‘If you’re skilful enough, you can chop the head off a monster, kick it midair, and then kill another monster with it’: Consider me sold on this indie first-person ARPG
Heathen is an upcoming first-person action RPG developed by solo developer Christopher Yabsley, reimagining the Diablo-style dungeon crawler formula from a first-person perspective. Set in the fantasy town of Saltgrave, the game sends players into a vast subterranean labyrinth to seek fortune and glory while confronting an ancient horror in what is described as a “descent into madness.”
The game’s standout feature is its innovative combat mechanic: players can sever enemy heads and use them as projectile weapons to defeat other monsters. This creative design—volleying severed heads through the air to kill additional enemies—has garnered significant attention, with the recent trailer showcasing this visceral and inventive approach to melee combat. The mechanic exemplifies the game’s approach of turning defeated enemies into tools for further progression.
Combining the frantic monster-bashing and loot-hoarding gameplay of classic dungeon crawlers with the immersive perspective of first-person games, Heathen offers a fresh take on the beloved genre. The solo-developed title is coming to Steam, promising a dark and atmospheric journey through its labyrinthine setting.