Eternights

Eternights, an action RPG and dating simulator, is currently available for free, for Windows, 100% free to keep, as part of a limited-time Epic Store’s giveaway offer! Take advantage of it, as Eternights normally costs US$29.99!

Eternights is an independent action RPG that combines hack and slash combat, anime/manga aesthetics, and dating sim elements where the protagonist explores dungeons and fights enemies while having to balance these activities with his social life, something Persona-like. The game was developed by Studio Sai and was initially released on September 12, 2023.

The story takes place in a world on the brink of apocalypse, where people are being transformed into monsters and supernatural events begin to occur. The player takes control of an 18-year-old young man who receives a magical arm capable of transforming into a sword, and embarks on a journey in which he reunites with his best friend and a pop singer for whom he is in love with.

Published by Studio Sai itself and released for Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, Eternights received mixed reviews and sold 150,000 units by April 2024. At least as of the time of this publication, the game has hundreds of very positive user reviews on Steam and holds a 4.4/5 rating on the Epic Games Store.

You can get the game here! There’s a free demo version here as well, in case the giveaway has ended!

Trailer

Gameplay

In Eternights, an 18-year-old boy (whose name is chosen by the player) is attacked by an unknown woman named Delia, who cuts off his arm with her scythe. Luckily, another woman—whom he previously met through a dating app—replaces his lost limb with a glowing magical arm that can also transform into a sword. This allows the young man to fight the monsters created by Eternights, an anti-aging drug, and face challenges of a preternatural nature.

The gameplay consists of third-person hack and slash action RPG combat, combined with social simulation and time management elements. The player controls the protagonist in real-time battles against infected enemies, while exploring dangerous areas and dungeons and developing relationships with other characters.

During combat, it is possible to perform precise dodges that momentarily slow down time, allowing for more effective counterattacks. Consecutive hits within a short time frame generate combos, enabling the execution of stronger attacks or finishers. Attacking enemies and performing Perfect Dodges fills the Elemental Gauge, whose charges can be consumed to execute the Elemental Fist attack, capable of breaking enemy barriers if the player succeeds in a quick-time event. SP points can be spent to activate special abilities, which are unlocked through relationships with other characters.

Outside of combat, the player can interact with a group of five main characters. Dialogue choices influence the protagonist’s Social Stats and relationship level with each NPC. Increasing these levels grants new abilities and spells usable in battle, creating a direct link between the narrative systems and combat.

The game features a calendar system in which performing certain activities causes time to pass. Each day offers a limited number of actions, such as exploring dungeons, scavenging for supplies, training, or spending time with other characters. Some areas and activities have specific deadlines, requiring the player to decide how to allocate the available time.

The dungeons, known as the “Wall,” present challenges such as traps, puzzles, and minigames, including rhythmic dance sequences, all of which must be completed within a set time limit. The game also features several fully animated 2D cutscenes, which vary depending on the relationships developed throughout the narrative.

About the game

Eternights is a unique blend of dating and action where players can explore a post-apocalyptic world filled with danger, love, and adventure.

Save the world, and find love along the way.

Face the infected

One day, something, or someone, has turned humans into dangerous monsters. All that interests them now is violence and power. They are what stand between you, a cure, and the world you want. Most importantly? You’re fighting for more than just your own survival – you are fighting for those you love.

Find Love

The impending end of the world makes for a great conversation starter! When you’re not exploring dungeons, you can choose to spend time growing closer to a cast of five quirky and loveable characters. Explore their stories and grow closer to them to unlock unique skills and spells you can use in battle.

Race the Clock

Scavenging, dungeon crawling, dating…there are just too many things to do in one day, and each area has a deadline! Will you grow closer to your confidant in order to deepen your relationship and unlock new skills? Will you scavenge the wasteland for supplies? Will you grow stronger by training with your companions? Or will you ignore all of that and go to the dungeon the first chance you get? It’s up to you, but remember, the clock is ticking.

Explore Dungeons

These dangerous areas – known as the “Wall” – are filled with mystery and danger. As the deadline looms, you will have to quickly overcome traps, puzzles, and dancing minigames to make it through in time. Luckily, you have your confidants by your side to help when things get scary.

Animated Cutscenes

There are several fully 2D animated cutscenes that change depending on who you decide to date. Immerse yourself and truly connect with the characters you are spending time with.

Mature Content Description

The developers describe the content like this:

The game features implicit sexual behavior, violence and blood and gore (including mutilation), and imagery that some players may find disturbing.