I have a deep-seated affection for medieval games. Just hand me a sword and encase me in a hefty set of plate armor, and I could easily lose myself for hours. This fascination stems from childhood adventures exploring British castles with my family and evenings spent captivated by fantasy novels. Recently, I’ve been engrossed in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, but a new contender, Renown, is vying for my attention.
Survival Meets Strategy
Renown introduces a survival twist to the classic medieval genre, inviting players into expansive servers that accommodate up to 100 participants. Starting from modest beginnings, players have the opportunity to construct castles, develop siege engines for assaults, and forge alliances to expand their territory. While the castle-building aspect is particularly thrilling, the game offers much more beyond fortifications.
At its core, Renown emphasizes hand-to-hand combat. Players will find themselves engaged in various forms of conflict—whether it’s a one-on-one duel in the early game, teaming up to confront a formidable bear mid-game, or participating in large-scale battles later on. Your weapon of choice will likely be a trusty sword, axe, or polearm as you navigate these encounters.
Crafting is another crucial element of gameplay. Players must build every camp and piece of gear from scratch, making it essential to master the basics before attempting to scale the walls of a castle or engage in other ambitious endeavors.
Successfully funded through Kickstarter in May 2024, Renown has already hosted several community playtests, generating considerable excitement. Given the buzz surrounding this medieval survival game, there’s hope that the early access period will meet the high expectations set by its enthusiastic community. While KCD2 currently reigns supreme in my gaming heart, I can’t help but wonder if this multiplayer experience has the potential to claim the crown.
Renown launches in early access on Steam today. You can download it here.
If this sparks your interest in conflict, be sure to explore our curated list of the best multiplayer games. Additionally, investing in a quality gaming monitor will enhance your experience, allowing you to appreciate every detail of that polished breastplate.
Are you planning to dive into Renown? Join the conversation on our community Discord server, where readers and staff share axe-throwing techniques and discuss the latest in gaming news.
