Outcast Tales has arrived on Steam as a free-to-play RPG that puts as much emphasis on keeping a dysfunctional adventuring party together as it does on surviving a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Developed by Hardlane Studio and published by Inner Pocket, the tactical role-playing game challenges players to assemble a crew of unlikely heroes whose personalities and relationships can have a significant impact on their journey.
Players will build a three-character party from a roster of wasteland wanderers, each with their own skills and abilities, before assigning personalities that can influence how the group gets along. Finding the right combination is part of the challenge, as even characters who complement each other in combat might struggle to coexist outside of it. The resulting conflicts can create additional complications as players pursue riches across the desolate frontier.
Combat takes place in turn-based tactical encounters, with upgradeable skills and party synergies offering ways to overcome the wasteland’s many threats. However, fighting isn’t always the only option, as players may be able to talk their way out of dangerous situations. That doesn’t necessarily mean trouble can be avoided, particularly when a party member’s personality or dialogue choices turn an otherwise peaceful encounter into another fight.
The decisions players make throughout each run will also shape the story and relationships between their characters, creating opportunities for romance, bitter rivalries, and unexpected consequences. Whether the crew ultimately bonds or falls apart depends on how players navigate these situations, making party composition and interpersonal dynamics important parts of the experience alongside tactical combat.