The frontier just got a lot more crowded—and significantly more cursed. Indie developer Moth Atlas and publisher Midwest Games have released a major update for their highly anticipated 2D action-RPG, Tombwater, revealing the full slate of starting archetypes players will use to survive its eldritch-infested landscape.
Set in a decaying silver-mining town gripped by a supernatural plague of madness, Tombwater blends the punishing, methodical combat of the Souls series with the top-down exploration of classic Zelda titles, all wrapped in a “Weird West” aesthetic.
Meet the Desperados: The Seven Archetypes
The latest trailer showcases seven distinct classes, ranging from traditional frontier brawlers to occult-obsessed scholars. Each class features unique starting stats and equipment designed to support different playstyles:
- The Gunslinger: The quintessential Western hero, boasting high precision and the fastest fire-rate revolver in the game.
- The Soldier: A durable front-liner armed with a Dragoon Sabre, built for players who prefer aggressive, close-quarters combat.
- The Occultist: A master of hexes who begins with high Lucidity. They carry a Rune Knife that actively reduces the player’s “Madness” meter upon hitting enemies.
- The Tinkerer: For the strategists, this class focuses on alchemy, traps, and explosive consumables.
- The Spellblade: A hybrid warrior that balances melee strikes with utility spells, including a grim ability called “Grave Fingers.”
- The Drifter: A “jack-of-all-trades” featuring a unique Quickstep Slash dash mechanic that rewards high-mobility play.
- The Nameless: The ultimate challenge for genre veterans. Starting with a Rusty Sabre and minimal stats, this is the “Wretch” equivalent for those seeking a brutal experience.
Bloodborne Meets the High Desert
Developed by Max Mraz (the creator behind the acclaimed Bloodborne demake Yarntown), Tombwater promises a sprawling, interconnected map filled with over 20 horrifying boss encounters. Players are tasked with finding the missing Sheriff Elliott Flintwood while managing a Madness meter—a mechanic that reflects the mental toll of facing Lovecraftian horrors in the scrublands.
“We wanted each starting class to meaningfully change the way you fight through Tombwater,” said lead developer Max Mraz. “The classes offer the chance to mix things up on a replay… except for the Nameless. That’s just asking for a tough run.”
Release Information
Following a successful appearance at the Best Indie Games Showcase, Tombwater is currently slated for a Q1 2026 full release on PC via Steam. For those eager to test their mettle early, a playable demo is available now on the Steam store, featuring a slice of the game’s punishing combat and atmospheric world-building.
Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/bUNdM
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