Those looking forward toElden Ringmay want to pump their breaks. That game is due out soon but there is still a gap to fill in.Vagantemay be something worth investing time into while waiting. The game virtually has no story. Players enter a small clearing from a wagon and then proceed into an ever-expanding dungeon of caves.
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Vagantecan be likenedto Souls-like adventureslikeElden Ringas well as indie games likeSpelunky. This is the developer’s, Nuke Nine, first game. It’s one of the most complex indie games in quite some time. Thesetips forVaganteshould hopefully make thisbrutally difficult RPGeasier.
Take It Slow
This is the most important lesson players should learn right away. There is death seemingly around every corner inVagante. There are monsters lurking and traps ranging from arrows to spikes to falling boulders.
There isa stealth buttonin the game that allows players to sneak past bigger enemies or to lower themselves down from heights without triggering anything. Take it easy, explore, and everything should be good.
The Three Class Advantages
Players can choose one of three classes at the start of the game:Knight, Rogue, and Mage. The Knight is slower but has more power and HP. The Rogue can learnsome stealth skillsto move around enemies quicker. They also start with a bow, giving them a ranged advantage in battle.
Mages also get some range since they start with magic. They do have very low HP though. Players should test all three classes out to see which one best fits their playstyle.
Leveling Up Classes And Your Profile
Characters level up duringtheir roguelike runsbut progress is never carried forward after death. When characters do level up, players can allot one point into either stats or skills. Class-specific skills should be targeted first.
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For example, the Rogue can learn a good dodge move to get out of danger. Then there is theplayer’s profile. That levels up too and when it does, it will unlock mods for classes, passive skills, or even new classes.These are permanent. One class mod is called Experienced which subtracts luck for players getting a plus one to their starting level.
Much Easier With Multiplayer
Vaganteisa brutal roguelikethat can kick even the most hardcore player to the curb. However, the game supports online or local multiplayer using multiple Switch systems. This makes the experience much easier sinceplayers can be revived at campsites.
They turn into skeleton warriors in the meantime that can’t use equipment but are still somewhat valuable in a dungeon. It might be a wise idea for players to wait to startVaganteuntil they can assemble a good group of adventurers.
Pay Attention To Item Descriptions
One of the best things aboutVaganteis the items. Some loot drops, from armor to weapons, might be plain, but a majority usually have one skill attached. There was a cool pair of boots discovered in onerun of this roguelikethat shot fire from the feet whenever the character jumped. There was also a hammer that was imbued with lightning damage.
Before equipping a piece of gear, make sure toread its description first. Some items are cursed, making their descriptions all the more important.
Improve Your Odds In The Settings
Vaganteis a hard game, but there are two things in the settings thatcan assist players. In the game, it can be hard to see things, which is on purpose since players are diving into dark, dank, dungeons. Increasing theGamma levelswill makeVagantelook ugly, but players can see better.
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There is also azoombutton. Zooming out will allow players to see more of the map surrounding them. Zooming in will allow them to gain a better context of their immediate surroundings. Both tricks have their advantages so play around. Also, going into the settings will truly pause the game, unlike the equipment menu.
Battle Tactics
There is no good way to battle every enemy successfully without injury inVagantebesides distance. That’s why the Rogue is such a valuable character for beginners. However, they do need to draw their bow, a process that takes time; consequently, if enemies get up close and personal that could spell doom.
Height advantages can help too especially if enemies can’t jump up.Lure enemies into traps. That is always a good move.
The Pros And Cons To Killing The Merchant
There is a merchant inVagantewho is set up similarly to the merchant inSpelunky. Players can buy items from this merchant or they can try to kill him or just sneak past to rob his goods. This will cause him to go chaotic and try to kill them.
If players have a good strategy then they can stun the merchant, take the goods, and then run for the exit. It’s a greedy thing to do, but this is a brutal game without forgiveness. There is no right or wrong here.
Vagantewas released on Jul 24, 2025 onPS4,Switch, andXbox One. It launched previously in 2018 forPC.
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