HypeTrain Digital and Ink Stain Games have a new hardcore RPG in the works set to enter into Early Access starting February 6th called Stoneshard. This game is quite unlike a lot of other titles out there, insofar that it features open-world turn-based combat with no separate battle screens, and a large focus of the gameplay is on treating wounds in different ways in order to survive in the harsh and unforgiving medieval fantasy world.

The game sees players creating a hardened mercenary to brave an even harder world. There are no shortcuts in Stoneshard, and the main goal is to be able to achieve fame and fortune where others have duly failed.

You’ll start by taking on simple missions to subdue bandits and raiders, violent vagrants, and pillagers. While that seems simple, you’ll have to deal with wounds in a number of ways, as well as attempting to prevent your character from becoming ill due to infection and spread of disease.

There’s an entire meta-game centered around gathering supplies in order to treat wounds; finding herbalists and healers to bolster your immune system and to quell the pain by dousing your pain in alcohol.

I really like the concept here where you’ll only be able to survive by finding ways to actually survive mortal wounds.

The turn-based open-world combat system is also a unique approach to fighting foes. I’m not entirely sold on the combat animations, but I do like the concept.

To help further separate it from other RPGs, Stoneshard doesn’t restrict your abilities or equipment to classes. You can use whatever you can actually use. So it encourages gamers to experiment with different builds for different scenarios.

You may find yourself relying more on enchanted equipment and projectile attacks while scouring a dungeon, or relying more on dual-wielding axes while taking on a couple of ruffians in the forest.

The way the game is designed, there will never be that moment of insouciance you’re accustomed to embracing in other games where you get strong enough not to care about the dangers of the game’s world.

If Stoneshard seems like an interesting game to you, feel free to learn more about it by visiting the Steam store page to keep informed about the Early Access release set to take place on February 6th.