Arhaekon’s Full Release Review: Brutal, Deep, and Dark

I’ve been following Arhaekon since its earliest Steam Early Access builds—grimdark tactical RPGs are my kryptonite, and I was curious if Predict Edumedia, a studio better known for e-learning, could deliver on oppressive, systems-heavy dungeon crawling. Since its June 2024 early access debut, the team has been fine-tuning balance, expanding enemy rosters, and deepening the narrative. Now that the full release is here in July 2025 on Steam and Epic Games Store, I’m both excited and wary as I dive into this punishing new entry.

Why Arhaekon Matters

• Brutal Turn-Based Combat – Grid tactics with elevation, hazards, and boss mechanics that demand full attention.
• Permanent Stakes – True permadeath plus a corruption system that can warp or shatter your heroes.
• Rich, Oppressive Lore – A dark fantasy world ravaged by divine conflict, where every choice echoes across runs.
• High Replay Value – Procedurally generated dungeons and branching paths keep each expedition fresh.

Deep Dive: What Sets It Apart

Predict Edumedia’s e-learning roots had me bracing for a “serious games” lecture in roguelike clothes, but Arhaekon defies that expectation. The corruption meter isn’t a reskinned stress bar—it’s a resource you trade for raw power, risking irreversible trauma or death for your champions. Juggling mind, body, and soul alongside hit points turns every decision into a moral calculus.

Loot isn’t a pantry of junk. Gear is hard-won, upgrades feel consequential, and each choice in camp—whether to bolster defenses, craft forbidden relics, or mend fraying minds—reshapes your campaign’s trajectory. Scarce supplies and brutal encounters ensure there’s never a fully safe path; each foray into the depths feels like gambling with your heroes’ lives.

Boss fights demand more than brute force. From corrupted Templars with chain-whip combos to sorcerous abominations that shift terrain under your feet, these battles punish tunnel vision and reward layered strategies. You’ll learn to harness elevation, environmental hazards, and unit synergies or face a swift, humiliating defeat.

Narrative and World-Building

Arhaekon’s world is torn by divine schisms—ancient gods waging shadow wars through mortal proxies. Your champions, known as Arhaekons, awaken to rebuild civilization from the ashes. Faction allegiance influences tech trees, available units, and story arcs, encouraging multiple playthroughs to uncover hidden motivations. Dialogue branches and event choices can unlock new dungeons or unleash terrible calamities, weaving a tapestry of survival, betrayal, and reluctant heroism.

The Caveats: Where It Might Trip Up

Despite its ambition, Arhaekon carries the typical growing pains of a studio mastering live balancing. Some late-game builds can lean on cheesy exploits, and procedural layouts occasionally repeat room motifs. The narrative’s unrelenting bleakness amplifies atmosphere but risks numbing impact if character writing doesn’t break free from perpetual doom. Expect a steep learning curve and the occasional jarring difficulty spike.

Tips for New Arhaekon Players

• Manage Corruption Early – Use small corruption investments for key power spikes, but don’t let it snowball out of control.
• Scout Before You Strike – Fog-of-war and line-of-sight matter. Use scouting skills to tag traps and enemy patrols.
• Balance Your Squad – Mix melee bruisers, ranged artillery, and support casters. Synergies like elevation pushes or poison clouds can turn the tide.
• Upgrade Thoughtfully – In-camp choices between fortifications, relic crafting, or mercenary recruitment each open unique avenues—choose based on your playstyle.

Visuals and Sound Design

Arhaekon’s art style marries gothic architecture with brutal splashes of crimson, reinforcing its oppressive vibe. Animations are weighty—every swing, spellcast, and stagger feels grounded. The soundtrack alternates between haunting chants and thunderous percussion, heightening tension in cramped corridors and vast cathedrals alike. A clean UI delivers essential info without clutter, though newcomers may need time to master overlays like corruption meters and faction seals.

Who Should Dive In

If you thrive on tactical heartbreak—losing your best heroes, scraping a narrow victory, then diving back in—Arhaekon is your brutal love letter to dungeon-crawling roguelikes. It’s unapologetically difficult, with every run underscoring that actions carry real, lasting consequences. Casual fans beware: there’s no hand-holding here. But for those craving a darker, more systemic challenge than most modern tactics games, this full release is a triumph.

Game Info

Title	Arhaekon
Developer	Predict Edumedia
Release	July 2025 (Full Launch; Early Access since June 4, 2024)
Platforms	Steam, Epic Games Store
Genres	Turn-based tactics, Roguelike, Dungeon Crawler, Dark Fantasy

TL;DR

Arhaekon’s full release is merciless, complex, and deeply atmospheric. It may bruise your pride (and your heroes), but for fans of grim tactical RPGs, it delivers a punishing, memorable ride.