No Rest for the Wicked Review — Is It Worth Playing?
Updated 2026-06-03
No Rest for the Wicked marks a bold departure for Moon Studios. Known for the Ori series — colorful, fluid Metroidvanias — the team pivoted to a dark, methodical Action RPG with Soulslike DNA. The result is one of the most distinctive ARPGs in recent years, even in its Early Access state.
The good
- Combat feels weighty and impactful. Every hit carries real force, and enemy AI is smart enough to flank and punish mistakes.
- World design is top-tier. The interconnected map rivals the best in the genre, with shortcuts and secrets everywhere.
- Visuals are stunning. Moon Studios' hand-crafted art style translates beautifully to a dark fantasy setting.
- Sound design is excellent. Every weapon clang, enemy growl, and environmental cue is crisp and atmospheric.
The not-so-good
- Performance was rough at Early Access launch. Multiple patches have improved it, but some areas still chug on recommended hardware.
- Limited enemy variety in the first two chapters. Some reskins appear too frequently.
- Story pacing drags in the middle of chapter two.
- Co-op setup can be fiddly — the Together Co-op Update improved this but it is not seamless.
Verdict
No Rest for the Wicked is worth playing, especially at the $39.99 Early Access price. It is not as polished as Elden Ring or as approachable as modern God of War, but it carves its own space with unique combat weight, gorgeous art, and a world that begs to be explored. If you are a fan of Soulslike games or Moon Studios' craftsmanship, this is an easy recommendation.
Read the Beginner Guide to get started, the Gameplay guide for a deeper look at mechanics, and check the Price guide to decide which version to buy.
FAQ
- How long is No Rest for the Wicked in Early Access?
- The current Early Access content takes roughly 20–30 hours to complete, depending on exploration and side content.
- Should I wait for 1.0 or buy Early Access now?
- Buying Early Access now locks in the $39.99 price and gives you the free 1.0 upgrade. Only wait if you want a bug-free, complete experience at launch.