Star rating
4/5
Solid bite
V Rising, developed by Stunlock Studios and fully released on May 8, 2024, after a successful Early Access period, is a vampire-themed survival ARPG that sinks its teeth into a unique blend of genres. I started playing on June 13, 2024, and after many hours of building gothic castles and hunting for blood, I can say it’s a highly engaging experience that’s earned a solid 4 stars—though it’s not without its flaws.
A Bloody Good Fantasy
The vampire fantasy is the heart of V Rising, and it’s executed brilliantly. You awaken as a weakened vampire, tasked with rebuilding your empire in a sprawling open world. The survival mechanics are immersive: the day-night cycle forces you to avoid sunlight, using shadows from trees or passing clouds to stay safe, which adds a thrilling layer of strategy to exploration. The blood system is equally compelling—drinking from different enemies grants temporary buffs, making every hunt feel meaningful. Building your castle is a joy, with an intuitive system that lets you snap together gothic structures effortlessly.
Combat is where V Rising truly shines. It’s fast-paced and deliberate, blending ARPG elements with MOBA-style duels. Boss fights, of which there are over 50, are a highlight—each one feels like a unique challenge, requiring you to dodge telegraphed attacks and manage your cooldowns carefully. The 1.0 update added Rift Incursions, timed events that let you earn Stygian Shards for crafting powerful weapons, adding a satisfying progression loop.
The world is visually striking, especially after the 1.0 update’s graphical improvements. The progression system, tied to gear score rather than traditional leveling, encourages exploration and boss hunting to unlock new crafting recipes. Flexibility is excellent—you can tweak server settings, play offline or with friends, and choose PvP or PvE.
Final Verdict — 4 Stars
That said, V Rising isn’t perfect. The narrative is almost nonexistent, which can make the experience feel hollow at times in solo play. The early game can be repetitive, and mid-to-late progression can feel grindy. These issues hold it back from a perfect score, but they don’t overshadow the game’s strengths. If you’re a fan of survival games, ARPGs, or vampire fantasies, it’s well worth sinking your teeth into.