If you’re a fan of the third-person combat stylings of Risk of Rain 2, news of fellow action roguelike Vellum breaking out of early access is well worth paying attention to. The ink-infused co-op game is a more magic-driven contender, and it’s earned itself a very positive response from players, with its early access journey currently boasting a 90% Steam review score. As it prepares to launch version 1.0, developer Alvios Games has given PCGamesN an exclusive look at the two raids coming with the full release.
Playable solo or as a co-op game, Vellum combines the third-person combat of Risk of Rain 2 with a splash of Hades and ink-based spells that feel reminiscent of the likes of Magicka or Elden Ring. Stepping into one of its six classes, you craft loadouts from more than 300 powers, each of will redefine your build. As you progress through a run, you’ll actually have to choose how your enemies evolve as well, picking from over 100 upgrades and effects to add to the mix, giving this roguelike a clever strategic twist.
With the Vellum 1.0 launch, Alvios Games is introducing two full raids, each complete with both normal and hard difficulty modes. You can expect these to take around the same time as a standard run or a touch longer, clocking in at 30 to 45 minutes. Along the way you’ll encounter four major events and two bigger confrontations, with plenty of rewards up for grabs if you’re able to come out ahead.
The first raid is The Forgery, a lava-filled foundry that has been overrun by constructs. There, you’ll experience the consequences of misused pages and ink, and come face to face with the Splice Lord. The second takes us to an old, overgrown keep known as the Grey Area, where you’ll be threatened by dangerous, haunted plant life and “twisted creatures shaped by the Raving Lord’s distorted view of beauty,” before taking on the Lord themselves.
Of course, the real reason you’re there is to get your hands on new drops. These include more Pages of Power, additional customization options for the Reading Nook, and Curiosities – a brand-new way to personalize your Scribe with wings, cloaks, and more. The further you progress through the raids, the more you’ll fill out your codex with encounter details to help you on future attempts, and each successful completion will mark every Page used in your build with a special stamp.
Vellum 1.0 launches Friday May 2 on Steam. If you can’t wait until then, you can buy it now in early access – expect to pay $19.99 / £16.75. Head here to grab a copy or wishlist it if you’re waiting for the full release date.
Can’t wait until then? Here are the best survival games you can play on PC right now, along with the best action games in 2025.
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