Sunderfolk Review: A Tabletop RPG Perfect for Strategic Weekend Fun with Friends

Sunderfolk is one of those games that feels like it was made to bring people together. Developed with the spirit of a tabletop RPG but streamlined into a digital experience, it strikes a balance between accessibility and depth. It plays like a cozy game night wrapped in an RPG framework, full of clever combat mechanics, strategic decision making, and plenty of charming moments. It is not perfect, and it definitely works better with a group, but when played as intended it delivers an experience that is both memorable and rewarding.

– “Sunderfolk” is a collaborative, tactical RPG which shines when played with friends, allowing players to strategize together. Each player controls a unique hero, combining their abilities and progressing through quests.
– The game story is simple yet engaging, marked by interactions with varied NPCs, all voiced by Anjali Bhimani, and implications of player choices. This also offers an authentic tabletop RPG experience through the use of a mobile app for control and interaction.
– While solo play is less engaging, the emphasis on cooperative play makes Sunderfolk an engaging tactical RPG with memorable, player-made moments. However, the game’s straightforward story doesn’t take many risks or offer unique twists.

At its heart, Sunderfolk is a cooperative, turn-based adventure where each player takes on a unique character class with its own abilities, strengths, and quirks. The Pyromancer hurls devastating flames at enemies, the Rogue dances around the battlefield with precision strikes, and the Warden serves as a protective anchor for the party. There are meaningful synergies between classes that encourage coordination and planning. Combat plays out on a hex-based grid, and success comes from anticipating enemy behavior and timing your moves with the group. A single misstep can throw your whole plan off, but when a strategy comes together it feels incredibly satisfying.

One of the most intriguing elements of Sunderfolk is its integration of smartphones and tablets. Instead of cluttering the screen with endless menus, you scan a QR code to connect your device and control your character directly. It feels a little strange at first but quickly becomes second nature. It also makes the game feel like a hybrid between a digital board game and a traditional video game. While this system is elegant in theory, it does have some minor flaws. Occasionally, a device disconnects or struggles to resync, causing a short break in the flow of the game. These hiccups are not dealbreakers but can be frustrating during tense moments.

The narrative presentation is another highlight. The story is told by a game master, voiced with warmth and personality by Anjali Bhimani. She guides the party through branching events, offering prompts that often require group decisions. Sometimes it is as simple as choosing how to approach a suspicious NPC. Other times, the party must name landmarks or factions, leaving players with a sense of agency over the unfolding world. These little touches give the game personality and keep it from feeling like a sterile dungeon crawl.

The Fate card system adds yet another layer to the experience. Each player builds a small deck of cards that can change how their character acts in battle, triggering critical hits, status effects, or defensive maneuvers. The randomness of card draws adds tension without feeling unfair, and over time you can craft decks to better suit your preferred playstyle. This mechanic helps keep each session feeling fresh, even when replaying the same missions.

Where Sunderfolk struggles most is in its solo mode. It is technically possible to play alone by managing two characters, but the experience feels hollow without the chatter, negotiation, and teamwork that make it special. You lose the social spark that elevates the game from good to great. The pacing also slows down when you are juggling two roles, making the combat feel more like a chore than a puzzle. If you cannot gather a group, it is hard to recommend picking it up for solo play.

Visually, the game art has a storybook charm, with soft colors and distinct character silhouettes that make it easy to read the battlefield. The sound design is subtle but effective, especially the musical stingers that punctuate big moments. It will not wow anyone with cutting-edge graphics, but it does not need to. The atmosphere fits the tabletop-inspired tone perfectly.

Sunderfolk is a game built around connection. It is not trying to compete with sprawling RPG epics or action-heavy dungeon crawlers. Instead, it succeeds as a cooperative experience that values communication and teamwork. The mix of tactical combat, light role-playing, and accessible design makes it ideal for a casual game night or a regular online session with friends. It is not flawless, and its reliance on external devices can occasionally disrupt the flow, but those issues are minor compared to the fun it offers in the right setting.

If you love the feeling of sitting around a table with friends, planning your next move, and laughing at the chaos that follows, Sunderfolk delivers that in a digital format. Just be sure to bring a group along for the ride.

RATING: 4 out of 5 stars.

Sunderfolk released for PC, PlayStation 5, Switch and Xbox Series S/X on April 23rd, 2025.