Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles is an open world building sandbox that focuses on freedom and discovery, allowing players to build sprawling towns, spires and fortresses, in a rich oceanic steampunk setting, supported with exploration and light strategy elements.
At the heart of the gameplay is a unique, freeform building system inspired by 3D modeling. Players freely place towers and connect them with walls and bridges, rather than adhering to a strict grid. Residential and service buildings then automatically emerge on these structures, allowing for the creation of highly organic, vertically-oriented settlements. Reviewers praise this as a refreshing departure from traditional city-builders, emphasizing creativity and experimentation over optimization.
The game eschews complex resource management and production chains in favor of a more casual, sandbox-style approach. Players are free to simply build for the joy of construction, without the need to min-max or solve intricate challenges. Reviewers liken the experience to titles like Townscaper, where the focus is on personal expression and worldbuilding rather than hardcore strategy.
While building is the core loop, the game does incorporate light combat and exploration mechanics. Players control an airship to scout the open world, discovering new settlements, resources, and characters to interact with. Combat involves directing this airship and any accompanying fighter units to engage hostile factions, though reviewers note this serves more as a complementary system rather than a deep strategic focus.
Underpinning the gameplay is a rich, lore-filled setting inspired by the developer's previous title. As players construct their settlements, they uncover more of the history and conflicts of the "Great Ursee" - a fantastical oceanic world filled with lost myths and breathtaking vistas. Reviewers praise this narrative element, combined with the game's striking visual style, for creating a truly immersive backdrop for the player's creative endeavors.