Forspoken: Release Date, Story, Gameplay & More

Here's everything you need to know about Forspoken, including the release date and details on the story and gameplay. When the game got its first teaser a while ago, many of us were excited about it, despite not knowing much. At this point in time, we've got a lot more info, so let's check out everything important on Forspoken.

Forspoken Release Date
Forspoken: Release date, story, gameplay details and everything else you need to know. | © Square Enix

When Forspoken was introduced as Project Athia back in the day, people were both excited and confused. The graphics looked mindblowingly good, rivaling even those of The Last of Us Part II. On the other hand, the teaser trailer revealed next to nothing, and we were left with more questions than answers.

These questions were supposed to be answered in May 2022. Unfortunately, the release of Project Athia, now officially titled Forspoken, was pushed back, and we still can't play the game... yet. The game is coming out soon in January, so we're getting ready to finally see what Forspoken is actually about. Here's everything you need to know about Forspoken.

Forspoken Release Date & Platforms

Forspoken will now officially be released on January 24, 2023. The game will come out on PC and PS5 and can be pre-loaded until close to the release date. You should check the Forspoken PC system requirements before getting the game there, they are quite something!

If you want to beef up your PC, you should have a look here

Forspoken Story – Alice in Wonderland

Forspoken's story is still a bit of a mystery, but the premise is pretty clear. The main protagonist is called Frey, a young girl from New York who somehow got transported into a magical land called Athia (hence the original name of the game) thanks to a magical cuff.

In the process, she receives magical powers herself (you can learn over 100 spells, which is pretty freaking cool. Reminds me of Skyrim, actually).

Forspoken is one of many exciting games coming out this year

In Athia, almost everyone is hostile and those who are not (for example, villagers) are controlled by Matriarchs, powerful mages that will probably make your life a living hell. All through that, you try to find your way back home, but can't really do that unless you save the world first. Typical hero stuff, you know how it goes.

Through the various trailers that we've gotten over the last months, we know that the world of Forspoken will feature both grasslands and a desert area with villages scattered around the map. I like the contrast between grassland and desert a lot. But you also see that in every game, so let's hope for a little bit more creativity.

Forspoken square enix
The graphics still look pretty good. | © Square Enix

Forspoken Gameplay – Yer a Wizard, Frey

Forspoken is an open-world action RPG with parkour features that reels you in with its cool-looking combat system and graphics. The movement in particular seems to be something that fans will love. I mean... dashing around is always cool. However, Frey also has a lasso with which she can pull herself up on cliffs. Almost like Aloy in Horizon.

Keep in mind, though, that you can't just do all of that for free (because nothing is ever free, even in video games. Sadge). You have a stamina bar that will deplete eventually if you don't keep an eye on it. Stamina is also used during combat, so don't use all these abilities first and then rush into a boss fight. Bad idea.

Apart from fighting and running around freely, you have the typical open-world things that you can do in Forspoken, that being:

  • collect and craft materials like flowers or crystals
  • collect mana points to learn new spells
  • rest and craft in your base
  • main and side quests
  • find and open chests with loot
  • boss fights all around the world á la Elden Ring (just less hard, big F U to Malenia)

Every good open world game needs a companion, whether that's an animal companion or a party you travel with. In Forspoken's case, it's a talking bracelet. I know... wtf. Then again, you did see that one trailer they released for Forspoken right? This game has been a meme from the start.

Forspoken Playtime

In an interview with 3DJuegos, Forspoken co-director Takeshi Terada revealed that playing through Forspoken will take approximately 30-40 hours. However, those hours are meant mainly for the main mission. You can see more details on the Forspoken playtime here.

Forspoken Trailer

Forspoken was first announced at The Game Awards 2021. It's received multiple trailers so far and just a week ahead of launch we got a really cool launch trailer as well. Check it out below.

Michelle Stummreiter

Michelle was the Head of Content at EarlyGame. Her favorite games are League of Legends and the Dragon Age series....