I’ve talked about this highly promising title many times in the past, and today, QUICKFIRE GAMES has officially announced the Kickstarter launch date for its debut tactical RPG Prelude Dark Pain, set to begin crowdfunding on April 29, 2025. Revealed today from the studio’s base in Seville, the project features a dark fantasy setting and promises deep tactical gameplay rooted in squad-based tactics and settlement management. The studio has also unveiled a new gameplay trailer, offering the first look at combat mechanics and world design.
A standout feature of Prelude Dark Pain is its original soundtrack by renowned Japanese composer Kumi Tanioka, best known for her work on Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles and Minecraft. Players will lead a band of over 20 customizable heroes under the command of blacksmith Soren, navigating a branching narrative set across a richly detailed open world filled with handcrafted battlegrounds, multiple cultures, and more than 70 unique enemies.
“We’ve been creating a unique dark fantasy world that aims to offer a deep gameplay experience crafted by classic tactic RPG fans,” said Arturo Martín, co-founder of QUICKFIRE GAMES. Interested players can now register to be notified when the campaign goes live, wishlist the game on Steam, and follow the studio on social media. Early Access is planned for release sometime next year. Below an overview via Steam and new trailer.
About This Game
PRELUDE DARK PAIN is a turn-based Tactical RPG set in a dark fantasy world. Lead a group of heroes to save the world of Statera and its inhabitants from an ancient evil that has afflicted them for generations.
More than 20 playable heroes, each with two talent branches and a pool of 25 skills. Design your squad and manage both your resources and your team of heroes in and out of battle.
In each battle, players will lead a group of up to five heroes. Choose your DPS, Support, Assassins and many more from 8 classes – the future of Statera depends on your strategies!
Each skill has its own characteristics. Equip the ones you are most interested in to create powerful combos in every battle.
Prelude Dark Pain takes place in the world of Statera, a territory ravaged by the Dark Pain. The Order of the Ashen Crusade rules with blood and terror over a great extension of this territory while praying to the Lord of Pain. However, there are still free people who fight against the lurking evil.
Assume the role of Soren, an ancient warrior transformed into a blacksmith, who will mark the steps of a great revolution. With the help of Tizon, Tammais, Maya and other people fighting against oppression, Soren will have to defeat his enemies… and also the evil that awaits behind the veil’s gaps.
The reality of Statera is being torn apart due to the chaos caused by the Order of the Ashen Crusade, which is also causing tears in the veil. Through these rifts, the creatures of Pain can break through their reality to invade the people of Statera.
Players will have to make important decisions that will influence both the main story and the heroes that can be recruited in battle. You may miss some of them because of your previous choices!
There will be more than 20 different cultures scattered throughout Statera. Many of them are hostile, guaranteeing more than 70 different enemies to face. You’ll also find final bosses among them!
In addition to the main story, Prelude Dark Pain will be loaded with sidequests that we have called WORLD MISSIONS. These will expand the game’s lore and will be vital to recruit more heroes.
Players will be able to manage their settlement to craft weapons and equipment, as well as send heroes on different raids to save free villages, search for resources or spy on rivals. But be warned: the heroes sent out can’t be summoned into battle for a while, so plan accordingly!
