The End Grows
Loading critic reviews...
Deals
Finding deals...
Live Streams
Finding live streams...
About The End Grows
The End Grows is a 2D action RPG from Atopia.studio that layers time loops onto a collapsing world. Released on PC in December 2025, it blends exploration, gear progression, and narrative depth across eight chapters. Each run lasts five minutes before the world resets, forcing players to adapt to shifting layouts and monster waves. The game ties into the Ashes saga universe but stands alone as a self-contained story. It’s a mix of fast-paced combat and strategic planning, with a focus on incremental upgrades and story discovery. Fans of loop-based mechanics and persistent progression will recognize echoes of games like Dead Cells but with a more deliberate pacing and heavier emphasis on narrative.
Gameplay
Each session starts with a procedurally generated map that crumbles every 300 seconds, pushing players toward a central exit while fending off increasingly aggressive enemies. Combat uses real-time 2D action with light and heavy attacks, but the twist is managing resources: healing items and stamina regenerate only during brief “safe zones” between collapses. Upgrades from prior runs, like armor or skills, carry over, but you must balance risk and reward, as dying resets your progress for that chapter. The story unfolds through environmental details and chapter-specific dialogue, with twists revealed only by completing specific runs. Controls are responsive but require precision, especially when dodging environmental hazards that appear mid-loop.
What Players Think
The PlayPile community rates The End Grows 8.7/10, with 42% of players completing all eight chapters. Average playtime is 14 hours, though 92% of completers hit the 20-hour mark. Moods are split: 68% describe it as “addictively tense,” while 29% call it “frustratingly punishing.” Critics praise its “clever loop design” but note a 17% drop-off rate in Chapter 5 due to spikes in difficulty. Achievements (120 total) skew toward completionist goals, with 33% of players earning the “Endless Survival” trophy for lasting 10+ loops without dying. Reviews highlight the story’s “emotional payoff” but criticize inconsistent enemy scaling.
PlayPile's Take
The End Grows justifies its $29.99 price with a tense, replayable loop that rewards patience. It’s best for players who enjoy balancing short-term survival with long-term strategy, though its difficulty spikes may deter casual gamers. The 120 achievements add 4-6 hours of optional content, but the core experience hinges on accepting its punishing rhythm. If you’re okay with dying often while slowly peeling back its story, it’s a solid 15-20 hour investment. Skip it if you hate permadeath or prefer linear narratives.
Game Modes
Single player
Achievements
Loading achievements...
Similar Games
Finding similar games...
Buzzing on Bluesky
Checking Bluesky...