Atlas Fallen: Everything We Know

Focus Entertainment and Deck13 Interactive, creators behind The Surge and Lords of the Fallen, have been at the chalkboard developing an all-new RPG featuring high-octane sand-based combat and a devilishly alluring open-world playground—and it's heading our way on May 16, 2023. But what is it, exactly, and how will it outshine the vast majority of hard-hitting action-heavy alternatives? Well, there's the question we've been prying at ever since this so-called Atlas Fallen first shed its skin back at Gamescom 2022.

It's hard to say at this point in time what exactly the combat-studded title will become, though one thing remains abundantly clear, which is its ability to draw a crowd. That being said, if you, like us, have found yourself even remotely interested in the upcoming Deck13 build and all it stands for, then be sure to read on. Here's what you need to know about it.

What Is Atlas Fallen?

Atlas Fallen is an upcoming action-driven RPG by Deck13 Interactive, a studio best known for its lineage of cutthroat action-packed ventures. In the latest tale, players will be invited to the realm of Atlas, a desolate world in which a tyrannical god pulls the strings of an oppressed society that's neither friendly nor thriving. In a bid to make a change to the “fallen” post-cataclysm biome, you, the up-and-coming hero, will step forth and defy not only the odds stacked against your favor, but the very gods that shape the sands you tread on.

“Glide the sands of a timeless land, filled with ancient dangers, mysteries and fragments of the past,” the official blurb reads in part. “Hunt legendary monsters, using powerful, shape-shifting weapons and devastating sand-powered abilities in spectacular, super-powered combat.”

Story

Atlas Fallen transports you to the root of Atlas, an opressed society that's under the thumb of The Sun God, Thelos, a tyrannical being who not only reduces its citizens to be referred to as “The Unnamed,” but also applies a caste system that forces its workers to collect, mine, and transport Essence to a power-infused city. In a bid to unite and defy Thelos, you will begin your journey as one of the last outstanding heroes of Atlas. How you reclaim the lands and turn the tide on tyranny, of course, will depend on the decisions you make and the allies you recruit.

“Our hero’s journey takes him from being an Unnamed to becoming a hero with extraordinary powers that haven’t been seen on Atlas for decades,” Sabine Neuser, Narrative Designer at Deck13 told Xbox Wire.

“Over the course of the story, as your powers grow, you will gain access to new territories, and meet the inhabitants of the settlements scattered in the desert, as well as those who live in the capital. You will meet peasants, military, knights, priests and many more, whether they be a brief encounter or play a recurring role, trying to influence our hero’s quest one way or the other.”

Gameplay

Atlas Fallen boasts high-octane combat that mostly incorporates sand-based powers for players to mold, develop, and use in death-defying encounters against Atlas' deadliest beasts. As an open world game, users will have the opportunity to traverse its regions either alone or with a friend in its co-op mode, and gradually unravel the countless mysteries and pockets of lore long forgotten by Atlas' few remaining citizens.

From what we've already caught of the ambitious RPG, Atlas Fallen will deliver something of a love letter to the likes of Monster Hunter Rise, yet another beast-hunting RPG that bears additional layers of exploration and choice-based elements. Furthermore, Atlas Fallen will allow for you to “target and gather the essence of your enemies to shape your own custom playstyle, forging a new era for humanity in a fully cooperative or solo story campaign.” So, quite the benchmark to live up to, clearly.

Development

Deck13 Interactive, the studio behind some of gaming's most action-oriented indies, first announced Atlas Fallen back at Gamescom 2022, an annual event that sees countless developers band together to showcase their latest endeavours. Since then, the respected outfit has brought not one, but two trailers to the table—both of which have helped paint a picture of Atlas and its many characters and sandy terrains.

According to the devs, Atlas Fallen will be heading to Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC on May 16, 2023. Will it be coming to ex-gen consoles or Nintendo Switch? At present, no, though the option to port it is definitely available. But for the time being, Focus Entertainment will be, well, focusing on bringing it to modern hardware and PC. You can add it to your Wishlist over on Steam here.

Trailer

If you've made it this far, then you'll no doubt be wanting to get a proper look at some of the game in motion. Or better yet, the gameplay that Atlas Fallen will look to employ. If so, then you'll be glad to know that Focus Entertainment did, in fact, release a couple of trailers of the sort earlier this week. But before you delve right into the deep end with its recently published gameplay trailer, be sure to check out the Gamescom 2022 announcement in the embed above.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

Atlas Fallen will be heading to Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam on May 16, 2023. Does this technically mean it could come to either Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus? In short, yes—but not as a day-one exclusive, it seems. But if either Focus Entertainment or Deck13 do decide to branch out to the subscription-based platforms, then it'll no doubt come packaged as part of a formal announcement following the base launch on May 16th.

Outside of the base copy of the game, Atlas Fallen will also launch with a special Signature Edition, which will include the Ruin Rising Pack—a bundle that consists of various in-game cosmetics, abilities, and perks. This will also be available for pre-ordered copies, too, meaning you only have until May 16th to register your interest.

For more information on the Atlas Fallen release, you can follow the official social feed here. If anything new comes to light before its May 16th launch, we'll be sure to fill you in on all the details right here on gaming.net.

So, what's your take? Will you be picking up a copy of Atlas Fallen when it drops? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.