ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree
Released Jan 2023
ATONE is a Norse mythology-inspired, hand-drawn game that blends interactive storytelling and complex puzzles with a rhythm game combat system. Inherit the role of a young warrior named Estra as she journeys through Midgard to unveil the truth behind her father’s death.
87% positive · 162 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Where to buy
Green Man Gaming Steam key Lowest $2.46 $14.99 −84% Steam $14.99
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Evaluation
ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree launched on January 27, 2023 as a complete, narrative-driven game. Since launch, the developer's only substantive post was a Steam Deck verification announcement on October 21, 2025 — a platform compatibility update, not new content. There is no DLC, no season pass, no roadmap, and no developer communication indicating that any additional content is planned. The game was released as a finished single-player story experience, and nothing from Wildboy Studios or publisher Untold Tales suggests otherwise. The Steam Deck certification post confirms the developer is still maintaining the game, but it carries no implication of new content. With no post-launch content ever shipped and no signals of future additions, the game is best understood as a complete package that launched in January 2023.
Evidence
ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree launched on January 27, 2023. Launch post is celebratory with no mention of post-launch content or future updates.
Steam Deck verified announcement — a platform compatibility certification with no new content or development plans mentioned.
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
Untold Tales
Achievements
63
Platform
Windows
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Verified
Players
Single-player
About this game
The Gods have abandoned Midgard. Once a prosperous land teeming with mythical beasts and beings, it now rots from the inside, tainted by unknown forces. Odin’s chosen guardians of the realm are gone. In their absence, the sacred Elder Tree they swore to protect is exposed to abuse and manipulation. Now, the only remnants of hope reside in Estra, the daughter of mankind’s last great leader.
With a heavy emphasis on narrative, Estra’s journey through Midgard is filled with Nordic lore, mysterious twists, and consequential decisions. Players will converse with a variety of characters and share in Estra’s discoveries as she learns more about her family’s past and the looming darkness spreading across the realm.
Estra’s path is fraught with difficult decisions and untrustworthy characters that can lead her astray. Her story is intertwined with the player’s ability to discern fact from fiction and to decide right from wrong. Avoid battle, help companions, save your people, but remember that the consequences are Estra’s to bear.
Along the way, players must solve incrementally challenging puzzles that reveal insightful secrets, fantastical abilities, and hidden passageways. While trial and error is useful, patience is necessary. Not every problem allows for multiple mistakes and failure is most certainly an option. The answers you seek may be lost if you make the wrong decision.
Violence isn’t always necessary, but, when push comes to shove, ATONE’s combat is a delicate dance of sword and axe. Combat is grounded in the rhythm game genre and the mechanics of titles like Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution. Music is a crucial component, with each fight receiving its very own song.
ATONE’s music and sound design are composed by a variety of incredible artists, including: Julian Ratschiller, Australian artist Luminist (a.k.a. James Shuar), who blends a synth-heavy score with the digitally corrupted sounds of period-specific instruments, and Andrew Prahlow, whose name can be attributed to the critically acclaimed hit Outer Wilds and epics like Star Wars and Blade Runner.
With a heavy emphasis on narrative, Estra’s journey through Midgard is filled with Nordic lore, mysterious twists, and consequential decisions. Players will converse with a variety of characters and share in Estra’s discoveries as she learns more about her family’s past and the looming darkness spreading across the realm.
Estra’s path is fraught with difficult decisions and untrustworthy characters that can lead her astray. Her story is intertwined with the player’s ability to discern fact from fiction and to decide right from wrong. Avoid battle, help companions, save your people, but remember that the consequences are Estra’s to bear.
Along the way, players must solve incrementally challenging puzzles that reveal insightful secrets, fantastical abilities, and hidden passageways. While trial and error is useful, patience is necessary. Not every problem allows for multiple mistakes and failure is most certainly an option. The answers you seek may be lost if you make the wrong decision.
Violence isn’t always necessary, but, when push comes to shove, ATONE’s combat is a delicate dance of sword and axe. Combat is grounded in the rhythm game genre and the mechanics of titles like Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution. Music is a crucial component, with each fight receiving its very own song.
ATONE’s music and sound design are composed by a variety of incredible artists, including: Julian Ratschiller, Australian artist Luminist (a.k.a. James Shuar), who blends a synth-heavy score with the digitally corrupted sounds of period-specific instruments, and Andrew Prahlow, whose name can be attributed to the critically acclaimed hit Outer Wilds and epics like Star Wars and Blade Runner.
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Jun 26, 2026
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