Mixing Diablo and Hades, sci-fi ARPG Gatekeeper unveils new character for 1.0

It's astonishing to think that it's been over 18 months since sci-fi action RPG Gatekeeper first impressed me with its early Steam prologue, but the run-based Diablo rival is almost ready to conclude its journey through early access. Confirming the Gatekeeper 1.0 date for the start of August, indie studio Gravity Lagoon gives us an in-depth look at its ninth playable character, and they're an area-control walking tank that's ideal if you've struggled to keep up with some of the faster members of the roster.

Gatekeeper starts with the top-down, skill-based action of the best games like Diablo, as you dart between large enemy groups and unleash powerful ability combos to obliterate packs in quick succession. Then it injects that into the run-based structure of Risk of Rain and Hades, lovingly wrapped in a slick, sci-fi setting, to create an indie action roguelike with a satisfying feel and up to four-player co-op. It's earned itself a robust reputation, with Steam reviews clocking in at a 'very positive' lifetime score of 84%.

Gravity Lagoon has continued to fill things out since the early-access launch, and that's set to culminate on Friday August 1 with Gatekeeper 1.0. The release update will introduce the final boss fight, another artifact pack, additional locations across its planets, more location events, and extra objectives and triads. It also adds new character Aegis, a ranged heavy hitter who aims to be a little more methodical, laying out turrets to control the battlefield before unleashing high burst damage.

Formerly a commander of the Order of Delta Guardians, Aegis was hurled into the crystal well at the heart of an arcana mine, causing his body to be distorted by arcana shards and his mind to be dragged into the Nowhere. Now joining the ranks of the Gatekeepers, Aegis brings crystal powers to bear against those that would stand in his way. His first ability, Splinter, is a standard straight-line projectile that pierces through enemies, growing in damage with each one it hits.

Aegis can plant down Glyphons, stationary turrets that additionally absorb part of the damage Aegis takes while he's standing near them. While he starts with just one, as the skill evolves you can quickly set up an incredible bastion on the battlefield. His third skill puts him into a phase state, leaving a decoy behind and allowing him to pass through enemies to escape or stealthily flank. As you rank it up, the decoy can pull in enemies and even create an explosive, weakening cloud when it's destroyed.

Gravity Lagoon describes Aegis' ultimate skill, Ascension, as "without exaggeration, our most over-the-top ability yet." It slows Aegis down but causes him and his turrets to rapid-fire much larger splinters, capable of piercing any number of foes and replenishing the Ascension meter with each kill, letting you transform a dangerous arena into an empty, smoking crater in a matter of moments.

Aegis promises to be a relatively simple option that, if you can manage his slower movement, is capable of widespread destruction. In the weeks running up to the 1.0 launch, Gravity Lagoon promises deep-dives into "tons of quality-of-life improvements and spicy balance changes." If you're already eager to give the game a try, there's currently a Steam sale discount up for grabs.

Gatekeeper 1.0 launches Friday August 1. Before then, the game is 25% off until Thursday June 26, so you'll pay $11.24 / £9.74. Get it here if you're ready to reclaim the Heart of Time.

Alternatively, take a glimpse through the best co-op games in 2025 for you and your friends, or try another of the best action games on PC right now.

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