Pyre
Metacritic
IGDB
Loading critic reviews...
Finding live streams...
About Pyre
Supergiant Games released Pyre on July 25, 2017, for PlayStation 4, PC, Linux, and Mac. This title blends adventure and role-playing elements with a visual novel structure. You play as the Reader, a literate exile sent to the lawless Downside. Your job involves leading a party of misfits through this wasteland while competing in supernatural sports matches called Rites. The goal is simple yet complex. You must guide your team to victory in these contests to earn freedom for your companions. The game challenges you to manage relationships and make difficult choices while navigating a unique world filled with strange rules and ancient lore.
Gameplay
Sessions alternate between narrative chapters where you discuss party composition and strategic decisions, followed by fast-paced Rites matches. During the story parts, you choose which characters join your team based on their skills and your dialogue choices. The actual gameplay shifts to a three-on-three basketball-style contest set in a dark arena with floating islands. You control one character at a time, moving them around the field to catch an orb while fending off opponents. Success depends on managing stamina and positioning rather than reflexes alone. Winning a Rite advances your story and frees a prisoner. Losing forces you to keep trying until you secure the victory needed to progress further into the wasteland.
What Players Think
Players and critics have responded strongly to this hybrid experience. Metacritic scores sit at 84, while IGDB rates it an 83.8 out of 100 based on 146 ratings. The community moods lean heavily toward appreciation for the writing and atmosphere. Average playtime hovers around 12 hours for a standard run, though completionists spend much longer unlocking all secrets. Community reviews frequently praise the emotional depth and the way story intersects with gameplay mechanics. Some users note that the Rite matches require patience to master. The game holds a high completion rate among those who stick with it past the initial tutorial. People often cite the voice acting as a major highlight in their feedback threads.
PlayPile's Take
This game is worth your time if you enjoy narrative-driven RPGs with unconventional combat systems. At its current price point, it offers roughly 12 hours of content before you see all the endings. There are achievements tied to specific story outcomes and rare match wins that add replay value. The writing stands out as a major strength even if the sports mechanics feel niche. You will not find another game mixing these elements so seamlessly. Supergiant delivers a complete package without any microtransactions or filler content. Buy it if you want a short but memorable experience with high replayability potential.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer
IGDB Rating
83.8
RAWG Rating
4.2
Deals
Finding deals...
Videos
4E3 2016 Trailer
Trailer
Reveal Trailer
Screenshots
8Achievements
Loading achievements...
Similar Games
Finding similar games...
Buzzing on Bluesky
Checking Bluesky...