Chivalry: Medieval Warfare

About Chivalry: Medieval Warfare

Torn Banner Studios released Chivalry: Medieval Warfare back in October 2012 on PC and consoles like PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. You drop your guns and grenades to grab a battle axe or sword instead. This indie title focuses entirely on melee combat within chaotic medieval settings. The game supports multiplayer and co-op modes across several platforms including Linux and Mac. It promises open-field combat where every swing matters. Players must master blocks and counters while navigating environments ranging from peasant villages to castle sieges. The developers built this system to feel tactical despite the constant chaos. You fight for personal honor or team glory in large scale battles that reject modern ranged warfare for pure, messy swordplay.

Gameplay

You run around a map swinging weapons until someone hits back. Combat relies on timing your strikes and blocking incoming attacks rather than holding down a button. The game features different classes with specific weapon types like heavy maces or fast daggers. You can mount horses or use siege engines to breach castle walls during objective-based matches. A typical session involves charging into a crowd of enemies, missing half your swings, then getting overwhelmed by three opponents at once. Co-op modes let you defend positions against waves of attackers while managing limited health. The controls feel weighty and deliberate because every parry determines if you live or die. You spend most minutes trying to corner a player who is blocking while you spam their guard until it breaks.

What Players Think

Critics on IGDB rated the game 70.8 out of 100 based on 148 user ratings. The PlayPile data shows an average completion rate that suggests many people try the multiplayer but quit before finishing the story content. Players report a total playtime averaging around 25 hours for those who engage with all modes. Community moods often reflect the chaotic nature of the combat, with users describing sessions as loud and frantic. The game features 49 achievements with an average unlock rate of only 8%. The rarest achievement is "Let it rain" which only 1.40% of players have unlocked. Review snippets frequently mention the fun factor despite technical hiccups found at launch. Prices on Humble Store dropped to a low of $4.99, making it accessible for new fans who missed the initial hype.

PlayPile's Take

This game works best if you want chaotic melee combat without worrying about complex storylines. The $4.99 price point makes it a cheap way to test your skills against real opponents. You will likely struggle with the "Let it rain" achievement since only one in seventy players get it. The 49 total achievements offer some long-term goals but feel grindy for solo players. Players who enjoy team coordination and large scale battles will find value here. Those expecting a polished single-player campaign might be disappointed by the focus on multiplayer matches. The game shines during peak hours when you can join full servers. It is not perfect, but it delivers exactly what it promises in terms of chaotic sword fighting.

Storyline

Prepare to fight in a variety of inspired medieval environments and scenarios. Raid peasant villages, burn crops, siege castles, defend the royal family, or fight to the last man in a gladiatorial arena. Multiple modes provide opportunities to fight as a team for the greater glory of the realm, or for personal honor in duels to the death.