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Deal | Medieval Hades with Co-op: New roguelike free for a limited time

SWORN is free to play on Steam between August 29 and September 1. (Image source: Steam)
SWORN is free to play on Steam between August 29 and September 1. (Image source: Steam)
SWORN drops players into a medieval world inspired by Camelot, combining classic roguelike gameplay with co-op for up to four players – a twist that sets it apart from titles like Hades. The game is free to try this weekend.

SWORN is a new roguelike that launched into Early Access on February 5, 2025, developed by Windwalk Games in partnership with publisher Team17. Players won’t have to wait much longer for the full release: according to the release date trailer unveiled yesterday, the game is set to launch on September 25, 2025.

In SWORN, you take on the role of a Soulforged knight, battling through a darkened version of Camelot corrupted by a twisted power. Your mission is to reclaim the fallen kingdom, now ruled by a corrupted King Arthur and his rogue knights. Along the way, you’ll encounter familiar figures from Arthurian legend, including Merlin and Nimue. What sets SWORN apart from other roguelikes like the popular Hades is its flexibility – whether you play solo or join forces with up to three friends, the game lets you confront the darkness on your own terms.

What makes the gameplay in SWORN stand out is its blend of classic roguelike mechanics and deep build customization. Across ever-changing runs, players can experiment with more than 200 unique boons, shaping their playstyle through a mix of weapons, spells and skill trees. Progression is anchored by the “Beacon of Avalore,” a system that steadily transforms your character into a true knight, delivering a strong sense of growth with every attempt.

The German gaming outlet GameStar got an early look at SWORN during Gamescom 2024, describing it as a “dark medieval version of Hades you can play with friends.” Their hands-on preview was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the engaging co-op experience, intricate upgrade system and strong medieval fantasy atmosphere. However, the testers noted that the upgrade mechanics can feel a bit overwhelming for newcomers and that the story often takes a back seat to the action. On Steam, SWORN currently holds around 2,700 reviews, with a solid 82% rated positive.

Free weekend

Between August 29 and September 1, players can try SWORN for free on Steam. Normally, the Early Access version costs around $25. For those who enjoy gaming on the go, there’s more good news: SWORN is Steam Deck Verified (available on Amazon for $465).

Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2025 08 > Medieval Hades with Co-op: New roguelike free for a limited time
Marius Müller, 2025-08-29 (Update: 2025-08-29)