Fabular: Once Upon a Spacetime

Early access since Nov 2022

Cross blades with space knights in this epic physics-based roguelike where space-age and medieval combat collide. Die often, upgrade, and battle your way across the galaxy, defeating rival ships in methodical skirmishes on a quest to save your kingdom from destruction!

84% positive · 163 reviews

Not yet

In early access, content still planned

High confidence

Content Planned

Not yet

In early access, content still planned

High confidence

Content Planned

Where to buy

Steam Updated 11 Oct 2026 $14.99

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Evaluation

Fabular: Once Upon a Spacetime entered Steam Early Access on November 10, 2022 and remains in Early Access as of today. The developer, Spiritus Games, has maintained an active and transparent development cadence throughout, with six major content updates shipped since launch. The most recent major updates arrived in quick succession: The Overforge Update on March 18, 2026 (a complete itemization overhaul), followed by The Moreoverforge Update on April 7, 2026 (boss-themed items and loot improvements), and a Save Slots feature patch on April 22, 2026. The April 22 post explicitly states that the team is "still working on more content behind the scenes," confirming ongoing development activity. Realm 4: The Iron Kingdom entered Open Beta in June 2025 and has been receiving iterative updates — the December 2025 events update brought Realm 4's story content close to completion, and the March 2026 itemization overhaul was partly motivated by polishing the game ahead of Realm 4's full release. However, as of the most recent posts, Realm 4 has not yet exited Open Beta and received its final, fully polished release. The game's original Early Access roadmap (published November 2022) described plans for five realms total, new classes, a full storyline, and more. With Realm 4 still in beta and no 1.0 announcement made, the game has not yet reached its intended complete state. The developer remains engaged, communicative, and actively shipping updates — there is no sign of development trouble.

Evidence

Save Slots feature patch shipped; developer explicitly states 'we're still working on more content behind the scenes' and solicits feedback on early-game pacing for future balancing.

news post · Apr 22, 2026 source development ongoing

high

The Moreoverforge Update shipped with boss-thematic items and loot system improvements, framed as continued expansion of the Fabular armory.

news post · Apr 7, 2026 source content shipped

high

Media

Details

Developer

Spiritus Games

Publisher

Spiritus Games

Achievements

Platform

Windows

Controller

full support

Steam Deck

Not rated

Players

Single-player

Action RPG Top-Down Physics Difficult Souls-like 2D Pixel Graphics Action Roguelike Hack and Slash Space Sci-fi Futuristic Spaceships Steampunk Perma Death

About this game

Welcome to Fabular: Once Upon a Spacetime! Before you disembark on this cosmic journey, it’s important to understand one thing. We created a game that embraces difficulty as its cornerstone. It’s hard. In fact, it’s a black hole of hard. You will die. A lot. Pay attention and learn from your mistakes. Do your best to save the universe, space knight!

… the last remaining royal sets out on a dangerous quest.

The Void Lords have stolen the sun. Your brothers have vanished into deep space. The king grows old and fragile, searching for a better future in the endless streams of prophecy. As the last remaining royal, the fate of the kingdom rests on your shoulders – and on your blade.

In Fabular, experience a sci-fi-infused vision of the Middle Ages, as noble knights clash in armored spaceships. The sweeping story is brought to life through a combination of pixel art and hand-drawn illustrations.

Embark on a perilous quest across a procedurally generated universe where friends and resources are both scarce. Plan ahead, be cautious, and make sure you’re prepared before engaging in combat. Every mistake could be your last.

Battle your enemies in top-down, tactical physics-based action combat and overcome thrilling duels at the tip of your sword.

Loot your fallen adversaries for better gear and upgrade your vessel to suit your playstyle in order to survive the next fight. Monitor your resources closely, or risk being stranded in space.

Die and try again. Return to the throne room after each defeat, unlocking new boons to give yourself an edge on your future runs. Meet new faces and seek guidance from old friends, as you’ll expand the court throughout your journey.

Save your kingdom against all odds by carving your path through the galaxy, challenging rival knights in fiercely intense close-combat encounters. Upgrade your arsenal of weapons, shields and equipment. Manage critical resources wisely. Make life-or-death decisions. And if you fall in battle, be prepared to do it all again.