GreedFall 2: The Dying World Review – Role-Playing on the Old Continent
Nacon's long-awaited prequel, GreedFall 2: The Dying World, has finally emerged from its troubled early access phase, launching in full on consoles and PC. This release marks a critical moment as the game strives to meet the high expectations set by its predecessor, all while navigating the challenges of its unique colonial fantasy setting.
The Rocky Road to Release
Launching games in early access on platforms like Steam presents a double-edged sword. On one hand, it fosters a dedicated community that can drive word-of-mouth sales upon full release and provides developers with invaluable free playtesting. On the other hand, it risks exposing players to a deeply flawed version of the game, potentially tarnishing first impressions for months or even years. GreedFall: The Dying World, initially titled GreedFall 2, entered early access in September 2024 and faced significant criticism. The original game was plagued by technical issues at launch, and the sequel endured similar scrutiny during its early access period, compounded by layoffs at developer Spiders. Double-A titles like GreedFall often lack the polish of bigger-budget games, making its final form a fascinating study in ambition versus execution.
A Rich and Evocative Setting
Like its predecessor, GreedFall 2 unfolds in a multi-polar colonial world, this time ravaged by a spreading plague. Players assume the role of heroes from the untouched island of Teer Fradee, whose ornate dress and spiritual ties to their ecosystem echo Native American cultures. They confront technologically advanced, musket-toting nations that invade their lands, establish mines, recklessly destroy wildlife, and derogatorily label the indigenous people as 'savages'. The setting blends historical realism with fantasy elements, featuring mythical beasts and magical abilities. An early boss fight against a rampaging nature golem sets the tone, alternating between combat and flight, showcasing the game's mix of limited open-world sections and linear exploration.
Dynamic Storytelling and Character Interactions
Conversations in GreedFall 2 range from straightforward to consequential, with words and deeds influencing reputation among party members and broader communities. The story frequently moves players between locations, with group membership shifting based on standing with teammates, affecting support levels and potential romantic subplots. A notable change is the use of Yecht Fradí, an invented language for the aboriginal people, adding authenticity but requiring constant attention to subtitles during navigation or tracking sequences.
Combat: A Clumsy System with Potential
Combat has undergone significant changes, not all for the better. The inclusion of three control approaches at the game's start hints at developer uncertainty. The result is a semi-real-time tactical system inspired by BioWare's early work but constrained by a lower budget. Players can control only their character in a Mass Effect-style action RPG or micromanage every party member with pause-time commands akin to Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic. While micromanagement is possible, it often prolongs battles without substantial benefit, except in occasional boss fights. The targeting system and attack triggers function adequately but lack necessity, especially since party members autonomously activate special moves. Compared to titles like Dragon Age: The Veilguard or Dragon's Dogma 2, the combat feels clumsy and lacks flair.
Stunning Environments and World-Building
Where GreedFall 2 excels is in its contrasting, architecturally distinctive environments. From the wilderness of Teer Fradee to diverse cities and villages, each area boasts a believable aesthetic and populace with unique beliefs, prejudices, and traditions. The game delivers first-rate world-building, with conversations that are admirably direct yet rich in lore, avoiding the info-dumping pitfalls seen in games like Avowed. Voice-acting is strong, and the script effectively conveys emotion and societal norms without excessive detail.
Quest Variety and Player Agency
The game's other major success lies in quests that can be completed in multiple ways. Depending on cultivated skills, players can use disguises, bribery, diplomacy, stealth, or lethal force to achieve objectives. This flexibility rewards exploration and experimentation, with lethal options offering catharsis after frustrating negotiations. Despite post-launch issues, GreedFall 2 maintains a clear sense of purpose and place, standing out among bland fantasy RPGs by embracing its historical tensions without sacrificing pacing or action.
Final Verdict
In summary, GreedFall 2: The Dying World is an atmospheric and evocative action role-player. Its rough edges and lacklustre combat are counterbalanced by compelling world-building, beautiful environments, and a profound sense of consequence. With consistent progression, meaningful skills, and quest variety, it offers an immersive experience for those willing to overlook its polish deficiencies.
- Pros: Consistent progression with meaningful upgrades, multiple quest completion methods, no major bugs, believable characters and lore.
- Cons: Battle system feels off, general lack of polish, non-linear areas are limited in size.
- Score: 7/10
- Formats: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
- Price: £49.99
- Publisher: Nacon
- Developer: Spiders
- Release Date: 12th March 2026
- Age Rating: 16
