Open world survival RPG Kenshi has long been recognized for its unforgiving nature, particularly during the initial stages of gameplay. As noted by our reviewer in 2018, the challenges can be daunting: “basic survival plans can be easily derailed by a city guard who plants drugs on you then demands money you don’t have, or by finding yourself deep in a region inhabited by vicious alien giraffes.” This harsh reality is precisely what contributes to the game’s allure; players are not cast as legendary heroes on a predetermined path to glory, but rather as ordinary individuals navigating a complex and often brutal world.
Exploring the Narrative of Kenshi
The essence of Kenshi lies in its relatability. The game’s creator, Natalie Hunt, expresses a clear disdain for the archetype of the “chosen one.” In a recent video, Hunt articulated their perspective: “I hate being ‘the chosen one.’ How relatable is that, being the chosen one? Stories are supposed to be relatable, right? They can be power fantasies and stuff, but I know being the chosen one is just stupid. I also don’t want to be a king or a noble or a superhero. I want to see a story about a regular person who struggles.”
While details about the highly anticipated Kenshi 2 remain sparse, Hunt has confirmed that the sequel will take place in the same universe, but set “1,000 years before Kenshi 1.” This temporal leap promises to enrich the lore of the series. Additionally, players can expect a map that is approximately 50% larger than its predecessor, which already boasted an expansive 870 square kilometers of terrain to explore.
Moreover, Kenshi 2 will introduce “a lot of completely new factions” that are “completely unique to the world of Kenshi,” further expanding the game’s intricate tapestry of societies and cultures. While there is currently no release date or window for the sequel, now may be an opportune moment to dive into the original title, especially with Kenshi currently available at a 70% discount on Steam.
