Heads Will Roll: Downfall
Released Oct 2022
Heads Will Roll: Downfall is a combination of a tactical role-playing game and visual novel, in which you will assume the role of a medieval soldier.
67% positive · 418 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Where to get it
Free on Steam
Evaluation
Heads Will Roll: Downfall launched on October 20, 2022. On November 12, 2022, the developer published patch 1.85 alongside an explicit statement: "It is the last update for Downfall and its arrival marks the end of our tech support for the game." The developer explained that resources were being redirected to the successor title, Heads Will Roll: Reforged. No further updates or content have been released for Downfall since that date. All subsequent developer news (NEWS-1 through NEWS-10) pertains entirely to other games — primarily Heads Will Roll: Reforged and its DLC expansions, as well as a new title called Blades for Hire — none of which affect the status of Downfall. The game is a finished, complete product as of November 12, 2022.
Evidence
Developer explicitly states patch 1.85 is the last update for Downfall and marks the end of tech support for the game, citing resource constraints from working on Heads Will Roll: Reforged.
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
Valkyrie Initiative
Achievements
29
Platform
Windows, macOS, Linux
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player
About this game
Heads Will Roll: Downfall is a combination of a tactical role-playing game and visual novel, in which you will assume the role of a medieval soldier. One of the thousands of faceless foot soldiers the English king sent to put down a rebellion in Scotland.
As an accidental participant in this war, the protagonist and the player will have to confront a variety of dangerous situations, meet good friends and deadly opponents, as well as make many difficult decisions along the way.
The combat system in Downfall is a reworked and improved version of Heads Will Roll. Turn-based tactical battles will challenge the player to carefully consider each action he takes. Physical attributes, weapon skills, fatigue, wounds, injuries, armor coverage, weapon type and length - each of these factors contributes to the outcome of any battle to one degree or another, giving any battle a greater tactical depth.
The story revolves around a young soldier who gets into war in an attempt to hide from justice for a crime that he did not commit. He has a deadly adventure in store for him and a chance to wash away the dirt off his reputation with blood so as to return home no longer a fugitive but a hero... Or remain missing on endless battlefields.
Who said there is no romance in war? You will have to choose between feelings and duty more than once while fighting not only for gold and but also for a beautiful girl who is determined to win your heart.
The loot found on the battlefield can be used to craft new items, such as poisons, medicines, pieces of equipment, and different kinds of crossbow bolts.
Dozens of authentic medieval weapons including swords, spears, axes, throwing daggers, and crossbows. All of them have distinct characteristics, attacks, and principles of work, based on certain characteristics of each character. There are strengths and weaknesses to each weapon that needs to be considered in order to win the battle.
Every action the player takes will affect his reputation with his brothers-in-arms and key characters. Get the respect of your comrades and they will help you more than once. Make a mess of your relationship with them and you'll be alone in the middle of an army.
As an accidental participant in this war, the protagonist and the player will have to confront a variety of dangerous situations, meet good friends and deadly opponents, as well as make many difficult decisions along the way.
The combat system in Downfall is a reworked and improved version of Heads Will Roll. Turn-based tactical battles will challenge the player to carefully consider each action he takes. Physical attributes, weapon skills, fatigue, wounds, injuries, armor coverage, weapon type and length - each of these factors contributes to the outcome of any battle to one degree or another, giving any battle a greater tactical depth.
The story revolves around a young soldier who gets into war in an attempt to hide from justice for a crime that he did not commit. He has a deadly adventure in store for him and a chance to wash away the dirt off his reputation with blood so as to return home no longer a fugitive but a hero... Or remain missing on endless battlefields.
Who said there is no romance in war? You will have to choose between feelings and duty more than once while fighting not only for gold and but also for a beautiful girl who is determined to win your heart.
The loot found on the battlefield can be used to craft new items, such as poisons, medicines, pieces of equipment, and different kinds of crossbow bolts.
Dozens of authentic medieval weapons including swords, spears, axes, throwing daggers, and crossbows. All of them have distinct characteristics, attacks, and principles of work, based on certain characteristics of each character. There are strengths and weaknesses to each weapon that needs to be considered in order to win the battle.
Every action the player takes will affect his reputation with his brothers-in-arms and key characters. Get the respect of your comrades and they will help you more than once. Make a mess of your relationship with them and you'll be alone in the middle of an army.
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Sep 6, 2026
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