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Steam: Free indie RPG launches with a unique combat system and very strong ratings (94% positive)

A Song of Sunlight was released on Steam on January 16, 2026. (Image source: Steam)
A Song of Sunlight was released on Steam on January 16, 2026. (Image source: Steam)
A Song of Sunlight is a new indie RPG that stands out for its emotional story, rich atmosphere, and a unique twist on turn-based combat. The game is free to play and currently holds a 94% positive rating on Steam.

A Song of Sunlight is a small yet atmospheric indie RPG from developer studio RageForDragons. The story follows Arem, a young boy living on a remote island within a strictly traditional community. The rules are simple: everyone must do their part for the common good and never enter the Well – a forbidden place that descends deep into the earth and is shrouded in silence. When Arem begins to question the beliefs he was raised with, he sets out to uncover the truth about his world, a journey that inevitably leads him into its depths.

By day, Arem carries out his duties around the settlement, speaks with locals, and gathers resources. At night, however, he descends into the mysterious depths of the Well. He is not alone down there – grotesque monsters lurk in the shadows, and survival means fighting them off time and again. The game features a distinctive pseudo turn-based combat system that blends strategy with real-time action. Before each move, players choose Arem’s approach, deciding whether to strike aggressively or take a more defensive stance. This choice sets the stage, but the actual execution unfolds in real time, demanding both quick thinking and fast reactions.

(Image source: Steam)
(Image source: Steam)
(Image source: Steam)
(Image source: Steam)

At the time of writing, A Song of Sunlight has received 19 reviews on Steam and holds a very positive average rating of 94%. Players praise both the unique combat system and the game’s strong atmosphere and emotional storytelling. The title offers two chapters, each providing around eight hours of gameplay – an impressive amount of content for a free-to-play release. However, the game does not feature voice acting, resulting in a text-heavy experience.

It is also worth noting that the RPG is designed primarily with controllers in mind. Players using a keyboard will not find any remapping options, which could be a drawback for some. Compatibility with the Steam Deck (currently listed at around $695 on Amazon) is still marked as “Unknown.” That said, the game’s modest system requirements suggest that most modern handheld PCs should run it without issues. It requires just 4 GB of RAM, a dual-core CPU with SSE2 support, and 12 GB of storage space.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2026 01 > Steam: Free indie RPG launches with a unique combat system and very strong ratings (94% positive)
Marius Müller, 2026-01-19 (Update: 2026-01-19)