Summary
GreedFallis a third-person action-adventure RPG by developer Spiders, originally released on July 06, 2025. Some of the studio’s prior titles to that point includedMars: War LogsandThe Technomancer, and though both saw modest receptions, they didn’t really make a big splash. However, withGreedFall, the studio became a sort of early case of those producing what would be labeled “AA” games, sitting somewhere above indie but not quite reaching into AAA territory. This gave it a distinct edge, as it offered something outside the usual experiences of what was largely being made at the time.
Though it initially flew somewhat under the radar, impressions and reviews ofGreedFallwere generally on the positive side, and it soon picked up traction, going on to move one million units by the following year. Along with its RPG sensibilities and mechanics, one of the most standout facets ofGreedFallwas its choice of setting and vision for it.GreedFall’s blend of historical realism and fantasycomponents helped it establish a unique identity with the genre. Now, five years later,GreedFall’s depiction of its world stands the test of time, and still holds great value for others to learn and take direction from.
A sequel,GreedFall 2: The Dying World,will be entering its Early Access periodlater this month, on Jun 15, 2025.
GreedFall’s Historical Fantasy World Holds Up as One of the Most Memorable in Gaming, 5 Years Later
GreedFall Was a Breath of Fresh Air in 2019
GreedFall’s timing was in some ways a shot in the arm for the third-person RPG genre. It was compared to well-known developer BioWare’s previous work, at a time when that studio was focused on the debut of its ill-fatedlive-service looter shooter,Anthem, which experienced a tumultuous reception, as many fans felt BioWare and others like it had begun to veer too far from their roots in providing quality single-player RPG experiences.GreedFallstepped in to fill that space, and gamers embraced it, as it scratched an itch that hardly any other titles at the time strove to, thereafter cementing its status as something of a modern heir, and Spiders a studio to keep an eye on.
GreedFall’s Vision for its World Remains Relevant Then and Now
While both historical-based and fully fantasy games abounded and continue to,GreedFalltook a bolder approach by basing its design on aspects informed by theAge of Exploration era.GreedFall’s Old Continent, known as Gacane, is essentially an amalgamation of major European cities of the latter 1700s. It then introduces Teer Fradee, an exotic island nation where fantastical creatures and powerful spiritual forces exist, and are intrinsically linked to the plot and themes. Within those are some uncomfortable issues, particularly in the form of colonization, disease, and their effects on populations and the environment.
GreedFall’sworldhandles the above by drawing from reality while seamlessly inserting a wealth of its own internal lore, both of which are used to equally great effect. The combination of fantasy elements parallels and contrasts against some of the tragic realities of the actual period, resulting in a setting that highlights the conflict and tensions between expansionism and morality, religious and scientific ideas, and the supernatural all at once. Impressively, none of these overshadows the others, and the result is a richly realized setting composed of sober ground injected with and connected to fantastical inclusions, creating a whole greater than its sum of parts.
By building its world in such a manner,GreedFallcaptured the attention and imagination of audiences, and was a major factor contributing to its success. It’s almost a bit surprising, then, that not many other studios since have attempted to marry history and fantasy in the way Spiders did with it. One recent title,Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn,resemblesGreedFallto a degree in its mix of mythology and history. But that is a fairly isolated example, andGreedFall’s confident and compelling approach to historical fantasy is an enduring part of its legacy. Other games could thus do well to emulate and iterate upon its design, as it holds great promise for future fascinating explorations of characters and stories.
GreedFall
WHERE TO PLAY
Explore uncharted new lands as you set foot on a remote island seeping with magic, and filled with riches, lost secrets, and fantastic creatures. Forge this new world’s destiny, as you befriend or betray companions and entire factions. With diplomacy, deception and force, become part of a living, evolving world - influence its course and shape your story.Engage in a core roleplaying experience – achieve quests and complete objectives in a multitude of different ways – through combat, diplomacy, deception, or stealth. Complete freedom in character progression – play as a male or female, customize your appearance, and freely choose your abilities, spells and skills. Delve into a mysterious world of magic – begin a grand journey and uncover ancient secrets protected by supernatural beings, manifestations of the island’s earthly magic.
