Pathfinder: Abomination Vaults – Ditching Turn-Based Tactics for Hack-and-Slash Mayhem!
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Pathfinder: Abomination Vaults is ditching the series' turn-based roots for a co-op hack-and-slash adventure, drawing comparisons to Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance and promising chaotic fun with your mates. It looks like a bloody good time!
Right, so Pathfinder's having a bit of a moment, isn't it? While we're all still losing sleep to the brilliance of *Baldur's Gate 3*, the clever wizards over at Bkom Studios have been cooking up something a little different with *Pathfinder: Abomination Vaults*. And blimey, it looks like they've traded in the dice rolls for a good ol' fashioned dungeon crawl, focusing on co-op hack-and-slash action.
Now, if you're used to the turn-based tactical goodness of *Kingmaker* and *Wrath of the Righteous*, this might seem like a bit of a swerve. But hold your horses, mate, because this could actually be brilliant. *Abomination Vaults*, according to recent gameplay reveals at Summer Game Fest 2025 (reported by *PCGamesN*), is all about diving deep into a sprawling labyrinth with up to four players. Think *Diablo* meets *Pathfinder*, and you're halfway there.
Here's the interesting bit: If you're short on mates, the game fills in the gaps with AI companions. But get this, you can actually command them or even take direct control during combat! It’s like being the Dungeon Master, but with fewer rulebooks and more button-mashing. Sounds fair dinkum to me.
They've stuck with four fixed classes – Amiri the Barbarian, Harsk the Ranger, Kyra the Cleric, and Ezren the Wizard – all ripped straight from the Pathfinder 2E tabletop rulebook. But don't think you're stuck with pre-set characters. Bkom Studios promises in-depth buildcrafting, so you can tweak your champion to perfectly complement your team. Imagine the possibilities! We're talking about some serious party synergies, requiring “precise timing and coordination” to trigger team-up abilities. Hopefully it's not too punishing, but a bit of teamwork never hurt anyone.
Based on early previews from Summer Game Fest, *Abomination Vaults* seems to be taking inspiration from the *Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance* franchise. You know, that arcade-y dungeon crawling series? Think real-time action, unique class synergies, and less of the complex RPG mechanics that made the main Baldur's Gate titles so...well, intense. It’s a bold move, but hey, sometimes you just want to smash goblins with your mates without having to pore over character sheets for hours.
Most early buzz is positive, praising the seamless and engaging co-op gameplay. But the big question remains: can they keep things interesting in a single, massive dungeon? Will it get repetitive? Only time will tell. No release date yet, and we don't even know if it'll be on consoles at launch. But I reckon this could be one to watch, especially if you're looking for a fun, action-packed alternative to the more cerebral RPGs out there.
Tags: Pathfinder, ARPG, Co-op Gaming, Dungeon Crawler, Summer Game Fest
Original article: Game Rant