The Riftstorm alpha playtest is now live and open to all interested players on Steam until October 30th. This free demo offers a unique chance for players to explore new game updates, including exclusive rewards, skins, and characters, as they test Riftstorm’s latest features.

What is Riftstorm?

Riftstorm is a co-op looter shooter that combines elements of action RPG and roguelite gameplay in a mysterious world known as the Occultical. Players assume the role of Mythic Protocol Weavers, special agents tasked with protecting the Occultical from mythic threats invading from other realms. In a team of up to three, players embark on mission-based gameplay, utilizing a variety of skills, weapons, and in-mission upgrades. The game offers a choice of unique Weavers, each with distinct abilities and loadouts, allowing players to customize primary and secondary weapons to match their gameplay style.

Riftstorm Logo and Key Art

New Features and Dungeon System 2.0

This playtest introduces significant enhancements to Riftstorm, appealing to both returning and new players. Among the updates are two new Weavers: Rook and Thistle, who expand the playable character roster to six. Rook brings versatile combat skills, using grenades, mines, and a single-target stun to control crowds and defeat powerful enemies. Thistle, on the other hand, specializes in spellcasting, wielding a floating tome that casts potent spells to eliminate waves of enemies.

Alongside new characters, the Dungeon System has been overhauled in what is being called Dungeon System 2.0. Players will experience enhanced mission variety and visual improvements, including expanded maps, new lighting, and diverse biomes, immersing players in an enriched narrative arc. Missions now feature various in-dungeon functions and actions, adding strategic depth and making gameplay more dynamic.

The playtest also brings a notable addition to the game’s arsenal: the Weapon Loop 0.5 crafting update. With this system, players can dismantle weapons to obtain Scrap, which they can then use with the new Dataseed system to craft new weapons. The randomized crafting option introduces an element of chance, enabling players to create new weapons with unique properties.

Riftstorm Key Art 1

Exclusive Rewards and In-Game Skins

Throughout the alpha playtest, players have the opportunity to earn exclusive skins and rewards by completing the new mission arc. These rewards are exclusive to this playtest phase, and it remains to be seen if they will eventually become NFTs or remain as in-game assets commemorating early access.

Riftstorm also connects to a larger entertainment network managed by its developer, Confliction Labs. Through the developer’s Portal platform, players can access the Mythic Protocol, a dashboard that tracks ecosystem tasks and in-game quests that yield Protocol Points. These points can be redeemed for rewards within Confliction Labs’ shared Occultical universe, including exclusive character skins and in-game benefits.

Mission Centre

Final Thoughts

Although Riftstorm does not yet integrate blockchain elements in this alpha demo, future versions of the game will incorporate web3 functionalities. This will allow player actions to be recorded on-chain and will introduce “wrap/unwrap” mechanics, making it possible for items to be converted into NFTs. While wrapped items can be traded on the marketplace, players can “unwrap” them, destroying the NFT and restoring the item in-game.

Confliction Labs emphasizes that this on-chain feature will enhance player influence on the game world, allowing the Occultical universe to evolve based on user-driven actions. The Riftstorm alpha playtest on Steam offers an enticing preview of what’s to come in this web3-connected looter shooter. Players can experience new features, claim exclusive rewards, and contribute feedback to shape the game’s future until October 30th.

Source: playtoearn