Learn the Secrets Beneath the Sand in Atlas Fallen 

Unearthing the Secrets of Atlas Fallen

Deck13 Interactive, the Frankfurt-based creators of Lords of the Fallen and Surge, are back with another masterpiece, Atlas Fallen. We had the opportunity to speak to Carsten Scheer, system designer at Deck13, and delve into the intricacies of Atlas Fallen and its awe-inspiring world.

Atlas Fallen is a high-octane action RPG set in a ravaged world of medieval-style combat that appears almost barren, but is full of monstrous threats. Its shifting sands can be summoned, shaped and controlled by a magical “gauntlet” that contains a mysterious entity. Scheer described the game as a haven for players who enjoy engaging with meticulously crafted worlds, dynamic, vertical combat, and crave customization in their playstyle. With up to 151 active and passive skills to experiment with, the game caters to a vast range of player preferences.

The omnipresent sand in Atlas Fallen has a profound impact on gameplay mechanics, influencing everything from the game’s lore to player abilities, character movement, and even the game’s creatures. This broken world is home to a diverse array of environments to captivate players’ imagination—sprawling deserts, collapsed underground caves, secluded forests, towering mountain ranges, and serene oases. There’s no shortage of breathtaking vistas for players to explore.

Deck13’s past success stories, Lord of the Fallen and the Surge series, have left a lasting imprint on the combat mechanics of Atlas Fallen. The combat is more dynamic, faster, and introduces an element of verticality unseen in its predecessors. The unique targeting and body-part system offers a nuanced strategic layer, while the introduction of “Essence Stones”—which bring the gauntlet wearer customizable skills—and a new momentum system promises to take the combat experience to a new high. The incredible flexibility of the Essence Stones allows for an astronomical number of skill combinations, presenting players with almost limitless ways to tailor their gameplay experience. Accompanied by quality-of-life features, such as instant loadout switching and quick quest toggling, Atlas Fallen’s gameplay achieves a great balance between complexity and user-friendly design.

Atlas Fallen runs on Deck13’s proprietary engine, Fledge, whose impressive capabilities have earned comparisons to Unreal Engine, a compliment that speaks volumes about the graphical fidelity achieved by the Atlas Fallen development team. Every inch of the game, from its fluid performance to its captivating visuals, is a testament to the prowess and dedication of the Deck13 team.

Developing Atlas Fallen wasn’t without its share of challenges, however. The introduction of the drop-in drop-out co-op mode was a daunting task for the team, but their relentless pursuit of innovation resulted in a robust, interactive gameplay experience. Scheer referenced the difficult balancing act required for the Essence Stones, ensuring each had its rightful place in the roster, without overpowering others or creating game-breaking combinations. Deck13’s commitment to performance optimization is clear in their focus on PC performance. The high-speed mobility, the multitude of enemies, and the quantity of visual effects, especially in co-op mode, necessitate a flawless, fluid gaming experience. Scheer recommends that players prioritize stable frames-per-second (fps) over high settings, emphasizing gameplay experience above all.

Atlas Fallen is not just a semi-open-world experience, it’s a journey. It beckons players to immerse themselves in the lore, take on combat challenges, and uncover the ancient secrets of a world reshaped by war. Whether you’re going solo, or teaming up with friends through the innovative drop-in drop-out co-op mode, Atlas Fallen is an adventure you can tailor to your preferences, promising an unforgettable journey through a world born of sand, and steeped in mystery.

Purchase Atlas Fallen on Steam.