What are the pros of Stoneshard?

Deeply detailed and complex RPG systems that reward long-term mastery. Exceptional atmosphere and high-quality musical score. Satisfying and tactical combat, particularly for ranged builds. Significant content additions and mechanical improvements over several years.

What are the cons of Stoneshard?

Restrictive save system that can cause players to lose hours of progress. Extremely slow development cycle with over five years spent in Early Access. Punishing difficulty spikes and tedious survival mechanics like hunger and thirst. Lack of modern quality-of-life features such as cloud saves.

Stoneshard

Stoneshard is a hardcore turn-based RPG about the harsh life of a medieval mercenary: travel with your own caravan, descend into procedurally generated dungeons, learn new skills, survive hunger and injuries - and remember, every mistake can mean death and loss of progress.

75%

Mostly Positive

DeveloperInk Stains Games

PublisherHypeTrain Digital

Release DateFeb 6, 2020

$24.99

Peak Players10.7K

PlatformsWindows · Linux

Early Access

AI Review Summary

Stoneshard is a punishingly difficult and atmospheric hardcore RPG that offers deep mechanical complexity and a rewarding sense of progression for dedicated players. However, it is heavily criticized for its restrictive save system, tedious survival elements, and a protracted five-year Early Access period that has left many feeling the development direction is stagnant.

Pros

Deeply detailed and complex RPG systems that reward long-term mastery90%
Exceptional atmosphere and high-quality musical score85%
Satisfying and tactical combat, particularly for ranged builds70%
Significant content additions and mechanical improvements over several years60%

Cons

Restrictive save system that can cause players to lose hours of progress95%
Extremely slow development cycle with over five years spent in Early Access90%
Punishing difficulty spikes and tedious survival mechanics like hunger and thirst80%
Lack of modern quality-of-life features such as cloud saves70%

Notable Mentions

High average playtime of 82.8 hours indicates deep engagement despite the low overall rating.
Many players feel the game is only viable if the player utilizes save-scumming techniques.
The game is described as a 'cruel world simulator' that prioritizes punishment over player choice.

Confidence: 84%

Based on the 73 most relevant reviewsGenerated on Aug 19, 2026

Game Vitals

Live snapshot

Player Activity

Current peak

1.4K

Peak · last 90 days

2.5K

All-time peak

10.7K

Price

Current price

$24.99

Lowest tracked

$16.24since Jan 7, 2026

Review Sentiment

Launch week

—

Last 30 days

81%

All-time positive

75%

Review Statistics

Total Reviews35.5K

Positive: 26.5K (75%)Negative: 9.0K (25%)

Reviews from Steam Deck

Dev Response Rate

83h

Avg Playtime at Review

72%

Credible Reviews