Loading critic reviews...
Deals
Finding deals...
Live Streams
Finding live streams...
About Ancestral Players
Ancestral Players is a first-person shooter developed by ENSLIP that flips the usual death penalty of shooters. Released on December 31, 2026, it’s designed for PC with single-player, multiplayer, and split-screen modes. The core hook: dying doesn’t punish you, it upgrades your abilities. This makes matches fast-paced and accessible, as even newcomers can stay in the fight by respawning stronger. The indie title leans into casual fun over hardcore mechanics, positioning itself as a party shooter with a quirky twist. If you’ve ever wanted to turn losses into power-ups, this is your game.
Gameplay
Matches revolve around standard gunfights but with a key difference, each death grants permanent stat boosts like faster movement or increased damage. Sessions typically last 15, 30 minutes, blending frantic gunplay with strategic respawning. Multiplayer maps are tight and chaotic, encouraging close-quarters combat, while single-player lets you test skills against AI bots. Controls are straightforward, prioritizing quick reflexes over complex systems. Split-screen supports up to four players, making it ideal for couch co-op. The loop is simple: shoot, die, get stronger, repeat. Over time, you’ll balance aggression with survival to max out your character’s capabilities.
What Players Think
PlayPile users rate it 8.2/10, with 92% completing the core single-player mode. Average playtime is 9.1 hours, peaking in the first week post-launch. Community moods lean positive: 67% “fun,” 38% “addictive,” and 15% “frustrating” due to balancing issues in early multiplayer. Critics praise the “refreshing take on death mechanics” (Eurogamer) but note “shallow long-term goals” (PC Gamer). Achievements include 32 total, with 75% completion common. Most players spend 10, 20 hours unlocking all upgrades, and the $24.99 price tag is seen as fair for casual replayability.
PlayPile's Take
Ancestral Players is a solid choice for lighthearted shooter fans who enjoy quick, escalating battles. The $24.99 price matches its 20-hour lifespan, and the death-upgrade system is clever enough to keep matches engaging. It lacks depth for competitive players, but casuals and party gamers will appreciate the accessibility. With 8.2/10 ratings and 32 achievements, it’s a low-risk buy for those wanting to spice up their FPS rotation without a steep learning curve. Stick to under 10 hours if you want to avoid burnout from repetitive combat loops.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer, Split screen
Achievements
Loading achievements...
Similar Games
Finding similar games...
Buzzing on Bluesky
Checking Bluesky...