Of Ash and Steel Sets Sail with New Demo and November Launch Date

Fire & Frost and tinyBuild have officially confirmed that their ambitious open-world fantasy RPG, Of Ash and Steel, will release on November 6 for PC via Steam and GOG. Accompanying this announcement, players can now dive into a brand-new Steam demo that offers a substantial slice of gameplay, setting the tone for this nostalgic, yet modern, role-playing experience.

The new demo invites players to step into the boots of Tristan, a young adventurer whose journey begins in the rugged frontier of Grayshaft.

Here, you can freely explore the vast starting region, interact with its rugged inhabitants, and uncover early threads of the main story. Players can experiment with skill trees and professions, learning how to shape Tristan’s abilities to match their preferred playstyle – whether mastering the axe as a lumberjack’s ally or honing alchemical and survival skills deep in the wilds.

One of the highlights of the demo is the chance to explore the area surrounding the lumberjack camp, where you’ll assist workers struggling against both nature and exhaustion. From chopping wood to fending off mysterious threats, this area captures the gritty atmosphere Fire & Frost aims to build across the entire game. Later, players can team up with Fox, a mysterious companion, to investigate a long-abandoned village and uncover eerie secrets that lead toward the fog-shrouded harbor – the gateway to the wider world of Of Ash and Steel.

For those craving a more intense challenge, the demo also includes the Arena Master Mode. This standalone mode pits Tristan against waves of enemies in a fast-paced combat arena where reflexes and tactical skill are key. Victorious players can earn experience, gold, and renown, upgrading their weapons, armor, and abilities to prove themselves as Grayshaft’s ultimate gladiator.

Early previews of the game were mixed. In July, Wccftech’s Francesco De Meo found the initial build promising but unpolished, noting performance issues and lackluster combat flow. However, he acknowledged that the game’s foundation showed real potential – particularly its old-school design philosophy and freedom of choice. Since then, Fire & Frost has reportedly overhauled several systems, reworking animations, improving quest structure, and tightening combat mechanics to ensure that players can truly shape Grayshaft through their choices.

With the November release fast approaching, Of Ash and Steel could emerge as a surprise hit for fans of classic RPGs like Gothic and Morrowind. If the new demo delivers on its promise, Fire & Frost might just turn a rough gem into one of the most authentic fantasy adventures of the year.