Skip to main content

Sunderfolk

Sunderfolk’s attempt at bringing the tabletop RPG experience to the living room TV screen is difficult to find fault with. Its clever use of mobile devices does a great job at capturing the tactile nature of true tabletop gaming, resulting in a surprisingly faithful adaptation of the full game night experience. The story may be a little generic, and the standard difficulty option may be a little undertuned, relative to how successful Sunderfolk is in achieving its vision elsewhere. For anyone, like me, who struggles to find the time or motivation to unpack their favourite tabletop behemoth and endure the inevitable setup and breaking down phase, Sunderfolk is a truly wonderful alternative that works better than it has any right to.
Sunderfolk Game Cover
91%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
grinding, stability
93% User Score Based on 1,275 reviews
Critic Score 85%Based on 3 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchXbox Series X|SPCXbox Game PassPlaystation 5CloudXbox Cloud GamingXboxWindowsPlayStation
Sunderfolk Game Cover

About

Sunderfolk is a multiplayer role playing game. It was developed by Secret Door and was released on April 23, 2025. It received positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

Sunderfolk is a tactical co-op RPG designed for local multiplayer with up to two players, featuring split-screen gameplay and a unique phone controller mechanic. It offers a perfect blend of engaging story, phenomenal game mechanics, and fantastic visuals that will make you laugh. One copy unlocks the full adventure for your entire party, creating a seamless and fun shared experience.

Skip User Reviews

93%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,275 reviews
story109 positive mentions
grinding6 negative mentions

  • Sunderfolk offers a unique and engaging couch co-op experience, allowing up to four players to join using only one copy of the game, making it accessible and fun for groups.
  • The use of smartphones as controllers enhances gameplay by providing individual access to character information and actions, while keeping the main screen clear for shared strategy discussions.
  • The game features charming art, well-designed characters, and a light-hearted narrative that appeals to both casual and experienced gamers, making it a great introduction to tactical RPGs.
  • The requirement to use smartphones as controllers can be cumbersome, especially for players who prefer traditional gaming setups with controllers or keyboards.
  • Some players have reported connectivity issues, including frequent disconnections during gameplay, which can disrupt the experience and require restarting the game.
  • The story and voice acting, while charming, may feel simplistic or juvenile for some players, lacking the depth and complexity found in more mature RPGs.
  • story
    365 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in the game serves as a basic framework connecting diverse missions, providing context and stakes for players. While some players find the narrative charming and engaging, others criticize it as generic and simplistic, often feeling more suited for a younger audience. Overall, the storytelling is described as lighthearted and fun, with opportunities for character interaction and town upgrades, but it lacks depth and complexity, leading to mixed feelings about its replayability and overall impact on the gameplay experience.

    • “The storytelling is wonderfully executed, and the story itself, while on the shorter side, is very well written and really pulls you into the world it builds.”
    • “The story is fun and engaging, and the different classes all have places to shine and are well balanced.”
    • “The story and characters are cute, with some spring of reality in them; I loved talking to everyone.”
    • “The story is very weak, though, and mostly skippable.”
    • “The plot and the dialogues... oh boy... they are bland, generic, unimaginative and 'safe' to the point of putting Teletubbies or Thomas the Tank Engine to shame.”
    • “The story itself is nothing to write home about, but it's rather refreshing to have a family-friendly setting that isn't too childlike.”
  • gameplay
    245 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Sunderfolk is praised for its innovative mechanics and accessibility, making it a great entry point for both casual and experienced players. It features streamlined tactical RPG elements reminiscent of Gloomhaven, with a unique phone-as-controller interface that enhances the cooperative experience. While the game maintains strategic depth, it avoids overwhelming complexity, allowing for engaging and dynamic gameplay that encourages collaboration and fun among friends.

