Revisiting Redfall: Was It Really That Bad?
Do you remember that one game from May 2023 that launched to overwhelmingly negative reviews, failed to deliver on basically all its promises, and kind of became a cautionary tale overnight? You know the one—Redfall.
The open-world vampire-slaying RPG from Arkane Austin was supposed to be a co-op dream, but what we got was more like a multiplayer fever dream—with always-online requirements, a messy gameplay loop, and enough bugs to start its own infestation.
But here we are, in 2025, and the question is: should we give Redfall another chance? Let’s take a look.
One Final Update, One Major Fix
One of the biggest concerns for the (very small) group of people who actually enjoyed Redfall at launch was that it was an always-online game. That meant once Arkane Austin was shut down, so too would your access to the game.
Well, back in May 2024, a final update was confirmed—and it included offline mode. And yes, the fanbase (what’s left of it) rejoiced. You can now play Redfall without worrying about losing your progress, even after Arkane’s closure. That alone might be enough reason to give the game another shot.
It’s Better Than Launch—But Temper Expectations
Let’s be clear: Redfall is better than it was at launch. But that doesn’t mean it’s suddenly a masterpiece. The gameplay loop is still pretty average, and the combat—while improved—is nothing groundbreaking. Still, if you like simple progression paths, decent enemy design, and a solid art style, there’s stuff to enjoy here.
- Two unique maps offer variety
- Lots of side activities in the open world
- Combat is okay—nothing wild, but solid
- Progression is smooth, especially for casual play
It’s also not a long-haul game. If you’re a completionist, this might be perfect for you. You can realistically grab every achievement in a relatively short amount of time, especially if you bring a friend to help with the multiplayer-focused ones. Quick in air quotes, of course—it’s still an RPG. But it won’t eat your life like other titles.
Final Thoughts
So… did Redfall get a bad rap? Honestly, yes. Its launch was rough. Very rough. But now that the dust has settled, the game is in a playable state, and offline mode means you don’t have to worry about losing your progress to server shutdowns.
Just manage your expectations. It’s not GOTY material. It’s not even “hidden gem” territory. But if you want a simple vampire shooter to burn through with a buddy? Redfall’s worth a second glance.
