayGodfall - RedditGodfall was way worse than I expected (Review)|Skill Up : r/GamesMore results from www.reddit.com