Refracted is a third-person roguelike action shooter set in a world where humanity has fallen to the clanker hordes. Survivors rely on a mysterious crystal that grants powers to command troops, bolster defenses, and return fallen heroes to the fight through refraction. The core experience centers on advancing through enemy territory, cutting down waves of mechanical foes while managing momentum in a battle that grows more intense the farther players push.
Gameplay
Players control heroes equipped with weapons and abilities shaped by the crystal's influence. Combat unfolds in third-person perspective as waves of clankers advance. The loop involves clearing enemies, coordinating with crystal-powered troops, and reinforcing positions with turrets to maintain forward progress. Destroying towers that anchor the clanker assault serves as the primary objective, with each successful push unlocking deeper territory and stronger opposition.
Upgrades arrive after each battle and split across three distinct fronts. Hero enhancements alter weapons, abilities, and overall combat approach. Troop upgrades transform fragile advances into larger forces capable of holding ground. Turret improvements create stronger defensive anchors that shred incoming hordes. Combinations of these systems allow for flexible strategies that blend personal firepower, army support, and static defenses.
Game Modes
Refracted supports solo play alongside online and LAN co-op for up to four players total. In co-op sessions, participants select from unlocked heroes that feature distinct playstyles and abilities. The shared experience focuses on the same push into clanker territory, with coordination across hero builds, troop commands, and turret placements becoming essential as difficulty scales with group size and distance traveled.
No separate named modes exist beyond the core cooperative and single-player structure. Every session revolves around the roguelike progression of advancing, adapting to escalating threats, and refining builds between runs.
Enemies and Battlefield Evolution
The clanker army adapts as players advance. Basic units give way to specialized variants and dangerous elites that demand quick adjustments in positioning and ability use. Large bosses block paths to key fortresses, requiring sustained focus and combined team efforts in co-op. The farther the advance, the more lethal the environment becomes, with increased enemy density and aggression testing both individual skill and group coordination.
Is It Worth Playing?
Refracted targets players who enjoy roguelike action shooters with co-op elements and layered build systems. The emphasis on momentum, multi-front upgrades, and escalating enemy resistance creates a focused loop centered on adaptation and progression. With release planned for the first quarter of 2027 and no player reviews available yet, interest depends on preference for third-person combat that mixes hero customization, troop management, and defensive setups in a co-op-friendly package. Those drawn to similar titles with wave-based pushes and roguelike restarts will find the described mechanics align closely with that style.
