When a new action-RPG steps onto the scene daring to challenge the likes of The Witcher 3, you’d expect at least a modest ripple in the heroic-fantasy pond. Yet in late 2025, Fire & Frost released Of Ash and Steel, a title so low-key even the most seasoned RPG enthusiasts might not have caught its scent. Was its attempt to rival Geralt destined for the history books—or just the back shelves?
Ambition Rooted in Classic RPGs
Fire & Frost, an ambitious young studio, didn’t just pluck their inspiration out of thin air. The creators proudly wore their love for early 2000s Western RPGs on their sleeves—think old-school grit, not modern polish. Of Ash and Steel, developed on Unreal Engine and published by tinyBuild, promised a clear break from the ultra-guided, over-marked world of modern open-world RPGs. Instead, it aimed to pull players back into a more demanding, hands-off approach reminiscent of a bygone era.
The adventure unfolds in the Kingdom of Seven, an island etched with decline and simmering strife. Players step into the practical shoes of Tristan, a cartographer who quickly finds himself swept up in a cascade of events that seem far above his pay grade. Rather than bombarding players with flashy cutscenes or heavy-handed storytelling, the narrative emerges quietly through encounters and situations, leaving plenty of room for observation and interpretation. Those looking for flashing arrows and intrusive markers were out of luck—discovery here is as organic as it gets.
Gameplay: Old-School Grit Meets Modern Hardware
In the field, combat spans melee, ranged tactics, and an occasional magical splash, with side activities like crafting and alchemy thrown in for good measure. Your journey’s progression hinges on skill and choice—every decision subtly nudges the world and its inhabitants, for better or worse.
Of Ash and Steel found itself compared to The Witcher 3—quite the yardstick. However, its style sets it apart. Where CD Projekt Red’s magnum opus shines with cinematic storytelling and constant guidance, Of Ash and Steel opts for a slower rhythm, an old-school DNA, and occasionally a patience-testing pace. The experience values autonomy over handholding, immersion over spectacle, and expects its players to meet it halfway (maybe more).
- No invasive HUDs or markers—exploration feels more like fumbling in the woods than following a neon-lit path.
- Progression is skill-based and deeply influenced by choices, not rigid quest chains.
- Players enjoy (or endure) genuine freedom, rewarded for patience and persistence.
A Reception as Quiet as Its Marketing
For all its retro charm, Of Ash and Steel hardly caused a stir in the RPG world. Its Metacritic score settled at 57/100—a clear sign of lukewarm enthusiasm among critics and industry veterans. This isn’t a condemnation, but enough to relegate the game to the genre’s sidelines rather than its headlines.
There were positive notes, though. Some outlets highlighted Fire & Frost’s sincere ambition and clear homage to old-school RPGs. The experience rewarded players—if they had the patience. Reviewers praised:
- The freedom and responsibility granted to players
- A demanding gameplay that never coddles
But for all the goodwill and nostalgia, reality soon kicked in. Critics consistently flagged technical shortcomings: bugs, stiff animation, and interface decisions that felt more dated than classic. These issues weren’t nitpicks—they intruded on immersion and sapped momentum from the game’s more admirable traits.
The truth? Of Ash and Steel didn’t fade into obscurity for lack of ideas—but for a bumpy, uneven execution that kept it off the must-play lists of all but the most hardcore.
For Whom the Quest Trolls
Ultimately, Of Ash and Steel addresses itself to a niche—those who yearn for a time when maps were mysterious, choices matter, and patience was a virtue, not a developer’s plea for forgiveness. The game’s visibility with the wider audience suffered as a result: it was always going to be a tough sell for the masses, despite its fire of ambition and frosty love for classic RPGs.
If you count yourself among those nostalgic adventurers, Tristan’s journey on the Kingdom of Seven awaits—warts, wisdom, and all. For the rest, well, don’t be surprised if you blinked and missed it.
