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Knights of Fresco is a party-building RPG with auto-battling combat set in a world where medieval paintings come to life. Developed by Sad Socket and released on December 31, 2026, it blends open-world exploration with strategic squad management. You lead a band of knights against beastly creatures emerging from artwork, balancing resource gathering, base building, and combat. The PC-exclusive single-player game leans into whimsical medieval aesthetics, with battles stylized after historic war scenes. At its heart, it’s about assembling the right team and outmaneuvering foes that shift between fantasy and art history.
The core loop revolves around managing a team of knights in real-time. You explore a map collecting materials, commission new fighters from local guilds, and upgrade their gear. Combat is fully automated but requires pre-battle setup, positioning characters, assigning roles, and adjusting abilities. Each knight has unique strengths, and battles often hinge on exploiting enemy weaknesses tied to their painting origins. Between fights, you oversee base construction and trade networks, which unlock new recruitment options. Sessions feel varied but can drag during repetitive resource gathering. The auto-battle system keeps things accessible, though micromanaging unit positions adds depth.
PlayPile community ratings average 4.3/5, with 78% of players completing the main story in an average of 24 hours. Completion rates drop sharply at 12 hours, suggesting pacing issues in the mid-game. Community moods are split: 45% call it “Creative and rewarding,” while 30% gripe about “Too much grinding.” Critics praise the art direction (92% positive) but note combat repetition. 62% of players unlocked all 150 achievements, with “Knight Academy” and “Fresco Master” being the most skipped. Reviews highlight the charm of recruiting quirky knights but warn the economic systems can feel punitive.
Knights of Fresco is a niche pick for fans of slow-burn strategy RPGs. At $39.99, it offers decent value if you enjoy building parties and experimenting with combat synergies. The 12-hour slump and occasional grind might frustrate casual players, but dedicated strategists will appreciate the depth. With 150 achievements and a 78% completion rate, it’s a game that rewards patience over speed. Skip if you crave fast-paced action, but stick with it if you like methodically optimizing squads.
Game Modes
Single player
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