Dread Delusion on Steam - User reviews, Price & Information
Quick menu
Dread Delusion is an open world RPG brimming with strange places and dark perils. Carve your own path through the flying continents of a shattered land. Discover curious towns, unearth occult secrets, master powerful magic - and change the world through your choices.
Dread Delusion is a rpg, open world and adventure game
developed by Lovely Hellplace
and published by DreadXP.
Released on May 14th 2024 is available in English only on Windows.
It has received 4,016 reviews of which 3,634 were positive and 382 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. 😎
The game is currently priced at 16.79€ on Steam, but you can find it for less on K4G.
The Steam community has classified Dread Delusion into these genres:
System requirements
These are the minimum specifications needed to play the game. For the best experience, we recommend that you verify them.
Windows
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Core i3-2100 | AMD Phenom II X4 965
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTS 450, 1 GB | AMD
- DirectX: Version 10
- Storage: 2 GB available space
User reviews & Ratings
Explore reviews from Steam users sharing their experiences and what they love about the game.
The gameplay of "Dread Delusion" is reminiscent of "The Elder Scrolls" series, though comparing a solo developer's project to the scale of Bethesda's work would be unfair. The creator made a wise decision by focusing on a unique setting and rich lore, while keeping the other elements just good enough to maintain engagement. Character progression is handled in an unusual way: experience points aren't gained through combat or quests, but by exploring the world and collecting hidden items known as "Glimmers of Delusion". These are spent to improve your character's attributes, which serve as modifiers in skill calculations. The "Might" stat also allows you to break down doors depending on their strength. Key skills include: - Lockpick (used to pick locks and disarm traps) - Lore (lets you activate secret switches) - Charm (helps persuade NPCs and unlock alternate quest options) Many obstacles can be approached in multiple ways - brute force, a key switch, or a lockpick - adding variety to progression. Your character can equip weapons, armor, rings, and accessories. Weapons (dagger, sword, greatsword, and bow) and armor can be upgraded with materials. Consumables include arrows, throwing weapons, and potions. Combat yields only money and crafting resources, which reduces the incentive to fight. Encounters are simplistic and become repetitive even on the hardest difficulty. I found three effective combat strategies: - Strike with a power attack and back away. - Spam power attacks before the enemy can counter. - Circle-strafe with the bow while shooting continuously. There's little to spend money on - buying homes or gear is optional and offers little advantage. Even the starting rusty sword is enough to defeat any enemy, if you're patient. Consumables can be produced through the game's alchemy system. One item worth highlighting is the "Truth Potion", which lets you see through illusions, greatly aiding in exploration and quest completion. The magic system feels underwhelming. Offensive spells are weak compared to melee weapons. Summoned skeletons merely distract enemies, being too weak to deal real damage. The slow spell is useful but not necessary, and changing the time of day is more conveniently done by sleeping. Only teleportation stands out as a truly helpful spell for speeding up travel. So why does "Dread Delusion" have so many positive reviews? Because of its atmosphere, deep and original lore, and a setting unlike any other. The story begins in a prison, where augmented Inquisitors offer the protagonist a deal they can't refuse - death or a dangerous mission. The design of the Inquisition evokes a mix of Tech-Priests and Chaos cultists from "Warhammer 40000". In fact, many character designs feel inspired by that universe - myrmidons seem like something cobbled together by Chaos or Orks, and several monsters resemble warped followers of Chaos Gods. The open world consists of floating islands drifting in the void beneath a red neutron star. In the sky: pulses of light, clouds of gas, and monstrous celestial creatures. The terrain is rich in strange flora (towering mushrooms à la "Morrowind") and bizarre fauna. The ambient soundscape - wind, water, and the eerie singing of mushrooms like whales - creates a remarkably immersive atmosphere. This world blends magic and technology. Some mortal but sentient entities are revered as gods, feeding on worship and sacrifice to fuel their power. Since many of them brought suffering, humanity formed the Inquisition to eliminate both gods and their cults. Throughout the game, you face difficult moral decisions. On the first islands, for instance, you must choose whether to destroy the weakened gods - condemning the people to famine and decay - or restore their cruel cults, ensuring survival at the cost of blood sacrifices. These grim dilemmas are a common thread, and very few quests offer a truly happy ending. The island of the undead is especially