Ys X: Proud Nordics

About

Ys X: Proud Nordics is a top-down action RPG from Nihon Falcom that follows Adol and Karja as they explore the icy expanse of Aland Island. Battle immortal Griegr creatures while uncovering ancient ruins and piecing together the island's secrets. A new story arc introduces siblings Canute and Astrid, whose motives remain murky. The game adds a time-trial dungeon called Muspelheim where speed and efficiency determine success. Combat retains the series' fast-paced loop of dodging, locking on, and chaining attacks. The game's standout features include streamlined combat mechanics and inventory management overhauls that ease long stretches of dungeon crawling. Muspelheim's timed challenges have become a fan talking point, with early builds showing steep difficulty curves. While the new story doesn't reinvent the Ys formula, it expands the world with atmospheric northern themes and fresh character dynamics. The 2025 release date slots it between major entries in the franchise, making it a solid choice for returning players.

Storyline

Aland Island is a massive island located to the north of Obelia Gulf. In the midst of battling the immortal creatures known as Griegr, the red-haired adventurer Adol and the pirate princess Karja visit the island and encounter countless ruins on its unexplored lands. What happened on this island…?