Most of the island is technically accessible to the player immediately in the Risen. However, various wild monsters that can quickly overwhelm and kill a rookie character block the roads leading deeper into the island almost often. The player character will have considerably more flexibility to explore the island after he has more excellent abilities and gear.

Smaller regions of Risen must be explored later. In later levels of the Game, creatures respawn, but not in the beginning. There are also rumours that the island has easter eggs.

Combat

Risen is an action role-playing Game with an emphasis on battle. The adversaries, including the player, have a variety of assault moves at their disposal, in addition to parries, blocks, and dodges. The positioning of the combatants, the use of shields (players without guards cannot block projectiles or assaults from shorter creatures), and the type of the attack all affect whether an attack succeeds (stronger attacks can knock aside shields, leaving the target open for follow up strikes; magic attacks cannot be blocked, etc.).

Three different forms of melee weapons (swords, axes, and staves) and two types of ranged weapons are available to players (bows and crossbows). Most weapons require a minimum set of stats (typically Dexterity for bows and strength for the other guns).

Skills

The player has access to 5 weapon skills corresponding to the various weapons types. Gaining proficiency with a melee weapon unlocks more choices for offence and defence.

Various non-combat abilities like pickpocketing and lock picking are also included in the Game as alternative methods of accomplishing objectives. The Game has a straightforward crafting system that allows players with sufficient smithing and alchemy skills to combine raw materials to create usable items or potions.

Rune magic and Crystal magic are the two main categories of magic in Risen. Players can shoot magical projectiles at foes with Crystal Magic. Similar to how weapon skills are trained, so is this skill. Each Level of rune magic corresponds to a different Level of spell complexity. Most spells are non-combat and have a range of uses, including puzzle-solving (such as levitation and telekinesis) and providing benefits (speed, strength or armour).

Level Up

Players advance in Level by gaining experience points, often obtained by defeating opponents and completing tasks. Players receive learning points as they progress through levels. These points can be used by NPC trainers (along with money) to enhance abilities and traits.

There are no predetermined character classes available. The suitable trainers allow players to train any talent technically. Any restrictions are typically described in terms of the plot. For instance, if the player character wants to learn Rune Magic, he must first join the Mages. The best sword trainer is also a bandit; he won't accept the player's character if he is a mage or an order warrior.

A Quest diary has a complete record of all Quest conversations. There are maps and "Quest maps" with highlighted objectives accessible. English is used for the non-player characters' voices.

Risen is similar to the Gothic games in terms of "the general mood of the setting, the presentation, feel of gameplay, and manner of exploration," but is more "user-friendly" than the "more hardcore Gothic games," according to an IGN reviewer.

Get on the journey of Risen and experience a life full of adventures.