Beaten Path

About Beaten Path

Beaten Path is a turn-based tactical RPG from Peacebreak Studio, released on December 31 2026 for PC. It follows Panna a mage navigating a fractured world with her student uncovering secrets from a past war through exploration and combat. The game blends strategic grid-based battles with a narrative about memory and identity. Players manage abilities positioning and resource allocation across missions while piecing together fragmented lore. Its single-player focus and emphasis on tactical depth set it apart in the indie RPG space.

Gameplay

Combat unfolds on hex-based grids requiring careful planning of movement and abilities. Each mission forces players to balance offensive spells defensive positioning and limited resource management. Panna’s unique skill tree lets her adapt to threats dynamically but progression feels incremental. Missions often involve clearing enemy camps or defending objectives with environmental hazards adding tension. The story integrates with gameplay through memory fragments that occasionally alter mission layouts or enemy behavior. Controls are responsive but the lack of autosave during combat may frustrate. Sessions typically last 30, 60 minutes with a mix of exploration and tactical problem-solving.

What Players Think

Community rating is 82% with critics averaging 7.8/10. Players report an average playtime of 18 hours and 42% completion rate for main story. Moods are split: 38% curious 25% methodical and 20% frustrated. Reviews highlight “strategic depth in enemy AI” but criticize “repetitive encounter design.” Achievement completion stands at 68% with 32 total trophies. Some praise the lore’s “layered mystery” while others call the pacing “uneven.” A Steam user noted “memorable boss mechanics” but lamented “slow early-game progression.”

PlayPile's Take

Priced at $39.99 Beaten Path rewards patience with its tactical systems and narrative ambition. It’s best for fans of methodical turn-based combat and story-driven RPGs. The 32 achievements offer decent replay value but some missions feel overly grindy. While not perfect its blend of strategy and mystery makes it a solid 8/10. Skip if you prefer fast-paced action but give it a shot if you enjoy figuring out lore through gameplay.

Storyline

As Panna retraces her forgotten steps, clues to a forgotten war and her role in it begin to surface. The truth is hidden in ruined machines, old allies, and looping memories—waiting to be pieced together.