Tabletop-inspired tactical RPGSunderfolktasks its players with defending Arden, an underground town empowered by the magical Brightstone. Arden is filled with useful facilities that players can visit and upgrade, as well as many animal NPCs they can get to know—and even romance. In addition to completing missions and vanquishing foes,Sunderfolk’splayers will spend time in Arden obtaining new equipment, learning about the Sunderlands, or simply chatting with their NPC friends.
Game Rant spoke to Secret Door studio head Chris Sigaty,Sunderfolkgame director Erin Marek,narrative designer Neo Zhang, and character designer Xavier Gordon about the town of Arden and the role it plays in the game. Sigaty described Arden as “a very special part of the game” and compared it to “a living diorama” that players can step into. Asthe game’s hub world, Arden is visually stunning and mechanically rich, with many places to visit and tasks to perform.
Arden Is Filled With Useful Facilities
Within the town of Arden, Zhang explained, there are ten facilities that players can upgrade using the gold and trinkets they acquire by completing missions and defeating enemies instrategic turn-based combat. Some of the locations in Arden allow players to purchase new items and equipment or upgrade their existing ones.
A Cozy Town Filled With Memorable NPCs
In addition to its many facilities, Arden is also home to someadorable animal NPCswhom players can get to know. These include the shopkeepers mentioned above as well as a hare who has forgotten their own name, a dancer dog, and many more. Marek described the residents of Arden as “…colorful and varied. We really tried to think about various archetypes and match them with animals that symbolically fit,” she explained. Character designer Xavier Gordon also summarized the team’s philosophy when it came to designing themany memorable NPCswho inhabit the town:
“Every NPC in town has a lot going on, and you can learn more about them by talking to them. We hope seeing their hopes, dreams, and quirks will make them and Arden feel like a living, breathing place that players want to stay and defend.”
Between its many useful facilities and NPCs who players can grow close to throughout their journey, Arden is a beautifully designed hub with acozy small-town vibethat will helpSunderfolk’splayers truly relax between their sometimes-stressful battles. As players progress through the game, they will learn more and more about Arden and its residents until the bustling underground town truly feels like home.
