Witchspire has captivated my thoughts for the past seven months, a testament to its enchanting allure. Developed by Envar Studio, the creative minds behind memorable League of Legends splash arts such as Battle Academia Katarina and Project: Akali, this survival game stands out with its Sailor Moon-inspired anime trailer and Ghibli-esque visuals. Although I didn’t get the chance to experience it firsthand at Gamescom, it quickly became one of my highlights of the event—a surprising feat, considering my usual aversion to resource-gathering gameplay. Yet, the magic-infused world of Witchspire, paired with its charming companion creatures and a refreshing absence of tedious battery farming mechanics, has left me eagerly anticipating its demo release.
Gameplay and Features
Players are immersed in a captivating narrative, voiced by talents like Victoria Atkin from Assassin’s Creed Syndicate and Matthew Mercer from Critical Role. As a witch—an obvious hint from the title—you find yourself in a mysterious realm tasked with combating the corruption that threatens both the landscape and its endearing inhabitants. The initial gameplay follows familiar survival mechanics: crafting a workbench, upgrading weapons, and constructing a cozy abode, including a witch circle. While these elements are standard fare, Witchspire introduces a unique twist with its Familiars.
These companions, reminiscent of Palworld’s Pals and Nintendo’s Pokémon, accompany players on their journey, offering combat support and a delightful atmosphere. Choosing the Nightscribe Coven as my starting class, I partnered with Quol, a striking blue dragon-like creature that unleashes magical energy upon foes. Clad in a deep purple cloak that echoes Genshin Impact’s Mona, I ventured into the wild, driven by a desire to discover new Familiars.
Resource gathering is straightforward, aided by a magical sickle that effortlessly cuts down trees, yet the combat mechanics reveal some flaws early on. I found myself exploiting the AI’s quirks during higher-level encounters, which allowed me to secure the elusive Chirili fluff. However, during a climactic boss battle, the AI ceased its attacks altogether, leading to an unsatisfying victory given my underleveled status.
Despite these minor setbacks, Witchspire’s enchanting world compensates for the demo’s rough edges. Its gentle approach to survival—free from hunger and stamina meters—renders the experience more accessible and engaging. The theme of magic and wonder seamlessly intertwines with various gameplay mechanics, such as the Astral Projection system, which enables players to create a copy of themselves for strategic vantage points while building. This feature not only enhances gameplay accessibility but also immerses players in a high-fantasy atmosphere.
Witchspire’s worldbuilding shines through with lore drops that provide insight into the game’s universe, and pressing the Z key triggers voice lines that contextualize the unfolding action. This depth of storytelling is a rarity in survival games, making Witchspire a standout title. And who wouldn’t relish the opportunity to hear Matt Mercer’s voice on repeat?
Is Witchspire flawless? Certainly not. As Envar describes it, this is merely an “early look at the game.” However, what has been revealed is undeniably intriguing and well worth a few hours of exploration. The Witchspire demo is currently available on Steam, allowing players to experience the first island, Vyr’s Landing, with up to four friends. It’s an opportunity to dive into a magical world and perhaps add it to your wishlist for future adventures.
