Steam: "The Turkish Witcher" – innovative action RPG launches in Early Access with 92% positive reviews
In Ertugrul of Ulukayin, players step into the role of the legendary warrior Ertugrul, who, together with his allies, stands against a Mongol invasion of Anatolia. The semi-open world draws heavily from Anatolian and Mesopotamian culture, showcasing real locations from medieval Turkey – from crumbling ruins and charming villages to sweeping steppes.
The action in Ertugrul of Ulukayin centers on tactical real-time combat from a third-person perspective, blending light and heavy attacks with dodging and blocking in a style reminiscent of genre staples like The Witcher 3. Players can switch between three characters: Ertugrul, a skilled swordsman; Meryem, a precise archer; and Turgut, a powerful axe-wielding fighter. Each offers a distinct combat style and unique abilities. Dream sequences inspired by Turkish mythology add atmospheric depth and are designed to influence events in the game's real world.
Ertugrul of Ulukayin first launched in Early Access on the Epic Games Store in August 2024 and arrived on Steam on June 12, 2025. According to the developers at Tekden Studio, the Early Access period is expected to last about a year. The full release will include two expansive maps, new abilities and larger-scale battles – and promises around 15 hours of gameplay. Normally priced at $20 on Steam, the game is currently available at a 10% discount, bringing the price down to $17.99 – until June 19 at 12 p.m. (ET).
Reviews: Unique setting and gripping story, held back by technical issues
Just a week after its Steam debut, Ertugrul of Ulukayin has already gathered 264 user reviews, with 92% rating it positively. Players have praised the game’s unique setting and engaging story, while the gameplay has been well received thanks to its three distinct characters and promising combat mechanics. The developers’ active communication with the community has also earned praise, contributing to the game’s strong early reputation.
Despite its strengths, Ertugrul of Ulukayin struggles with technical issues. Even on high-end PCs, players report frequent FPS drops and heavy system load, which can quickly become frustrating. Clipping glitches, stiff animations and numerous bugs further disrupt the experience. The combat system, while promising, also needs refinement – many users describe it as slow and lacking precision.
However, the developers have made it clear that the Early Access phase is designed to actively involve the community in shaping the game. Just one day after the Steam launch, a hotfix was released to address performance issues and initial bugs. Whether Tekden Studio can resolve the technical shortcomings and build on the game’s strong foundation will become clearer in the months ahead. The German gaming magazine GameStar has already dubbed Ertugrul of Ulukayin “the Turkish Witcher,” highlighting its ambitious scope and cultural depth.
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