‘Gallowspire Survivors’ Turns ‘Pathfinder’ Into a Bullet Heaven Today
Pathfinder: Gallowspire Survivors turns Pathfinder into a Vampire Survivors-like game in one of Golarion’s most infamous dungeons.
Every now and then, a game comes along that is so fun, so impactful it sort of embodies a whole genre. Metroid and Castlevania did this, spawning a whole spate of Metroidvanias. Dark Souls set off the Souls-like genre. And while there is an “official” term for games like Vampire Survivors—bullet heaven, because, unlike a bullet hell, the player is the source of the bullets—you can see the impact the original has had because this game isn’t called Gallowspire Heaven. It’s Gallowspire Survivors.
So what is it, exactly? Well, if you haven’t played Vampire Survivors (at this point, I don’t see how, the thing is cheaper than most items on a “value menu”), you play as one of three different character classes, each armed with a variety of skills and weapons. It’s a roguelite game, another eponym, thank you Rogue, but that means that you start over when you die, but dying is part of the path to unlocking progress.
Over the course of several runs, you may finally become powerful enough to defeat whatever boss has been stomping your face this time around.
Pathfinder: Gallowspire Survivors – Descend into Gallowspire
Pathfinder: Gallowspire Survivors celebrates the official 1.0 launch with a host of highly requested features from the community, as well as UI improvements, overall gameplay balancing, and Steam Deck compatibility. Players may now brave the depths of Gallowspire with a friend in both local co-op and Steam Remote Play. Escape incoming damage in a blink of an eye with the all-new dash mechanic, and gain run-deciding buffs with a strategic sip from the potion belt.
With the addition of dedicated chapters, faster character progression, hyper mode, and new Pathfinder collectible cards with official artworks that provide permanent upgrades, every attempt towards sealing away the disgraced lich-emperor brings great reward.
Within the depths of Gallowspire lies the disgraced mythic lich Tar-Baphon, one of Pathfinder’s most ancient and powerful villains. While sealed away beneath his ancient seat of power, he has been deftly plotting his grand return. As the magic that contains him begins to fail, three fearless heroes will rise to the occasion, tasked with venturing into Gallowspire’s depths to defeat Tar Baphon and repair the wards that seal him away.
Step into the role as one of three daring heroes and battle through the horrors of Gallowspire. The Fighter, Wizard, or Rogue all come with their own strengths and talents that will aid them in their efforts against Tar-Baphon. Choose an ally to fight alongside you as you slay hordes of Tar-Baphon’s undead minions, collect and upgrade your arsenal of spells and weapons, and extinguish Gallowspire’s callous bosses. There will be many failures throughout your journey, but aided by an ancient medallion, the heroes can escape death and grow stronger with each attempt.
This marks the first time Pathfinder has left the cRPG format. It’ll be interesting to see how it plays out. Because so much of Golarion is outside of its dungeons. Will just one tower of darkness full of an evil lich be enough to distinguish this game’s fantasy setting from the dozens of others?
At any rate, the doors to Gallowspire are open today. So you can take it for a spin yourself!
How many deaths will it take you to defeat Tar-Baphon?
