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Avernum 3: Ruined World

iOS, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac • 2018

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Quick resume

Wander free through this epic, indie fantasy adventure. Explore a huge world that evolves as time passes. Towns fight battles. Refugees flee. Disasters happen. Features cunning adventures, great depth, and unlimited freedom. Be a merchant or bounty hunter, buy a home, save the world!

Global score

84/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)

Pros

  • Huge open world with extensive exploration
  • Deep and engaging story with rich lore
  • Tactical turn-based combat with strategic depth
  • Flexible character customization and party building
  • High replayability and long playtime

Cons

  • Retro graphics and minimal sound may deter some players
  • Some mechanics feel dated or tedious (e.g. puzzles, inventory management)
  • Limited quality of life features and ui quirks
  • No multiplayer or social features
  • Late game combat can become trivial or repetitive

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to build classless characters, choose party composition, and explore a large open world with multiple quest paths and outcomes."

  • Competence
    4

    "The game features tactical turn-based combat with strategic positioning, skill development, and difficulty settings that challenge player skill and decision-making."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is on personal progression and exploration without ranked modes or direct player-vs-player competition."

  • Continuation
    5

    "Players report hundreds of hours of engagement, replayability, and habitual play with a large world and many quests."

  • Cooperation
    -4

    "Gameplay centers on managing a solo party; no multiplayer or cooperative social play is mentioned."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Character customization is flexible with skill trees and multi-classing; players can experiment with builds and party roles."

  • Domination
    -5

    "Interactions emphasize story and exploration; no evidence of exerting control or superiority over other players."

  • Escapism
    5

    "The large immersive fantasy world and engaging story provide strong escape from real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and nostalgia; no indication of obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players try different character builds, explore multiple quest paths, and experiment with tactical combat strategies."

  • Exploration
    5

    "The game features a huge open world with many hidden dungeons, secrets, and optional quests encouraging discovery."

  • Expression
    2

    "Character creation and skill customization allow some self-expression, though graphics and avatars are retro and standardized."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Strong fantasy setting with magic, mythical creatures, and an imaginative fictional world."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Gameplay is primarily single-player with minimal social or community interaction."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop characters through skill trees and learn tactical combat; story progression also supports personal development."

  • Health
    -5

    "The game is a sedentary computer RPG with no physical activity elements."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention on tactical combat and exploration; not designed for background or casual intermittent play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No evidence of close social relationships or emotional sharing; interactions are mostly with NPCs in a narrative context."

  • Leadership
    3

    "Players lead and manage a party of characters, making strategic decisions and guiding their actions."

  • Progression
    5

    "Strong emphasis on leveling up characters, acquiring items, and completing quests to advance."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "While the game can be challenging, many players find it rewarding and immersive, providing a flow experience."

  • Sensation
    -2

    "Graphics and sound are retro and minimal; sensory stimulation is moderate and understated."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social status or recognition systems; focus is on individual story and gameplay."

  • Story
    5

    "Highly praised narrative depth, world-building, and character-driven storylines."

  • Strategy
    5

    "Turn-based tactical combat and skill management require planning and problem solving."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Combat and exploration involve suspense and risk, especially with time-limited quests and dangerous enemies."

  • Value
    5

    "Players report excellent value with 40-70+ hours of gameplay and replayability for a reasonable price."

  • Violence
    4

    "Combat involves defeating monsters and enemies through tactical battles and spells."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players manage resources and avoid threats; time pressure and monster invasions add survival challenges."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026