Wartales: Starter Edition is the perfect entry point into the harsh medieval world of Wartales, a tactical open-world RPG developed by Shiro Games. The game puts players in control of a group of mercenaries searching for wealth, reputation, and survival across a dangerous land filled with conflicts, mysteries, and forgotten ruins.
The Starter Edition includes the base game along with additional content, giving new players a broader introduction to the world of mercenary life, exploration, and strategic combat.
What Is Wartales: Starter Edition?
Wartales: Starter Edition is a medieval open-world role-playing game where players lead a band of mercenaries trying to survive in a world affected by war, poverty, and political struggles.
Unlike traditional fantasy RPGs with powerful heroes, Wartales focuses on ordinary warriors who must earn every victory. Players manage their group, accept contracts, explore regions, gather resources, and make difficult decisions.
The game combines:
- Open-world exploration
- Turn-based tactical combat
- Party management
- Survival mechanics
- Crafting and professions
- Mercenary progression
- Medieval storytelling
Story and Setting
The story takes place in a low-fantasy medieval world where kingdoms struggle with instability and ordinary people fight to survive.
Players begin with a small group of mercenaries who travel across the land searching for opportunities. There is no traditional "chosen hero" storyline; instead, your company creates its own story through contracts, battles, discoveries, and unexpected events.
During your journey, you will:
- Explore abandoned settlements
- Discover ancient ruins
- Fight bandits and enemies
- Complete contracts
- Recruit new companions
- Build your reputation
Every decision shapes the future of your mercenary company.
Gameplay Features
1. Lead Your Own Mercenary Company
The heart of Wartales is managing your group of fighters.
Players can recruit companions with different:
- Classes
- Skills
- Weapons
- Professions
- Specializations
Your team can include:
- Swordsmen
- Archers
- Brutes
- Rangers
- Spearmen
- Other specialized fighters
Each companion develops based on your choices and playstyle.
2. Tactical Turn-Based Combat
Combat is one of the strongest elements of Wartales.
Battles require careful planning because positioning and strategy are extremely important.
Players must consider:
- Enemy positions
- Character abilities
- Weapon choices
- Team formation
- Terrain advantages
Winning is not only about having stronger characters; smart tactics can defeat stronger opponents.
3. Explore a Massive Medieval World
The world of Wartales is open and filled with locations to discover.
Players can explore:
- Villages
- Mines
- Tombs
- Ruins
- Camps
- Hidden areas
Exploration reveals:
- New quests
- Valuable resources
- Historical secrets
- Dangerous enemies
The world encourages players to create their own adventure.
4. Survival and Camp Management
Being a mercenary is not only about fighting.
Your group must survive by managing:
- Food supplies
- Wages
- Equipment
- Rest
- Resources
Every journey requires preparation. Running out of supplies can create serious problems for your company.
5. Crafting and Professions
Characters can develop different professions that help your group progress.
Professions allow you to:
- Create equipment
- Improve your camp
- Produce useful items
- Generate additional income
Building a successful company requires balancing combat skills with economic development.
6. Contracts and Reputation
Mercenaries earn money by accepting contracts.
You can:
- Protect towns
- Hunt criminals
- Defeat enemies
- Solve local problems
- Take dangerous missions
Your actions influence your reputation and how the world reacts to your company.
Additional Content in Starter Edition
The Starter Edition expands the base experience with additional content, including:
Wartales: The Skelmar Invasion
A major expansion that introduces a new conflict involving the Skelmars and their invasion of the region of Ormance.
Wartales: The Tavern Opens!
A management-focused expansion where players can create and develop their own tavern while continuing their mercenary adventures.
Graphics and Art Style
Wartales uses a realistic medieval art direction rather than a traditional high-fantasy style.
The game features:
- Detailed landscapes
- Medieval villages
- Dark environments
- Realistic equipment designs
- Atmospheric locations
The visual design supports the game's harsh survival theme.
Sound and Atmosphere
The soundtrack helps create a believable medieval world with:
- Atmospheric music
- Battle sounds
- Environmental effects
- Campfire moments
The overall atmosphere emphasizes survival, exploration, and adventure.
Beginner Tips for Wartales: Starter Edition
Manage Your Money Carefully
Your mercenaries need wages. Avoid recruiting too many characters too quickly.
Upgrade Equipment Regularly
Better weapons and armor greatly improve survival chances.
Use Positioning in Battles
A good strategy can be more valuable than stronger equipment.
Keep Food Supplies Available
Starvation can quickly damage your progress.
Explore Before Taking Difficult Contracts
Some areas contain enemies that can overwhelm an unprepared group.
Who Should Play Wartales: Starter Edition?
The game is ideal for players who enjoy:
✅ Tactical RPGs
✅ Medieval worlds
✅ Open-world exploration
✅ Strategic combat
✅ Party management
✅ Slow and rewarding progression
Fans of:
- Battle Brothers
- Mount & Blade
- Divinity: Original Sin
- XCOM
- Crusader Kings
may enjoy the experience.
Wartales: Starter Edition Review
Wartales: Starter Edition offers a deep medieval RPG experience built around strategy, survival, and player-created stories.
Its biggest strength is the freedom it gives players. Every mercenary, battle, and decision contributes to the story of your company.
Pros
✔ Excellent tactical combat
✔ Deep character progression
✔ Huge exploration opportunities
✔ Strong medieval atmosphere
✔ Meaningful resource management
Cons
✘ Slow learning curve
✘ Can feel difficult for new players
✘ Requires patience and planning
Instead of controlling a legendary warrior, you build your own legend from nothing one contract, one battle, and one decision at a time.
Rating: 8.8/10
If you enjoy tactical combat, medieval survival, and creating your own adventure, Wartales: Starter Edition is a journey worth taking.
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