Empyreal Review: Is Its Combat-and-Loot Loop Worth It?

Empyreal is most compelling when you are learning its distinct weapons and tuning equipment for the next fight. The trade-off, according to published reviews, is a loop that can become repetitive and grind-heavy, with weaker storytelling and navigation than its combat ambitions deserve. It is a better fit for players who enjoy experimenting with builds than for those looking for a strong narrative or polished exploration.

What is Empyreal?

Empyreal is a sci-fi action RPG from Silent Games, published by Secret Mode. You lead an expedition to explore a mysterious Monolith on an uncharted planet, fighting enemies, finding equipment and refining your character as you progress. The game is listed for Windows PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S; check the relevant store for current availability and edition details.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Empyreal Board Game | Strategy Game | Fantasy Train Network and Route Building Game for Adults and...	$81.91	Buy on Amazon

Its central loop links combat to loot: defeating enemies can improve your gear, and equipment changes can help prepare you for further combat and exploration. Game8 also identifies customizable abilities and loadouts, character customization and an asynchronous multiplayer feature among the game’s systems. The reviews establish that the feature exists, but do not provide enough detail to assess its activity or how it affects the experience.

How does the combat and gear progression feel?

The three main weapon types are the glaive, gun, and mace-and-shield. RPGFan reviewer Abraham Kobylanski praises how differently the weapons play, and describes learning each one’s approach as a major source of enjoyment. The appeal is not simply collecting stronger equipment: it is figuring out how a weapon’s style and your equipment choices work together.

#1 Best Overall

Empyreal Board Game | Strategy Game | Fantasy Train Network and Route Building Game for Adults and Kids | Ages 10+ | 2-6 Players | Average Playtime 20-120 Minutes | Made by Level 99 Games

• BECOME A RAILWAY MAGNATE IN A BEAUTIFUL FANTASY WORLD: The industrial age has come at last to the World of Indines! Use mystical trains to cross a diverse landscape and gather exotic goods. Each contract you fulfill builds up your company, introducing new abilities and redefining how you play. Build the ultimate railway company and conquer the frontier—with magic!
• STRATEGY BOARD GAME: Technomancers use mana to build rails, and the amount of mana crystals required to cast a spell varies by terrain and by the potency of the spell. Mana crystals must recharge after being used, so your choice of when and where to use each spell will be critical to determining the efficiency of your construction engine.
• CHALLENGING AND COMPETITIVE: The towns you connect to your network provide critical resources and their value changes over time. Be wary of what your competitors are building into their trade networks and adapt your strategies accordingly to maximize the value of your stock portfolio. Only the savviest and most creative industrialist will be able to lead the world of Indines into the modern era!
• HIGHLY VARIABLE: At just 20 minutes per player, the game can be described as an "express" train game, but the huge variety of options and powers mean that each game will reveal new strategies, in classic Level 99 style. It's also surprisingly confrontational and cutthroat as the genre goes.
• NUMBER OF PLAYERS AND AVERAGE PLAYTIME: This fun network building strategy game is designed for 2 to 6 players and is suitable for ages 10 and older. Average playtime is approximately 20 minutes per player.

$81.91

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RPGFan also highlights variety in enemy behavior and bosses that encourage different tactics. Game8’s review, by contrast, criticizes the combat as repetitive. These assessments point to a meaningful distinction: the combat may reward players who enjoy mastering weapon differences and adjusting their build, while repeated encounters may wear on players who want every fight to feel new.

What are the main drawbacks?

Loot can turn into a grind

RPGFan says the amount of loot grinding can become tiring, alongside the work of managing equipment. A system built around finding and modifying gear gives players room to optimize, but also asks them to spend time sorting through upgrades and repeating activities. If that maintenance feels like satisfying preparation to you, it may support the loop; if it feels like busywork, the same system can become a drag.

Guidance and exploration can frustrate

RPGFan reports unclear guidance and friction navigating the hub, while Game8 also criticizes exploration. Together, those complaints suggest that the game’s world and navigation may not consistently make it clear where to go or how to proceed. Players who value straightforward wayfinding should weigh that concern before choosing the game.

The story and progression have limited appeal for some reviewers

RPGFan says the story does not develop its setup effectively. Game8 likewise describes the story and progression as shallow, and warns that players looking for meaningful character progression or a strongly developed narrative may be disappointed. Character customization and loadout options are among Game8’s positives, but that is not the same as a story-driven sense of character growth.

What do the review scores say?

The spread reflects different weight placed on combat depth versus repetition, progression and narrative. RPGFan’s reviewer summed up that balance this way: “Empyreal is quite successful at providing an excellent combat experience, but if you want more to support that, you’ll need to look elsewhere.” The scores are useful context, but the reasons behind the reviews are more helpful when deciding whether the game suits you.

How long is the campaign?

Softpedia reviewer Cosmin Vasile estimated roughly 20 hours for the campaign in a PS5 review published May 12, 2025. That is one reviewer’s estimate, not an official completion-time statistic; playtime will depend on how much time you spend exploring, fighting and managing equipment.

Who should play Empyreal?

• Consider it if you enjoy learning weapons with distinct styles, experimenting with loadouts and optimizing loot to prepare for future fights.
• Think carefully if repeated combat, equipment management, unclear guidance or hub navigation are likely to frustrate you.
• Look elsewhere if a deeply developed story, polished exploration or substantial narrative-driven character progression is central to what you want from an RPG.

These are judgments drawn from published reviews, not a first-hand playthrough. The sources establish platform listings, but do not provide a current comparison of performance, prices or edition contents; verify those details with the store for your platform before buying.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1

Empyreal Board Game | Strategy Game | Fantasy Train Network and Route Building Game for Adults and Kids | Ages 10+ | 2-6 Players | Average Playtime 20-120 Minutes | Made by Level 99 Games

$81.91

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