Rise up in a search for immortality in this strategy sim and management game based on Chinese mythology. Rebuild your sect and train new disciples through the path of cultivation. Research magic and gather mystical artifacts, face ancient dangers and other sects in your path to spiritual ascension.
As a sect leader, you must carefully train your disciples to ascend to godhood through the arduous process of cultivation. This involves meticulously optimizing every aspect of their growth - refining their physical bodies, honing their spiritual Qi, and unlocking unique cultivation "Laws" that grant extraordinary abilities. Progressing a disciple's cultivation is a slow, methodical challenge. You must precisely adjust the Feng Shui (elemental balance) of their training rooms, ensure proper diet and rest, and unlock the right combination of complementary skills and spells. Each cultivation path offers dramatically different playstyles, requiring strategic tradeoffs as disciples transform, some even becoming enlightened beasts or powerful demi-gods.
Beyond just cultivation, you must manage an entire sect - overseeing resource gathering, construction projects, and political alliances with rival sects. The base-building mechanics resemble classics like Dwarf Fortress, as you carefully arrange your facilities to maximize productivity and minimize conflicts. Assigning the right disciples to roles, from manual laborers to specialized crafters, is crucial to maintaining a balanced and thriving community.
The world beyond your sect holds many mysteries to uncover. You can send disciples on expeditions to discover ancient ruins, lost relics, and powerful demonic threats. These encounters are randomly generated, ensuring high replayability as you never know what challenges or opportunities will present themselves. Acquiring new cultivation Laws, defeating fearsome bosses, and uncovering the secrets of the Tiancang era provide a constant sense of excitement and accomplishment.
While the game lacks a traditional linear narrative, the depth of the simulation allows for organic, player-driven storytelling to emerge. The interactions between your disciples, the rise and fall of rival sects, and the epic battles against supernatural forces all contribute to a unique sandbox experience. Unexpected and often humorous events, from accidentally castrating a male disciple to burning down your entire sect, add to the game's sense of high-stakes drama.