DnD Rival Pathfinder Reveals Co-Op RPG Gameplay

Developer Bkom Studios has revealed new co-op gameplay for the upcoming Pathfinder: Abomination Vaults, giving fans a hands-on look at its cooperative mechanics. Pathfinder: Abomination Vaults is an ARPG based on the tabletop adventure of the same name.

Unlike previous Pathfinder games, Abomination Vaults is an isometric hack-and-slash dungeon crawler. For those unfamiliar, earlier titles like Kingmaker and Wrath of the Righteous were turn-based RPGs. While it was known from the start that Abomination Vaults would focus on cooperative action, the new gameplay offers a closer look at how the multiplayer mechanics will work.

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As reported by PCGamesN, Pathfinder: Abomination Vaults revealed new co-op gameplay during the 2025 Summer Game Fest. Up to four players can explore the game’s massive labyrinth-style dungeon, with the option to play with fewer friends or even solo. When there are fewer than three players in the party, the remaining squad members are controlled by the game’s AI. However, players can issue commands to AI companions or take direct control of them mid-battle.

Pathfinder: Abomination Vaults Offers Flexible Co-Op Experience

Abomination Vaults features four fixed classes based on iconic Pathfinder champions: Amiri the Barbarian, Harsk the Ranger, Kyra the Cleric, and Ezren the Wizard. All four are inspired by the second edition of the tabletop game. Despite the fixed roles, the game offers in-depth buildcrafting mechanics that let players customize each class. These options allow for creatively assembled parties without the need to navigate overly complex RPG skill trees. Mid-game class adjustments and acquired items can further strengthen the party’s synergies or create new ones. Reportedly, triggering the champions’ team-up abilities is challenging and demands precise timing and coordination.

Based on hands-on previews from Summer Game Fest, it’s clear that Pathfinder: Abomination Vaults has more in common with the Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance franchise than the mainline Baldur’s Gate titles it’s often compared to. The real-time action and unique synergies between the four classes are something that would remind DnD fans of Dark Alliance‘s approach to combat and exploration.

One thing to note is that most reviews following the Summer Game Fest preview have been positive. The co-op gameplay has been described as seamless, enjoyable, and engaging, key qualities for a hack-and-slash dungeon crawler. What remains to be seen is how the game will maintain player interest within a single large dungeon and avoid repetition. Pathfinder: Abomination Vaults has yet to announce a release date, and it’s still unclear whether the game will be available on current-gen home consoles at launch.

Pathfinder: Abomination Vaults

Systems

Developer(s)

BKOM Studios

Publisher(s)

Megabit Publishing

Multiplayer

Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op

Franchise

Pathfinder

Number of Players

1-4 players

Steam Deck Compatibility

Unknown

Pathfinder: Abomination Vaults is the first-ever co-op Hack and Slash ARPG based on the Adventure Path, in which players lead iconic Pathfinder heroes into the depths of Gauntlight Keep and battle deadly abominations to reach the evil sorceress Belcorra Haruvex and end her vile schemes.

The wicked Belcorra Haruvex haunts her forsaken home of Gauntlight Keep. Centuries ago, she threatened the world with an army of monsters, beasts, and abominations, only to be defeated by four brave heroes. But her magic and malice have brought her back to the world as a ghost—and her army has only grown stronger in her absence.

Now Belcorra is ready to take revenge against those who wronged her in life. Brave heroes are needed to venture forth into the undiscovered depths of Gauntlight Keep—a sprawling mega dungeon teeming with foul monsters—to defeat Belcorra’s army and put her wicked soul to rest once and for all.

Players control and customize four iconic heroes of the Pathfinder universe, whose stories will unfold as they advance ever deeper into the dungeon.

Platform(s)

PC

Local Co-Op Support

Yes