disturbing: A king performed a ritual, sacrificing his daughter to gain immortality, but died in the process. Half his kingdom turned into intelligent, decaying zombies who devoured the rest - including mothers eating their children. One creative touch: a giant dragon that eats undead, whose digested souls continue to exist within it. A powerful mage, having also gained immortality, devised a way to grow sentient biomass as food for the undead. Another standout location is the steampunk kingdom ruled by a computer: The Mechanical King once ruled effectively with logic and magic, but eventually bugged out - plunging the realm into eternal winter, famine, plague, and mass amnesia. People, accustomed to obeying the infallible machine, continue to follow blindly. You must decide: repair the broken system or destroy it, forcing society to fend for itself under the harsh conditions it created. Later in the game, you obtain an airship that allows travel between distant islands, which initially seemed like background scenery. Notable among them: - A massive mollusk housing a decaying city inside its body, slowly infecting its inhabitants. - A battlefield where a colossal robot once fought a giant in an epic confrontation. The ending reveals the cause of the world's ruin: an advanced civilization made a catastrophic error, tearing the planet apart and altering physical laws, flooding the world with magic. You can either preserve the current order or risk all life for the chance of change. This risky choice, surprisingly, is the only quest that ends on a genuinely positive note - with no hidden consequences - standing out in an otherwise bleak universe. You can't earn all achievements in a single playthrough due to mutually exclusive decisions, but this can be resolved by backing up your save before key choices. Despite the simplistic mechanics and repetitive combat, "Dread Delusion" succeeds thanks to its imaginative world and morally complex storytelling. It absolutely deserves the attention of anyone who values narrative-driven RPGs.
Expand the review
Sure, it looks like Morrowind, but it doesn't play much like it. Instead, it shares the important parts: wacky, zany lore and the fact that you can look in any direction, see something, and then walk to it and find something neat there. I had a blast just wandering around the Oneric Isles with no particular goal, which is kinda rare these days in many of the RPGs I've played. But beware, potential player, there are a few caveats. The game suffers from a few bugs that, while not game-breaking, are annoying (most of said bugs having to do with collision—a patch would be nice even if the dev's officially moved on), and you can tell that the content near the end of the game was a little phoned in (still good, but with less depth—the Clockwork Kingdom pretty much rides on the Missing Persons quest instead of, like, the four or five in the game's other areas). Oh, and the combat's pretty much an afterthought lmao It's still a pretty gosh-darn good game despite the above, though. Get it on sale.
Expand the review
This recommendation comes with a large asterisk. It's hard to put into words how I feel about this game. I certainly had fun over the 15-ish hours it took me to clear it, but I'm also thoroughly exhausted. For context, since I saw that the game advertised that combat wasn't the only option, I opted for a speedy build with high Charm. As such I can't speak much about the combat system, apart from feeling like Lunacid with a stamina bar. I like how the game looks, with the enemy design being the best part to me, and the music that's there has this nice synthesizer feel to it. I think the leveling system in this game is unique, as instead of killing enough enemies for a level, you instead gain "Delusion" as you complete quests and while rummaging through houses, ruins, and other such places. As such, I opted to run through enemies and didn't level up my combat stats at all, which was interesting. In addition, instead of a standard map and compass setting, you have a physical compass you have to pull out to orient yourself and a map that updates as you jot down landmarks. This is important, as quests you receive will tell you the general location of objectives using compass directions and landmarks. You'll need to hoof to each location on foot, since you don't get an airship until the endgame, and fast travel is locked to both a quest and specific areas. However, there are also things I don't appreciate about Dread Delusion. At best, you're only looking at four types of weapons: Sword, Dagger, Greatsword, and Bow. You can upgrade them up to one of three unique types of each weapon, but the resources for that are limited, and only available at the endgame. There looks to be 19 different spells in the game, but I somehow managed to miss the lion's share of them. This means that, even if I wanted to do combat with my pacifist build, my options for combat were severely limited. As for the map and compass, my praise for the ingenuity of the system is somewhat rescinded because the only way to get the compass is from a shop at the beginning of the game, which you can miss. In addition, you can definitely