The Shattered Isles is a turn-based tactical RPG that brings Pathfinder Second Edition rules to a single-player experience on PC. Players command a party of heroes through island-based adventures filled with combat, exploration, and resource management, all while returning to a central base for upgrades and progression.
Gameplay
Combat follows the core Pathfinder 2e structure with three actions available each turn, the multiple attack penalty applying to repeated strikes, and four degrees of success determining outcomes on rolls. Every basic action from the rulebook receives full implementation, including Trip, Shove, Grapple, Disarm, Feint, Demoralize, Tumble Through, Take Cover, Hide, Sneak, and Seek. Each carries its own animation and visual effect tied directly to the rules results.
Positioning plays a central role. Flanking leaves enemies off-guard, cover blocks incoming attacks, and tall grass supports stealth checks. Enemies follow the same rules for hiding and seeking. Hand-crafted battlefields feature destructible scenery, barrels, boulders, and varied terrain that influence tactics across multiple maps and dungeons.
Character progression occurs through a paper-style sheet where players select feats, weapons, and backgrounds for each hero before combat. The current roster includes Fighter, Rogue, Wizard, Barbarian, Cleric, and Champion, with plans to expand the selection. Reactions such as Reactive Strike, Shield Block, and Nimble Dodge trigger as player choices or automatic responses. Weapons deliver distinct swing animations, and special moves like Vicious Swing or Sneak Attack produce tailored effects alongside a range of spell visuals.
Outside combat, the loop centers on sailing between islands to fight, gather treasure, and earn experience. Returning to the base allows spending resources on upgrades that unlock better items, additional party slots, crafting, and downtime activities. Controller support works alongside mouse and keyboard, with Steam Deck compatibility listed among the features.
Game Modes
The experience centers on a single-player campaign that alternates between tactical battles on procedurally connected island chains and base-building phases at home. Players advance a party through levels of content while managing upgrades that expand options for equipment, party size, and non-combat activities. No separate competitive or cooperative modes appear in the current description, keeping the focus on solo progression through the ruleset.
Exploration ties directly into the combat loop. Each island presents hand-laid encounters with enemies that use the same action economy and tactical options as the player party. Treasure and experience feed back into base improvements, creating a steady rhythm of departure, battle, return, and enhancement.
Core Mechanics and Progression
The ruleset remains faithful to Pathfinder 2e Remaster under the ORC license, with minor house rules added for flow. Four degrees of success, action economy, and reaction prompts all operate as they would at a physical table. Stealth and cover systems extend to both sides, rewarding careful positioning and timing.
Base upgrades form the long-term progression track. Early improvements focus on item access and party capacity, while later options open crafting and additional downtime choices. The developer aims for levels 1 through 8 at launch, supported by at least eight classes once complete.
Is It Worth Playing?
The Shattered Isles targets players who enjoy precise tactical combat and want a digital version of Pathfinder 2e without needing a full table group. Its strength lies in the faithful recreation of actions, reactions, and positioning rules within a cohesive single-player structure. Because the game remains in development with a coming-soon release date and no public reviews or ratings available yet, any final judgment depends on how well the full scope of classes, maps, and upgrades materializes. Those drawn to party-based strategy RPGs with deep rule integration will find the most direct appeal here.
