Regions of Ruin: Runegate is an adventure RPG where you have to explore different worlds and gather resources to build a settlement. Basically, you play as a dwarf, and your settlement has been destroyed. Some of your kin have also been captured by slavers. So, you need to rescue them and also provide a safe place for them. For more information you can check out its Steam page.
This game is a sequel in the franchise and is one of the few games that managed to surprise me this year. It actually has a lot of positive things about it and is arguably one of the prettiest games released in 2026. As someone who has covered this game in detail and has played it for quite a lot of time, I will provide you with a review of Regions of Ruin: Runegate.
Table of contents
Story And Setting
The game does not have a very complicated story or setting. You basically travel across different worlds as a dwarf, and your main aim is to build a settlement from scratch for your people. Many of your kin are scattered across these worlds, and a large number of them are being held captive by slavers or other hostile enemies.
So, your objective is quite simple, but the journey is not going to be easy at all. The buildup as you progress through the game is actually very solid and keeps you on your toes. That is one of the things I liked the most about this game. It constantly gives you a sense of purpose while moving forward.
Having played this game thoroughly, I can say that it does not feel lacking in terms of story and setting. Sure, it may not have a deeply complex narrative, but learning about how the rulers are being corrupted and controlled by an unknown entity is a fascinating approach that adds intrigue.
Another detail I picked up on is that this entity seems to target those with influence and ambition. This suggests that only individuals with higher status are vulnerable to its corruption. However, this is just my speculation, as the game does not clearly confirm this idea.
The main story itself is not very long. However, there is a large amount of side content, and much of it is genuinely well designed. There are plenty of puzzles that can challenge your thinking and are very enjoyable to solve. If you are playing this game, I would strongly recommend exploring every area before moving on.
Completing side quests alongside the main story works very well in Regions of Ruin: Runegate. Both of them complement each other nicely. Overall, the story and setting come together in a solid and engaging way.
Combat And Gameplay Mechanics
The gameplay of this game is exceptional overall. I did experience some dizziness at certain points due to noticeable frame drops during combat. However, aside from that, I enjoyed almost every second of it. The combat offers a good amount of variety, with multiple weapon types and playstyles to choose from.
If you prefer ranged combat, there are abilities that allow you to focus heavily on projectiles and create very powerful builds. On the other hand, if you enjoy melee combat, there are also plenty of abilities that let you dominate enemies up close.
Personally, I really liked the dagger build. It was not as overpowered as some of the other options, but it was extremely fun to play and felt more balanced. The combat generally feels responsive and satisfying, but I do have one major issue with it, which is the aiming system.
Since aiming is controlled by the mouse, it makes sense for ranged attacks. However, for melee combat, it feels unnecessary to move the mouse just to hit enemies. Ideally, using movement keys like A or D should also control the direction of your attacks.
If that change was implemented, the combat would feel much smoother and more intuitive. Aside from this issue, there was not much else that I disliked. Fighting enemies and freeing captured dwarves consistently felt rewarding and enjoyable.
Visuals And Art Style
One of the standout features of this game is undoubtedly its visuals and art style. It is easily one of the most visually appealing games released so far in 2026, especially when considering its artistic direction.
The visuals, particularly during nighttime, are breathtaking, and you can clearly feel the developers’ passion in every detail. The environments are rich and atmospheric, and the art style gives the game a strong and unique identity. The pixelated characters work extremely well and fit perfectly within the overall design.
Not every game needs ultra realistic graphics to stand out. In fact, the visual style of Regions of Ruin: Runegate feels perfect for the type of experience it offers. I may be slightly biased here since I am a big fan of pixel art, but even then, good art only shines when the game itself supports it.
In this case, the game absolutely deserves praise for its art style, and it is one of the main reasons it leaves such a strong impression.
Exploration And Resource Gathering
The game strongly encourages exploration, and it rewards you well for taking the time to do so. You can explore entire worlds filled with different enemies, hidden areas, and interesting puzzles. There are also optional bosses that can sometimes be even more challenging than those found in the main story.
While the main story content may feel somewhat limited, the side content is extensive and makes up for it in a meaningful way. That said, I still feel that one additional world in the main storyline would have made the experience even better.
Exploration also plays a major role in resource gathering. As you explore, you collect materials that are essential for building and upgrading your settlement. Additionally, the dwarves you rescue can be assigned as workers. This allows them to gather resources for you while you continue exploring, leveling up, and fighting enemies.
There is some repetition in exploration, as certain areas can start to feel similar, especially in regions like Ealam. However, given the scale of the game and the size of the development team, this is somewhat understandable and does not significantly harm the overall experience.
Should You Buy Regions Of Ruins: Runegate
This depends totally on personal preference, but if you are confused then I may be able to help you decide.
If you enjoy a game with a gorgeous art style and visuals that focuses a lot on exploration, and also has settlement building that rewards progression without leaving you completely on your own all the time, then this game is a great pick for you.
This is an RPG that does not force you to grind levels, but it does reward you heavily if you focus on exploring the world before taking on some of the endgame bosses. The combat can also feel technical at times, and experimenting with different weapons changes the way you approach fights and overall gameplay.
So if this appeals to you, then I would 100 percent recommend you to give it a try.
Final Thoughts
I have played this game for around 20 hours and spent a significant amount of time exploring its world. The main story does not take very long to complete. So, most of my playtime went into side quests and exploration.
That alone says a lot about how engaging the game is. I genuinely enjoyed playing it and often found myself impressed by its visuals and overall presentation. The story is easy to follow, and raiding enemy bases provides a consistently satisfying experience.
Overall, I would describe this as a solid and enjoyable game that delivers on what it sets out to do. It may not be perfect, but it offers a well rounded experience that is definitely worth trying. I would recommend giving it a go if you enjoy exploration focused RPGs with strong visual identity.
Developer: Gameclaw Studio
Publisher: Raw Fury
Country of Origin: Australia
Release Date: 14 April 2026 (Microsoft Windows)
This review of Regions of Ruin: Runegate is based on the copy we purchased.
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Obaid Ur Rehman is a lifelong gaming enthusiast with a deep passion for writing about video games. While he enjoys all genres, he specializes in RPGs and Soulslike titles. After tackling some of the toughest bosses, he often unwinds with a cozy game to relax. Outside of gaming, Obaid enjoys watching anime, bingeing TV series, or staying active at the gym.
