Trench Tales

Trench Tales

Early access since May 2025

Trench Tales is a third-person action game set in a strange, war-torn world. Inspired by early 20th-century themes, it offers open-ended exploration, combat encounters, and glimpses into a broken land shaped by endless conflict. Developed by a solo creator with community crowdfunding support.

70% positive · 695 reviews
Not yet
In early access, still in active development
High confidence
Active Development
Not yet
In early access, still in active development
High confidence
Active Development

Where to buy

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Evaluation

Trench Tales is a solo-developed Early Access game that launched on May 6, 2025, built with community crowdfunding support. The developer has maintained a very active update cadence throughout Early Access, with feature-rich updates shipping in May, July, August, September, November, and December 2025, and again in March 2026. These updates have added new areas, weapons, enemies, AI systems, quest mechanics, cinematics, and more. The most recent news post, published on August 26, 2026, is a developer transparency update addressing the announcement of a second project called Violence of Action. The developer was explicit that this new project has its own separate team and will not redirect resources away from Trench Tales, stating: "this does not replace, slow down, or redirect resources away from Trench Tales" and "Trench Tales remains my main development focus." The developer also described potential future benefits — if Violence of Action performs well, its revenue could be reinvested to accelerate Trench Tales development. The store description reaffirms that the game "remains in active development, with new content, improvements, and features being added throughout Early Access." There is no indication that development is winding down or that a 1.0 release is imminent. The game continues to evolve with new systems, content, and improvements on a regular basis.
Evidence
Developer transparency post addressing a second project (Violence of Action) under Talking Drums, explicitly stating it does not replace, slow down, or redirect resources from Trench Tales, and that Trench Tales remains the developer's main focus.
news post · Aug 26, 2026 source development ongoing
high
Major build update adding an opening cinematic sequence, new NPCs, areas, equipment, weapon modules, and combat improvements — described as 3–4 weeks of focused development work.
news post · Mar 18, 2026 source content shipped
high

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
Crytivo
Achievements
—
Platform
Windows
Controller
partial support
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player

About this game

Trench Tales is a solo-developed project created by a single developer and initially brought to life through community crowdfunding support. The game remains in active development, with new content, improvements, and features being added throughout Early Access.

🔹 Key Features:

  • 🧭 Open-ended exploration across interconnected war-torn zones

  • ⚔️ Deliberate third-person combat with melee, ranged weapons, and abilities

  • 🛠️ Basic gear customization through scavenging and upgrades

  • 🕯️ Environmental storytelling with minimal dialogue or cutscenes

  • 🌒 Dark, surreal atmosphere blending early 20th-century vibes with fantasy

Trench Tales places you in a bleak, war-scarred world shaped by strange forces. Summoned without explanation, you take on the role of a lone warrior navigating hostile terrain, uncovering buried truths, and confronting the powers that hold this realm in chaos.

Visual Style and Setting

Trench Tales unfolds in a grim, war-ravaged world inspired by the aesthetics of the great wars. Endless trenches, ruined bunkers, and shattered landscapes stretch beneath a heavy sky, creating a constant sense of dread and decay. The setting blends industrial machinery, Gothic remnants, and surreal horrors to deliver a bleak atmosphere rooted in the chaos and despair of endless conflict.

Powers and Abilities

In Trench Tales, players unlock a diverse set of powers, including the ability to slow time, unleash burst energy, and heal wounds swiftly. Additionally, possessing a visionary sight that penetrates walls enhances strategic planning by revealing hidden pathways and enemy positions. These unique abilities empower players to approach challenges with versatility, making Trench Tales a dynamic and immersive gaming experience.

Gun Customization

Gain access to a diverse arsenal, featuring handguns, machine guns, sniper rifles, and heavy weapons, each tailored for specific combat situations. The game's robust customization system allows to modify barrels, stocks, scopes, and grips, enhancing accuracy and stability. With options like silencers for stealth and recoil-reducing attachments for control, you can craft personalized firearms, gaining a strategic edge in the game's enigmatic universe.

Tactical Combat

Prepare yourself for an adrenaline-fueled experience in Trench Tales, where tactical combat is not just a choice but a necessity. As you navigate the war-torn universe, your strategic prowess will be your greatest asset. Assess your surroundings, utilize cover, and exploit enemy weaknesses to emerge victorious. With every encounter, you'll need to make quick decisions, choose the right weapons, and leverage your unique powers to outmaneuver your foes. Mastering tactical combat isn't just a challenge – it's your key to survival in this intense and immersive world. Are you ready to test your skills and emerge triumphant?

Rich Dark Story

Immerse yourself in Trench Tales' mind-bending narrative, a haunting journey through a rich, dark tapestry of mystery and suspense. As you delve into the depths of this war-torn world, confront malevolent forces, and unearth long-buried secrets, the story twists and turns, challenging your perceptions and blurring the lines between reality and illusion. This deeply immersive and thought-provoking storyline will captivate you, exploring the darkest corners of the human psyche and leaving you questioning the boundaries of truth and perception.

Last evaluated Aug 27, 2026
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