Exclusive Preview: Hands on With Project Pantheon’s Closed Alpha

Developer – WOLCEN Studio

Publisher – WOLCEN Studio

Hands-on Closed Alpha Access given by Developer, via PC Build

The gaming world is no stranger to innovation, but every so often, a title comes along that dares to blend genres in ways that feel both fresh and exhilarating. Enter Project Pantheon, the latest offering from Wolcen Studio, which recently concluded its first Closed Alpha test. This “ExtrAction RPG” combines the fast-paced combat of action RPGs like Diablo with the high-stakes tension of extraction shooters like Escape from Tarkov. The result? A dark fantasy world that is as punishing as it is rewarding. Having had the chance to dive into the Closed Alpha, I’m here to share my experience, discuss the game’s potential, and explore where it’s headed on its roadmap to launch.

Project Pantheon is set in a post-apocalyptic dark fantasy world where historical mythologies have been reimagined and lie in ruin. Players are recruited by Death itself to restore balance to these shattered realms. The narrative premise is intriguing, blending familiar mythological elements with a fresh, dystopian twist. The Closed Alpha offered a glimpse into this world, starting with a fantastical reinterpretation of Nordic mythology known as The Realm of Fate. The atmosphere is thick with tension, and the stakes are high—every decision feels consequential.

The core gameplay of Project Pantheon is where it truly shines. The game seamlessly merges the hack-and-slash action of traditional ARPGs with the risk-reward mechanics of extraction shooters. Players venture into diverse maps, battling both AI enemies and other players in dynamic PvPvE combat. Success means hauling back valuable loot, but failure could result in losing everything you’ve gathered. This high-stakes gameplay creates a thrilling loop that keeps you coming back for more.

During the Closed Alpha, players had access to a pre-made character equipped with basic gear, allowing them to test core mechanics like movement, combat, and inventory management. The WASD/twin-stick controls felt polished and responsive, offering a modern take on the classic ARPG formula. However, the point-and-click option, while functional, felt less refined—something the developers are likely to address in future updates.

One of the standout features of Project Pantheon is the hidden fortress, which serves as the player’s home base. Here, you can upgrade your base, customize loadouts, and prepare for battle. The Closed Alpha provided a functional but limited version of this system, including a stash for storing items, a shop for purchasing gear, and a portal for diving into the action. While the base is still under construction, it’s clear that this will be a central hub for players to strategize and regroup between missions.

The first map available in the Closed Alpha was a basic layout designed to test core mechanics. While it lacked the polish of a finished product, it offered a solid foundation for exploration and combat. The map featured a mythological faction as the primary enemy, with a surprise appearance from the Nightmare of Fenrir lurking in the shadows. These encounters added a layer of unpredictability to the gameplay, keeping players on their toes.

The PvPvE combat in Project Pantheon is where the game truly sets itself apart. Players must navigate a delicate balance between cooperating with others to survive and competing with them for valuable loot. The Closed Alpha showcased this dynamic beautifully, with every encounter feeling tense and rewarding. The anti-cheat measures in place ensured a fair playing field, which is crucial for a game that relies so heavily on player interaction.

Itemization is a core pillar of Project Pantheon, and the Closed Alpha offered a glimpse into its innovative system. Gear defines your build, with weapons providing ability templates and other items adding unique mechanics. For example, boots offer defensive abilities, while artifacts unlock powerful ultimates. While the current system is functional, the developers plan to introduce a crafting system in future updates, allowing players to modify and enhance their gear.

One of the most promising aspects of Project Pantheon is its commitment to community-driven development. Wolcen Studio has made it clear that player feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the game’s future. The Closed Alpha was primarily a technical test, focused on validating backend systems and server infrastructure. However, it also provided an opportunity for players to share their thoughts and experiences, which will undoubtedly influence the game’s direction.

While the Closed Alpha was a significant milestone, Project Pantheon is still in its early stages of development. The developers have outlined a roadmap that includes additional Closed Alpha tests, with servers expanding to more regions to ensure a global player base can participate. The game is expected to enter Early Access once all core systems and features are in place, with a focus on adding rich content and refining the player experience.

Project Pantheon is a bold and ambitious project that has the potential to redefine the ARPG genre. The Closed Alpha offered a tantalizing glimpse into its unique blend of genres, high-stakes gameplay, and rich mythological world. While there are still kinks to iron out, the foundation is solid, and the developers’ commitment to community feedback is encouraging. If Wolcen Studio can deliver on its promises, Project Pantheon could very well become a standout title in the live-service gaming landscape.

For now, I’ll be keeping a close eye on this project, eagerly awaiting the next phase of testing. If you’re a fan of ARPGs or extraction shooters, this is one game you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned for more updates, and see you in the afterlife!