What do you get when you mix a haunting dark fantasy world, punishing combat, and cats? You get Kristala, the upcoming indie soulslike from Astral Clocktower Studios—and it’s about to claw its way into Early Access on the Epic Games Store starting July 28. A playable demo is available now if you’re ready to test your reflexes and your nine lives.
Set in the mystical world of Ailur, Kristala casts players as an Anagativan—a feline warrior chosen to harness the elemental powers of the Sacred Six Kristals. As the “chosen Kristalan,” your journey involves battling grotesque curse-born monsters, navigating a broken land filled with mystery and danger, and proving your worth to unite all six clans.
Yes, it’s a grimdark world where magic reigns, prophecies whisper, and danger lurks in every shadow—but it just so happens that the would-be hero is a deadly, magically inclined cat.
Soulslike with Sharp Claws and Sharper Combat
Combat in Kristala takes its cues from games like Dark Souls and Sekiro, featuring a tight and punishing system where timing is everything. Light and heavy attacks, well-placed dodges, parries, aerial combos, and finishers all come into play. If you’re looking for a challenge with some fur on it, you’ll feel right at home.
Each Anagativan hails from one of six elemental clans, each with a unique flavor of magic. As you level up and progress, you’ll unlock spell perks, upgrade your combat abilities, and dig deep into the game’s branching skill trees—both magical and feline. There’s even a dedicated “Feline Skill Tree” to upgrade traversal and stealth abilities.
Customize Your Warrior Cat
Character customization is more than just cosmetic here. Choose your fur color, length, starting class, and elemental clan. Each decision not only affects how you look, but also how you play—whether you’re a magic-slinging long-range specialist, a stealthy rogue, or a close-combat powerhouse.
Ailur: A World as Mysterious as It Is Dangerous
The game’s story unfolds in the land of Ailur, a beautifully ruined world home to two dominant races: the feline Anagativans and their long-standing rivals, the rodent-like Kotans. Only Anagativans can harness the ancient power of the Kristals, but wielding that power comes at a cost.
Expect lore-heavy exploration filled with cursed ruins, ancient civilizations, and secrets hidden beneath the surface. The narrative doesn’t just serve as window dressing—it’s central to your progression and choices throughout your journey.
Kristala launches in Early Access on the Epic Games Store July 28, and a free demo is available right now for those who want to get a head start. Whether you’re in it for the deep narrative, brutal combat, or just want to play as a highly customizable magic-wielding cat warrior, Kristala might be one to watch.
Make sure to wishlist it and stay tuned for future content updates as the world of Ailur continues to evolve.