Steam Drops 'Exceptional' Free Taster For One Of 2026's Most Underrated RPGs

Steam Next Fest is drawing to a close, so it’s time to assess the event’s greatest successes - and PRELUDE Dark Pain is most definitely among them.

Developed by QUICKFIREGAMES and published by Firesquid, this lesser-known tactical RPG has impressed players, accruing an 83% ‘Very Positive’ rating, correct at the time of writing.

PRELUDE Dark Pain is set within a dark fantasy world and sees players step into the shoes of a blacksmith by the name of Soren.

It’s up to Soren to lead an uprising against the Order of the Ashen Crusade in a “world ravaged by war”.

Boasting a unique art style and thrilling real-time tactical combat encounters, PRELUDE Dark Pain isn’t your average RPG, most definitely standing out from the crowd.

Players will assemble a team with PRELUDE Dark Pain offering more than 20 playable heroes, each with two talent branches and a pool of 25 skills.

You’ll need five heroes in a team with there being eight different class types including the likes of assassin, ranged DPS, magic support, and more.

You can then, perhaps, see how varied PRELUDE Dark Pain might feel depending on your choices and approach.

The turn-based skirmishes are played across a grid. Succeed in battle and you will, of course, be able to upgrade your team - which includes unlocking powerful new loot.

Firesquid

Devs note that PRELUDE Dark Pain tasks you with utilising the environment around you in battle.

“From using higher ground to increase your attack, to navigating moving environments. Consider your surroundings and use the battlefield to your advantage,” they note.

Each mission also boasts a special challenge. Utilise a certain mechanic and your efforts will pay off.

Outside of battle, PRELUDE Dark Pain allows you to manage a base, take on side quests across the game’s map, and engage in raids.

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The game’s recent demo offered players one hour’s access to the game which included both the prologue and one of PRELUDE Dark Pain’s opening battles.

Four playable heroes were included: Soren, Tammais, Tizón, and Maya.

The Full Version Of PRELUDE Dark Pain Launches Later In 2026

As mentioned, that 83% rating speaks for itself with one player even referring to the RPG as “exceptional”.

“Exceptional demo,” they began. “The art style, the tactics and tension of battle, the characters and their skill balance. The level design, while overall simple at first, presenting a well-designed, extensive climactic fight at the end. I'm sold.”

“It really surprised me. The dark atmosphere is great, and the gameplay is smooth and very enjoyable. Highly recommended,” another added.

Someone remarked, “Wow, great story and fantastic turn based action. The artistic style of this is something we all need. I cannot wait for this to come out! Excellent job.”

PRELUDE Dark Pain hasn’t settled on a precise release date yet, but we know that it’s coming to PC in Q3 of this year, so we’re talking July to September.

Judging by the response to the demo, it’s definitely one to keep an eye on.

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