Following Baldur’s Gate 3: New RPG with D&D mechanics has a playable demo and could be a real alternative
The success of Baldur's Gate 3 has revitalized classic RPGs, giving a boost to games built on traditional Dungeons & Dragons mechanics – turn-based combat, dice rolls for decisions and structured character progression. Solasta 2 follows in this vein as the sequel to Solasta: Crown of the Magister, which launched in 2021. While the original gained a dedicated fan base for its D&D authenticity, it never reached the same level of hype as Larian’s RPG. Whether Solasta 2 will fare differently remains to be seen, but the developers at Tactical Adventures have made significant improvements to address its predecessor’s shortcomings.
Better graphics and fully voiced characters
Solasta 2 introduces many new features compared to its predecessor, with the most striking improvement being its graphics. Instead of the Unity engine, the developers have switched to Unreal Engine 5, delivering more realistic lighting and detailed environments. Dialogues are now more cinematic, with all companions actively participating and offering different approaches to problem-solving. Unlike Baldur’s Gate 3, every playable character is fully voiced. The reveal trailer for the playable demo offers a first look at these upgrades:
Classic D&D mechanics
The story of Solasta 2 centers on unstable magic sources and mysterious earthquakes that throw the world into chaos. While its inhabitants search for answers, the enigmatic antagonist Shadwyn has her own plans to harness these magical forces for sinister purposes. Players control a group of adventurers caught in the conflict, making key decisions on how to handle the threats. Depending on their approach, they can avoid battles through diplomacy or deception – whether by posing as a cultist or using persuasion to their advantage.
The gameplay stays true to the turn-based roots of its predecessor, sticking closely to D&D mechanics. Every action follows a strict combat sequence, with dice rolls determining the success of persuasion attempts and other interactions. Rest periods play a crucial role – long rests restore resources but may also put NPCs at risk. Solasta 2 also features a co-op mode for up to four players from the start.
No ratings, but recommendation from GameStar
As of February 20, 2025, a free demo of Solasta 2 is available on Steam. The full game is slated to enter Early Access in 2025, with console versions to follow. While the CRPG has yet to teceive ratings on platforms like Steam or Metacritic, the German gaming magazine GameStar released a video on Solasta 2 on March 12, giving it a clear recommendation. The video is in German but can be watched with English subtitles. According to GameStar, although Solasta 2 may not surpass Baldur's Gate 3, it serves as a solid alternative for players seeking a similar experience. For those interested in exploring the world of Solasta beforehand, the original game, Solasta: Crown of the Magister, is currently discounted by 70% on Steam, available for $8.99 instead of $29.99.
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