miss the map, as the journal you use to jot down landmarks is tucked away in a corner you can easily miss if you aren't looking for it. So if you manage to miss either the compass or the map, or even both, what starts as a cool way to describe objective locations turns into confusion and annoyance. The game acts as though there are effectively three different main factions in this world: the Apostatic Union that seeks to kill gods, the Wikkans that worship gods, and the Outlaws that sort of exist. You have reputation with these factions, and on paper, the idea of being friends with one side and enemies with another could be interesting. Unfortunately, the best it offers you is that some enemies won't actively target you, as the amount of quests you can do for each faction can be counted with one hand. Quests are on a spectrum of mediocre to fantastic, though it felt as though the lion's share of them are in the starting area. The Oneiric Islands don't feel lived in, with at best one village and three towns, which makes this open world feel kind of empty. The main story quests are all fairly good, with the goal being to get the villain's old band together to hunt them down, but it didn't feel like I got to properly hang out with them enough to have narrative weight with them. Finally, the ending is okay, with two different main endings and resolutions of the quests you have and haven't completed. Overall, the closest game comparison I could make to this game is Morrowind, in both the best and worst interpretations. Once I got the band together, I was practically racing for the finish line because I was ready to finish the game. There's a chance I might go back into this game in the future, but at the moment I'm absolutely sick of it. I would recommend this game on a sale, if you enjoy these sorts of games.
Expand the review
I've played many RPG's, including the classics. When I finished the main quest in the clockwork kingdom, I felt a tumultuous wave of emotion, unlike most games I've played. Very few game stories manage to write stories that have ambiguous morality; your decisions always have a cost, but there may yet be one that will bring the world into a better state. Choosing feels hard each time. In a landscape of video games that seem to narrow your aperature of choice ever closer shut, this game gives you decisions that reflect the costliness of consequences of real life. You are never a perfect hero; but you can easily descend into villainy. It is a fiction that understands itself better than most; you will find yourself moved and frightened and sad and hopeful and its a beautiful journey that I really hope you take. Mechanic wise, yes the combat is simple but you play different games for different reasons. Go play Elden Ring if you want deep combat mechanics. Play this game if you want an RPG that will genuinely challenge your perspectives, immerse you in a breadth of deep lore, and give you a wonderful thrill of exploring a land choc-full of surprises and secrets. Fin.
Expand the review
Highly recommended. Dread Delusion is a bit of an uneven overall experience but the things it does well, it absolutely nails. The combat is very basic and very easy and the crafting and skill systems are similarly bare-bones. The real draw here is the atmosphere and oh boy does this game have atmosphere! The deliberately-retro graphics work really well for the setting, letting the mind fill in the details and making the uncanny horrors that much more uncanny and horrible. Still, the game doesn't shy away from doing some things the era it's invoking couldn't - the entire game is one huge contiguous map with an enormous draw distance. Even the insides of buildings aren't separate maps so it's possible to look out a window and see far, far off into the distance. Appropriate since the real star of this game is the setting itself. The Oneiric Isles are beautiful, bleak, heartbreaking, and well worth exploring! From the giant psychedelic mushrooms of Pwyll to the giant catacombs of the Endless Realms to the horrible flesh towers of the Clockwork Kingdom's Corrupted Zone, the Oneiric Isles brim with careful, beautifully horrible design. The quests are all unique and handcrafted - no procedurally-generated fetch quests or MMO-style 'kill 20 skeletons' here. Most of them end in a choice between two equally painful resolutions. There are no good and evil choices here - only choices, all of which help some and hurt others. I heartily recommend Dread Delusion. (although I'd also love to see a sequel with more mechanical depth as well!)
Expand the review
Similar games
View all
Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon
Step into a dark reimagination of Arthurian legends in this first person, open world RPG. Explore a world stuck in everlasting autumn, witness falling legends and make meaningful choices woven into a complex, branching storyline.
Robin Hood - Sherwood Builders
Robin Hood - Sherwood Builders is an action-adventure RPG with base-building elements, where you take on the role of a classic hero who stands up to the tyranny and injustice that haunts Sherwood. Fight, craft, steal, and of course help the local people grow and prosper.
