SKALD: Against the Black Priory

SKALD: Against the Black Priory

Released May 2024

SKALD:Against the Black Priory is a retro-style party-based RPG set in a grim-dark fantasy world of tragic heroes, violent deaths and Lovecraftian horror. Take a chance and roll the dice as you embark on a compelling story filled with deadly creatures, branching story and tactical, turn-based combat

93% positive · 3,660 reviews
Not yet
Released, but still in active development
Low confidence
Active Development
Not yet
Released, but still in active development
Low confidence
Active Development

Where to buy

Prices in USD, as listed by each store.
Buying through an affiliate store helps support the site

Evaluation

SKALD: Against the Black Priory launched on May 30, 2024. Since then, High North Studios has maintained a steady stream of post-launch updates. A feature patch on June 13, 2024 delivered bug fixes and gameplay improvements. On August 30, 2024, the developer confirmed they were back from a post-launch rest period and actively working on the next update. That update arrived on September 30, 2024, delivering the new Bard class, full controller and Steam Deck support, new portraits, illustrations, and a raised level cap. At the end of that post, the developer teased "a new major update around Christmas" and mentioned lining up the next High North Studios project. Following that, the developer shifted focus to modding support: a modding toolset update and community contest results were posted on January 20, 2025, and modding was officially moved to the main game branch on February 24, 2025 — the most recent official communication. As of today (June 26, 2026), the last developer post was on February 24, 2025 — approximately 16 months ago. The developer's post-launch cadence established updates roughly every 2–4 months through early 2025. Sixteen months without a post is beyond that pattern, and the "major update around Christmas" hinted at in September 2024 has not been visibly announced or confirmed as shipped. However, no developer statement has declared the game complete or that further updates are finished. The developer also mentioned planning a new project, which may explain a quieter period for SKALD specifically. All three DLC items on the store are released, and no unreleased DLC is listed. Given the sustained post-launch update history and the absence of any "we're done" statement, the game reflects a studio that has been actively developing it past launch, even if the current pace of communication has slowed significantly.
Evidence
Major update added the Bard class, controller/Steam Deck support, new portraits, illustrations, backgrounds, and a raised level cap. Developer teased another major update around Christmas and mentioned planning the next High North Studios project.
news post · Sep 30, 2024 source content shipped
high
Developer confirmed return from post-launch rest, announced active work on a controller/Steam Deck update dropping end of September, and noted a 'roadmap for the rest of the year' with cool stuff to share.
news post · Aug 30, 2024 source content planned
high

Content

3 of 3 released · no outstanding content

Media

Details

Publisher
Raw Fury
Achievements
15
Platform
Windows, macOS
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Verified
Players
Single-player

About this game

You drag yourself from the black tides, across the corpses of drowned men, and onto the unwelcoming, craggy shoreline. Gulls cry overhead and the stink of seaweed fills your nose. By some miracle you have made it to Idra. It will take all your skill to survive and unravel the eldritch mysteries of the Black Priory

SKALD: Against the Black Priory is inspired by roleplaying games of yesteryear, combining modern design and compelling storytelling with authentic 8-bit looks and charms.

Delve into a dark fantasy world, full of deadly creatures, tragic heroes, and lovecraftian horror for an epic retro-style adventure rich in exploration and tactical, turn-based combat.

Do you have what it takes to lead a company of broken heroes from the tainted shores of Idra to the gates of the Black Priory - and beyond?

Gather your party

Lead a band of broken heroes through challenging turn-based combat scenarios as you cleave, blast or stealth your way through deadly enemies of all definitions. Equip your heroes using a modern inventory system, fulfil objectives through quest logs, read journals to discover hidden secrets. And if the action is still a bit too hot to handle, auto-resolve to bypass conflict entirely.

Prepare thyself

Set yourself up for the journey ahead by crafting and cooking from a slew of distinct recipes Choose your character, select their stats and build out a party from a series of diverse allies, each with their own skill-set, agenda and personality. Decide between a dozen classes and varied backgrounds, levelling up to 20 while customising your spells and equipment to suit your style.

Venture Forth

Set in an unforgiving world with lovecraftian horrors and choice-based dialogue, your story will take many unexpected twists and turns. Living life as a mercenary, you’ll need to roll the dice to determine whether you fall prey to certain peril or escape grave danger.

Celebrate Yesteryear 

Uncover the grand schemes of the Gallian Empire and explore the vast expanse of Freymark and the Outer Isles. In SKALD: Against the Black Priory, you’ll experience this richly illustrated world of authentic pixel art, built from thousands of hand-drawn tiles and images using a palette inspired by the legendary Commodore 64 computer. Optional CRT filter for true retro aficionados also included.

Mod Support

Looking for more SKALD content to play? Players now have access to the SKALD Data Editing Tool (SKaDE) to create their own adventures and play all new ones at no extra cost. This custom-made modding tool is powered by Mod.io and gives you access to all of the assets in SKALD: Against The Black Priory. Where will your imagination take you?

Last evaluated Jun 26, 2026
Something about this evaluation looks wrong Report illegal or harmful content