Solasta II: Preview - an adventure focused on tactics without neglecting role-playing

The world of Dungeons & Dragons is nothing new to video games. However, it can be said that there has been an increase in the number of titles seeking to translate the tabletop system—both physical and digital—into the video game space. A year ago, Tactical Adventure revealed Solasta II, a title that aims to integrate the elements of this role-playing game into an adventure, much like what the GOTY winner Baldur’s Gate III achieved in its time.

This week, I had the opportunity to dive into an alpha test of the game, where I was able to play part of its first act, create characters, and take the first steps of this adventure—one where combat truly shines.

The pen-and-paper experience, updated

One of the aspects I enjoy most about playing Dungeons & Dragons, and where Solasta II shows strong foundations, is character creation. I cannot speak fully about this experience yet, as the number of options is limited: only four races (human, halfling, dwarf, and elf) and six available classes. Despite this, all the elements one would expect from character creation are present, along with the classic modifiers that make the choice of race, background, and other details part of the equation.

Character creation also allows you to adjust facial features, add tattoos, makeup, and scars, as well as change hairstyles and facial hair. The experience may not feel especially deep, but it is good enough to have you spending several minutes creating your character—especially considering you can create each of the four main characters. An important detail worth highlighting is that this experience is updated to the Dungeons & Dragons 2025 system, meaning the newest rules and adjustments introduced over the past year will be ready for all players once the final version is released.

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Another key detail is that the four characters are adopted siblings, and at a certain point in the story, their personalities will be shaped by their role within the family. The favorite child has a very different attitude from the one who was always getting into trouble, and this difference is reflected through this choice.

A world that draws you in

Solasta II follows the story of the Colwall siblings, who reunite after many years due to a tragic event: the death of their adoptive mother. Like any good role-playing story, this moment serves as the catalyst for an adventure that takes them to the continent of Nekos—a world full of mysteries, conflicts, and, of course, combat—as they attempt to uncover the origin of the enigmatic Mark of Maraike.

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Interaction with characters feels natural and constant. Each party member has something relevant to contribute, and the attributes on the character sheet play a key role in decision-making. There is nothing quite like failing a group roll to trigger unexpected—and sometimes quite amusing—responses, such as failing to identify a spy.

Exploration is broad and features strong verticality. Caves, beaches, castles, and large cities make up well-detailed environments that invite exploration. Considering this is an alpha build, it is reasonable to expect many of these elements to improve in the final version.

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Roll for initiative

Combat is, without question, where Tactical Adventure showcases its greatest strength. The tactical system works solidly, and the classic tabletop grid is present, allowing for a clear reading of the battlefield. Many of the rules are properly implemented, making strategy essential in every encounter.

Additionally, difficulty can be adjusted through modifiers that recall the flexibility of a good Dungeon Master, allowing players to soften encounters that might otherwise feel overly punishing. This makes the game accessible both to veterans and to newcomers approaching role-playing games for the first time.

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Another strong point is the inclusion of a glossary that explains key concepts of the system. Whether for beginners who still confuse Intelligence with Wisdom, or for veterans who need a refresher on certain terms, this tool proves extremely useful.

For now, Solasta II is shaping up to be a solid experience that seeks to elevate the representation of Dungeons & Dragons in video games, especially in terms of combat. While there is still a road ahead before its final release, these first steps leave a positive and promising impression.

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