    • “Overall, Sunderfolk succeeds not by reinventing tactical RPG mechanics, but by reframing them around human connection.”
    • “Incredibly innovative gameplay that serves as a great bridge between new or casual players and more experienced TTRPG players or gamers.”
    • “The gameplay is simple enough for anyone to grasp and the higher difficulties are challenging, introducing new mechanics and the need to strategize better instead of turning the enemies into damage sponges.”
    • “The game will let you go into a mission without equipment, won't let you restart a round, and introduces mechanics that go against previous mechanics.”
    • “Additionally, gameplay elements can be confusing or outright misleading.”
    • “This has all the features of a good game, but the actual gameplay is just lacking.”
  • graphics
    82 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of Sunderfolk have received widespread praise for their beautiful and charming art style, which enhances the immersive experience of the game. Players appreciate the colorful visuals, cute character designs, and well-executed animations, although some note that the graphics may feel somewhat basic or reminiscent of mobile-level quality. Overall, the game's aesthetic is described as inviting and engaging, making it appealing to a broad audience, especially fans of co-op tabletop experiences.

    • “The art style instantly captivated my interest.”
    • “The visuals are stunning and add to the immersive experience, but it’s really the co-op gameplay that sets it apart.”
    • “Graphics 10/10 this game is beautiful!!”
    • “Graphically, the game is also low-fi.”
    • “It smacks of mobile-level graphics, thrown over to a PC, and all the controls for the game are still on the mobile!”
    • “The graphics feel a tad outdated in 2025, but it has an undeniable charm to it, along with the DM narration and voices.”
  • replayability
    31 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game offers strong replayability due to its diverse characters, multiple difficulty settings, and various decision-making paths that encourage players to explore different play styles and campaigns. While some players express concerns about the game's length and the potential for additional content, many appreciate the unique experiences each playthrough can provide, especially in co-op mode. The ability to replay with different heroes and tackle uncompleted missions further enhances its replay value.

    • “The different characters and many decisions create a lot of replayability.”
    • “It has a large campaign with a little bit of replayability as you can't finish all the missions and play with all the characters in one campaign.”
    • “Each gameplay session feels unique, and it has a lot of replayability.”
    • “However, I think the 50 euro price tag is a bit steep since you complete the campaign in a little over 20 hours and it doesn't have much replay value aside from replaying the campaign on higher difficulty.”
    • “I'm worried about replayability, and hoping for additional campaigns or player-created storylines.”
    • “The one thing I would like to see is a separate mode that would be more replayable with more random elements.”
  • humor
    29 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is characterized by its charming anthropomorphic characters, expressive illustrations, and lighthearted dialogue, creating an approachable and friendly atmosphere for players. The ability to rename in-game elements fosters hilarious inside jokes and memorable moments, enhancing the collaborative and chaotic nature of gameplay. Overall, the combination of tactical combat and whimsical humor makes for a fun and engaging experience, especially when played with friends.

    • “It captures the spirit of tabletop gaming—planning together, celebrating clever plays, laughing at mistakes, and feeling collectively responsible for success or failure—within a polished digital format.”
    • “Renaming things in the world as we went was instantly hilarious and reaffirmed that we are all still children.”
    • “The quick start, easy and fun introduction, funny characters, meaningful progression, cute animations, challenging strategy, collaborative gameplay while stealing all the coins.. I just love this game!”
  • music
    16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is generally praised for its quality and ability to enhance immersion, with dynamic compositions that adapt to gameplay and character actions. Voice acting, particularly by Anjali Bhimani, adds charm and personality to the experience, while the overall audio direction is noted for its seamless integration with the game's presentation. However, some users found the soundtrack to be less interesting at times, and there were minor technical issues reported with audio streaming.

    • “The voice acting by Anjali Bhimani shines as a virtual game master, imbuing the engaging and well-written story and NPCs with personality and charm.”
    • “Every little bit of the presentation manages to be painstakingly crafted - the art, the music, the writing, the voice acting - and the seamless integration between the host and controller app makes the game incredibly accessible and engaging for us.”
    • “The music sets the tone for exploration, and when the stakes rise, it shifts just enough to make you feel it without ever pushing too hard.”
    • “The soundtrack is not very interesting.”
    • “Steam had audio-streaming issues (music being choppy) and Discord has a default of 5fps streaming, which I had to learn to configure to 30fps.”
    • “The soundtrack is quiet confidence.”
  • character development
    15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is highlighted by its charming and diverse character designs, which enhance the overall gameplay experience. Players appreciate the unique abilities and growth of each character, contributing to engaging and fun combat. The integration of voice acting and a tabletop feel further enriches the character interactions, making them memorable and enjoyable.