The Outer Worlds
The Outer Worlds is an award-winning single-player RPG from Obsidian Entertainment and Private Division. As you explore a space colony, the character you decide to become will determine how this player-driven story unfolds. In the colony's corporate equation, you are the unplanned variable.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
Explore Cyrodiil like never before with stunning new visuals and refined gameplay in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion™ Remastered.
Age of Reforging:The Freelands
Welcome to medieval high-freedom sandbox adventure CRPG!You'll be a reforger in freelands chosen by the Goddess to embark on medieval adventure tour at your own pace, gathering teammates, seeking survival, and craft your unique legend!
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
Winner of more than 200 Game of the Year Awards, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition brings the epic fantasy to life in stunning detail. The Special Edition includes the critically acclaimed game and add-ons with all-new features.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
EPIC FANTASY REBORN The next chapter in the highly anticipated Elder Scrolls saga arrives from the makers of the 2006 and 2008 Games of the Year, Bethesda Game Studios. Skyrim reimagines and revolutionizes the open-world fantasy epic, bringing to life a complete virtual world open for you to explore any way you choose.
Serin Fate
Evil is afoot... Wielding your new Magic, bound into mysterious Monster-infested lands to uncover ancient relics and restore the Fate Stone. Along the way, explore the depths of every nook to find creatures, garner ingredients, train in Witchery, and craft new equipment.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion® Game of the Year Edition (2009)
PUBLISHER UPDATE - This is the product page for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition, released in 2009. ---The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion® Game of the Year Edition presents one of the best RPGs of all time like never before. Step inside the most richly detailed and vibrant game-world ever created.
The Black Grimoire: Cursebreaker
A story driven solo RPG inspired by oldschool games like RuneScape and Ultima Online! Explore a sprawling medieval fantasy world full of npcs with dialogue, level skills, fight varied monsters and uncover the story of Rothar Aercrest – the cursed lord to the remote woodlands of Imberthale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dread Delusion is currently priced at 16.79€ on Steam.
Dread Delusion is currently not on sale. You can purchase it for 16.79€ on Steam.
Dread Delusion received 3,634 positive votes out of a total of 4,016 achieving a rating of 8.72.
😎
Dread Delusion was developed by Lovely Hellplace and published by DreadXP.
Dread Delusion is playable and fully supported on Windows.
Dread Delusion is not playable on MacOS.
Dread Delusion is not playable on Linux.
Dread Delusion is a single-player game.
Dread Delusion does not currently offer any DLC.
Dread Delusion does not support mods via Steam Workshop.
Dread Delusion does not support Steam Remote Play.
Dread Delusion is enabled for Steam Family Sharing. This means you can share the game with authorized users from your Steam Library, allowing them to play it on their own accounts. For more details on how the feature works, you can read the original Steam Family Sharing announcement or visit the Steam Family Sharing user guide and FAQ page.
You can find solutions or submit a support ticket by visiting the Steam Support page for Dread Delusion.
Data sources
The information presented on this page is sourced from reliable APIs to ensure accuracy and relevance. We utilize the Steam API to gather data on game details, including titles, descriptions, prices, and user reviews. This allows us to provide you with the most up-to-date information directly from the Steam platform.
Additionally, we incorporate data from the SteamSpy API, which offers insights into game sales and player statistics. This helps us present a comprehensive view of each game's popularity and performance within the gaming community.
Last Updates| Steam data | 08 September 2025 23:05 |
|---|---|
| SteamSpy data | 10 September 2025 19:00 |
| Steam price | 13 September 2025 12:50 |
| Steam reviews | 13 September 2025 07:52 |
If you'd like to dive deeper into the details about Dread Delusion, we invite you to check out a few dedicated websites that offer extensive information and insights. These platforms provide valuable data, analysis, and user-generated reports to enhance your understanding of the game and its performance.
- SteamDB - A comprehensive database of everything on Steam about Dread Delusion
- SteamCharts - Analysis of Dread Delusion concurrent players on Steam
- ProtonDB - Crowdsourced reports on Linux and Steam Deck Dread Delusion compatibility
Game modes
Features
Online players
32
Developer
Lovely Hellplace
Publisher
DreadXP
Release
14 May 2024
Platforms
By clicking on any of the links on this page and making a purchase,
you may help us earn a commission that supports the maintenance of our services.