Holdfast: Nations At War
IGDB
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About Holdfast: Nations At War
Holdfast: Nations At War is a multiplayer first/third-person shooter with RPG and strategy elements set across the Napoleonic Era and WW1. Developed by Anvil Game Studios, it launched in March 2020 on PC and next-gen consoles. The game blends combat with base-building and resource management, letting 150 players clash per server in large-scale battles. It’s an indie title aiming to merge action with simulation, though its focus on grinding systems and team coordination makes it a niche pick. The setting shifts between two historical periods, but the core loop revolves around capturing objectives and managing your faction’s progress. It’s not a traditional shooter, think more strategy-driven warfare with a side of gunplay.
Gameplay
Each session involves defending or attacking strategic points while managing your unit’s resources like health, ammo, and supplies. You’ll spend more time building defenses or repairing structures than just shooting. Objectives often require coordinating with teammates to push through enemy lines or hold ground under siege. The controls are standard for shooters, but the RPG layer adds skill trees and unit upgrades that take hours to unlock. Servers are crowded, which can lead to chaotic but rewarding firefights. Expect repetitive tasks like gathering materials or rebuilding after battles. While the combat feels dated compared to modern titles, the scale of 150-player matches and the strategy elements keep it from being purely monotonous.
What Players Think
Holdfast has a 73% positive rating on Steam and 82% from critics, but completion rates are low at 34%. Average playtime is 22 hours, with 41% of players reporting it’s “frustrating” and 37% “determined.” The game costs $19.99 and has 150 achievements, 68% of which require grinding base-building tasks. Reviewers note its “grindy but rewarding loop” but criticize inconsistent pacing. At #49 on Twitch, it’s a niche streamer favorite. Many players appreciate the historical setting and team dynamics, though complaints about outdated visuals and clunky UI recur. Community moods are split between camaraderie and irritation, with memes about “endless base repairs” circulating on Reddit.
PlayPile's Take
Holdfast: Nations At War is a love-it-or-tolerate-it experience. It’s best for players who enjoy strategy and MMO mechanics over pure action. The $19.99 price tag feels fair if you’re patient enough to unlock progress, but the grind-heavy gameplay might test your endurance. With 150 achievements and 22-hour average playtime, it’s a mid-length commitment for fans of hybrid genres. Skip if you want fast-paced shooters or polished visuals. Stick around if you’re into faction-based strategy and don’t mind repetitive tasks. It’s not great, but it’s a solid pick for specific tastes.
Game Modes
Multiplayer, Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO)
IGDB Rating
71.4
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