Prelude Dark Pain launches with vehicle knockback tactics

Quickfire Games will release Prelude Dark Pain in early access on July 27, 2026. The dark fantasy tactical role-playing game combines grid-based combat with environmental interactions that can push enemies off roofs and moving vehicles.

The opening sequence follows blacksmith Soren and his family fleeing an authoritarian Order and escaping atop a large armored caravan. When encounters occur, gameplay shifts to a tactical grid that uses a “battle points” system. Each character can spend points on multiple skills in a turn in addition to movement and a standard attack, or spend a point to defend. Combat includes directional attacks, flanking, repositioning effects and height advantages; environmental effects allow knockbacks that can alter positioning or remove foes from set pieces.

The early access build includes nine recruitable heroes and a classic overworld with towns, NPCs and patrolling enemies that trigger set-piece fights. Early characters include Soren, who applies and exploits bleed; Tizon, who provides healing and deployable turrets but can be built for high damage; Tammais, a taunting tank who gains strength when hit; and Maya, who combines knockbacks and blinds with a bird companion. Other heroes offer tactical options such as placing explosive barrels or deploying a large area-control object.

Character progression consists of four active skills, two passives and additional “virtues” on a skill tree. A six-attribute stat system spreads bonuses across abilities. Crafting and upgrades are present in basic form: players gather materials during combat and exploration and convert them into clothing and accessories that modify stats. The game allows multiple build paths for each character.

The story frames a wider conflict with the Order of the Ashen Crusade and introduces escalating supernatural threats that affect the environment. Relationships and backstory are delivered through short exchanges. Some battles present choices about whether fallen opponents live or die, and certain recruits or story beats may be missed depending on player decisions.

Quickfire met its Kickstarter goal for Prelude Dark Pain within 12 hours in 2025 and released an earlier demo. The developer expects to add remaining acts and additional heroes over at least a year. Quickfire estimates the first act will take around a dozen hours for many players, with playtime varying by exploration and engagement with tactical battles. The studio wrote it will gradually raise the price as new updates are released.