Eternal Strands Review & Gameplay Guide: A Bold New Action RPG

Since its announcement, Eternal Strands has generated significant anticipation, especially among fans of Shadow of the Colossus, Dragon’s Dogma, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Featuring gameplay centered on climbing, elemental combat, and a world filled with colossal creatures, this Yellow Brick Games title aims to redefine the ARPG genre.

But does it truly meet expectations? Is it the spiritual successor to legendary games, or a promise that falls short? Below, we detail everything you need to know about its gameplay, mechanics, story, and comparisons to other genre-defining titles.

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Eternal Strands: Release Date & Platforms

Eternal Strands is now available as of January 28, 2025, on the following platforms:

• PlayStation 5
• Xbox Series X|S
• PC (Steam, Game Pass day one availability)

Currently, there is no confirmed version for Nintendo Switch, though rumors suggest a possible future release for an upgraded Nintendo console.

For players considering their platform options, the game runs best on high-end PCs and next-gen consoles, ensuring smoother gameplay and enhanced visuals compared to older hardware.

Eternal Strands Gameplay

Exploration & Open-World Design

Unlike traditional open-world games, Eternal Strands adopts a semi-open world structure, where large, interconnected maps serve as dynamic playgrounds for exploration and combat. This approach ensures each region is densely packed with meaningful interactions, avoiding the filler content seen in some open-world games.

• Climbing Mechanics: Much like Breath of the Wild, players can climb nearly any surface, adding a layer of verticality to exploration.
• Environmental Challenges: Weather conditions, such as ice blocking paths or fire altering terrain, require adaptive strategies to traverse the world.
• Unique Regions: Each map features distinct biomes, from frozen tundras to lava-ridden valleys, ensuring a varied experience.

How It Stacks Up to Other Games

• The Legend of Zelda: BOTW/TOTK: Offers a similar physics-driven exploration system.
• Shadow of the Colossus: Encounters with massive enemies require climbing and strategic attacks.
• Monster Hunter: Features mission-based progression with large-scale enemy battles.

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Combat System: Magic, Melee, and Environmental Tactics

The combat in Eternal Strands stands out due to its emphasis on elemental interactions and improvisation. Players can combine different forms of magic with melee combat to create devastating combos.

Elemental & Magic Abilities

• Ice Magic: Freezes enemies, creates bridges, and can be used to weaken armored foes.
• Fire Magic: Burns objects and enemies over time, destroys barriers, and triggers environmental hazards.
• Telekinesis: Allows players to manipulate objects and enemies, adding creative ways to handle fights.

Unlike other RPGs where magic is just another attack type, Eternal Strands integrates magic into exploration and puzzle-solving, making abilities feel essential beyond just combat.

Colossal Boss Battles & Strategic Encounters

The highlight of Eternal Strands is its nine massive bosses (“Great Foes”), which are reminiscent of Shadow of the Colossus in both design and mechanics.

• Climbing Mechanics: Players must physically scale these creatures to attack their weak points.
• Unique Weaknesses: Each boss requires a different strategy, leveraging the environment and magic.
• Persistent Encounters: These bosses roam the maps, creating emergent battles that feel dynamic and unpredictable.

Final Words

Eternal Strands delivers a unique take on the action RPG genre, blending creative exploration, dynamic combat, and immersive world-building. While not without flaws, its bold ideas make it a standout title in early 2025. Are you ready to take on the challenge?

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Eternal Strands FAQs

Is Eternal Strands available on Game Pass?

Yes, Eternal Strands is available on Xbox Game Pass from launch day, meaning players with an active Game Pass subscription can play the game without an additional purchase. This makes it highly accessible for Xbox and PC players who want to try the game at no extra cost.

How much does Eternal Strands cost?

The standard edition of Eternal Strands is priced at $40 USD across all available platforms. This makes it a moderately priced action RPG compared to other big-budget releases, providing great value for those looking for an immersive and innovative gaming experience.

Does Eternal Strands have multiplayer or co-op modes?

No, Eternal Strands is strictly a single-player experience. The game is designed to focus on immersive storytelling, deep exploration, and strategic combat without any online or multiplayer elements. Players will embark on their adventure as Brynn, navigating a world filled with challenges, but without the inclusion of co-op or competitive modes.

Is Eternal Strands available on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S?

Yes, Eternal Strands is available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, providing an optimized experience on both consoles. Players can expect enhanced visuals, smoother frame rates, and faster load times compared to older hardware, making next-gen consoles the ideal platforms for experiencing the game.

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