The Underworld Awaits: Why “Monomyth” Is and Isn’t a New “Arx Fatalis” (And Why That’s a Good Thing)

Since its Early Access release in October 2024, the indie RPG Monomyth has been turning heads and earning “Very Positive” reviews on Steam. This immersive, first-person dungeon-crawler from solo developer Rat Tower is a loving homage to a bygone era of PC gaming. It’s not just a new dungeon crawler; it’s a game that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of classic titles like Arx Fatalis, King’s Field, and the legendary Ultima Underworld. The game’s success is a testament to the enduring appeal of this unique sub-genre of RPG.

The game’s aesthetic, gameplay, and overall design philosophy have led many players to declare it a true spiritual successor to Arkane Studios’ 2002 cult classic, Arx Fatalis. And while the comparison is both fitting and a high compliment, it’s important to understand why Monomyth isn’t just a rehash of a classic, but a modern masterpiece in its own right.

The Similarities: A Masterclass in Homage

The parallels between Monomyth and Arx Fatalis are undeniable, and they are what makes the game so appealing to a niche audience. Both games are set almost entirely underground in a vast, interconnected, and highly interactive world.

• Environmental Interactivity: Like Arx Fatalis, Monomyth is an immersive sim. You can pick up, move, and interact with nearly every object in the game world. This includes lighting torches, cooking food, and using physics to solve puzzles.
• Non-Linear Progression: The game doesn’t hold your hand. You’re dropped into a complex world with little instruction, and it’s up to you to explore, piece together the lore, and figure out how to progress. The world is a sprawling web of secrets, hidden paths, and interconnected levels, rewarding careful exploration.
• Puzzles and Problem-Solving: Puzzles are integrated into the environment in a way that feels organic. The solution might be a hidden lever, a specific object, or even a magical spell. The game often forces you to think outside the box to bypass obstacles, a core design principle of Arx Fatalis.

The Differences: A Modern Evolution

Where Monomyth diverges from its predecessor is in its execution and its ability to adapt those classic mechanics for a modern audience.

• Streamlined Magic and Combat: While Arx Fatalis had a unique but often clunky rune-drawing system for spells, Monomyth uses a more traditional, but no less tactical, system. The combat, while still challenging, is more fluid and responsive, with a greater emphasis on strategic positioning and using the environment to your advantage.
• Exploration as a Reward: While both games feature exploration, Monomyth elevates it. The world is denser with secrets and lore, making every nook and cranny worth investigating. Finding a hidden key, a powerful piece of loot, or a new path forward feels genuinely rewarding.
• A More Refined Experience: The game, even in its Early Access state, is remarkably stable and polished for a one-man project. The user interface is clean, the graphics are a significant step up, and the overall experience is smoother than a modern player would expect from a game that is a direct homage to a 20-year-old title.

In conclusion, Monomyth is more than just a clone of Arx Fatalis. It’s a game that takes the best elements of its inspiration—the deep immersion, the rewarding exploration, and the intricate puzzle design—and refines them for a new generation. It’s a perfect example of how to make a “spiritual successor” that respects the past while paving its own path forward. For anyone who has fond memories of exploring the depths of Arx or simply loves a challenging, non-linear RPG, Monomyth is a must-play.