Wartales: The Skelmar Invasion is an exciting and challenging expansion to the tactical RPG Wartales, where players are thrust into a war-torn world to fend off the Skelmar invasion of the county of Ormance. This DLC offers an engaging mix of strategic warfare, resource management, and immersive storytelling that enriches the base game.  

Wartales: The Skelmar Invasion's begins in Ormance, once a prosperous land now overrun by the Skelmars, a brutal coalition of clans united under the tyrannical High Jarl Sven. The expansion’s narrative is driven by your mission to liberate Ormance, starting with its last stronghold and gradually reclaiming each of its baronies.  

Liberate Ormance  

Wartales: The Skelmar Invasion's core mechanics revolve around siege warfare and territory control. Each barony is fortified by Skelmar forces, and the only way to liberate an area is to first conquer its stronghold. These sieges are multi-phased, with players needing to breach enemy defenses and then navigate the interior to defeat enemy commanders. This structure makes battles exciting and dynamic, offering players the challenge of balancing direct combat with strategic thinking. 

Resource management adds another layer of depth. You must manage manpower, construction materials, and supplies to strengthen your forces and rebuild essential infrastructure. Choosing which baronies to prioritize based on their resource production or military support is crucial to sustaining the war effort. The expansion’s new content enhances Wartales’ already rich gameplay, introducing new tactical layers, high-stakes sieges, and a deepening of world-building. 

One drawback of this game is its steep learning curve, which can be overwhelming for newcomers. The complex resource management and strategic decision-making required can feel daunting, especially in the early stages. Additionally, the repetitive nature of sieging strongholds and liberating baronies start to feel monotonous after a while, potentially dampening long-term engagement for some players. The game’s pace can also be slow, particularly during resource gathering. 

Mature content  

Overall, Wartales: The Skelmar Invasion is a worthy expansion that enhances the base game with exciting sieges, strategic depth, and an engaging narrative. The complex resource management and tactical decisions offer a rewarding challenge for players who enjoy planning and problem-solving. However, its steep learning curve and repetitive gameplay may deter some players, especially those new to the series.