tactical role-playing game
The Banner Saga
By Stoic, released 1 Jan 2014
- Linux
- Microsoft Windows
- macOS
What it is
The Banner Saga is a tactical role-playing game from Stoic, released in 2014. It follows a caravan crossing a harsh, frozen landscape as a new threat endangers an entire civilization. The story responds to choices made during travel, conversations and combat, so decisions shape the journey and its outcome. Players build and manage the caravan while choosing allies and deciding which characters to bring into battle.
The game offers more than 25 playable human and varl characters across seven classes, each with distinct abilities and upgrade options. Combat is strategic, and defeat or later decisions can mean losing a character permanently. The game is single-player and includes an editor for creating levels, captions, Steam Cloud, achievements and full controller support. It is available for Linux, Windows and macOS. Stoic developed and published it as Stoic Studio; its Steam genres include indie, RPG and strategy.
What players like, and what they don't
- Choices affect travel, conversations and combat outcomes.
- More than 25 playable characters across seven classes.
- Caravan management is part of the journey.
- Includes a level editor and full controller support.
- Single-player only.
- Combat choices can lead to permanent character loss.
Who it suits
It suits players who want a choice-led tactical RPG with caravan management and consequential battles. Its single-player format and level editor may also appeal to solo players interested in making levels.
The Banner Saga combines tactical battles, a managed caravan and a story shaped by player decisions. Its lasting character losses make battle choices matter beyond the immediate encounter.