    • “I've enjoyed the character development and new things that are added as the game progresses.”
    • “The character designs are so excellent, and each character feels unique and plays very differently.”
    • “The character development (power growth) seems appropriate so far.”
  • optimization
    11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, "Sunderfolk" is praised for its strong optimization, featuring a smooth-running companion app and streamlined mechanics that enhance accessibility for new players. While performance is generally solid, some users noted minor connectivity issues and mixed experiences on the Steam Deck, suggesting potential for further optimization. The game successfully balances cooperative gameplay with a well-optimized interface, making it approachable for a wide audience.

    • “Much more approachable, streamlined/optimized mechanics, easier to pick up for new players.”
    • “The app runs smoothly, the interface is quick to learn with customizable settings.”
    • “Accessibility 8/10 (most games don't have more than a 5 though) mobile support (relatively) low PC requirements for host, very well optimized; I can't remember the last time I found a game that was actually finished on launch.”
    • “There are a few items that trivialize certain scenarios and greatly impact how synergy between characters can be optimized.”
    • “Didn't run super smooth on my Steam Deck, but could probably be optimized for that.”
    • “While the actor delivers a strong performance given the constraints, the writing and delivery lean too cutesy, clashing with the more serious tone of the game.”
  • atmosphere
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is generally praised for its charming aesthetics and engaging world, with a delightful tabletop feel enhanced by well-voiced characters. While some reviewers find the writing and overall atmosphere less appealing, many appreciate the beautiful art style and family-friendly vibe, contributing to an enjoyable experience. Overall, the atmosphere is described as fun, cute, and immersive, making it a standout feature of the game.

    • “Toss in a charming, tabletop atmosphere - where every character is voiced by the narrator - and you have a splendid D&D adjacent that truly shines bright!”
    • “The art and style is fantastic; the atmosphere and central hub is beautiful, the characters are fun and full of... well, character.”
    • “The atmosphere, the cuteness, the strategy, the couch co-op.”
    • “The writing, world, and atmosphere are not my first pick when it comes to a game.”
  • grinding
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, often preferring streamlined mechanics that eliminate cumbersome setup and maintenance. The game is praised for its ability to blend board game elements with video game benefits, offering a more enjoyable experience without the steep difficulty curve typical of similar titles like Gloomhaven. Overall, the focus on reducing tedious tasks enhances the enjoyment of gameplay and strategic planning.

    • “It gets very tedious, and I prefer it when they use discrete waves.”
    • “A great casual co-op game that takes heavy inspiration from Gloomhaven without the steep difficulty curve or tedious setup.”
    • “This is the kind of game we need more of in the market, something that blends board game mechanics with video gaming's benefits smoothly and removes tedious setup and maintenance that can be a barrier to entry and return play.”
  • emotional
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Sunderfolk is praised for its emotional depth, combining heartfelt storytelling with engaging gameplay that fosters social connections, whether in-person or online. The game’s art and narrative style evoke a strong sense of camaraderie, making it a memorable experience for players. Despite some technical issues, the overall emotional impact and cooperative vibe resonate well with users.

    • “Sunderfolk is a heartfelt digital tabletop-like experience that masterfully balances strategy, story, and social gameplay.”
    • “Imagine Gloomhaven, streamlined enough to actually teach your friends, with a great couch co-op vibe thanks to the 'everyone gets their own screen' Jackbox-style phone play, a killer art and animation style, and a really heartfelt 'GM telling you an RPG story' narrative style.”
    • “A heartwarming cross between Gloomhaven and Humblewood, Sunderfolk is billed as a great couch co-op, but it also works great over Discord streaming and (presumably) Steam sharing as well.”
  • stability
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, users report a smooth and stable experience with the game, particularly on mobile and general platforms. However, the Steam Deck version has been noted to have some bugs and low framerates, despite being verified for the platform.

    • “Runs great on Steam Deck.”
    • “It has since been Steam Deck verified and now runs great on my Steam Deck!”
    • “Be forewarned that the Steam Deck version is a little buggy at the moment and suffers from low framerates for some reason.”
  • monetization
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization model of the game is praised for being consumer-friendly, yet some users feel it leans towards a cash grab, suggesting that while it has potential, the gameplay experience may not justify its financial approach. Additionally, the game's marketing strategy targets established mini brands within the D&D community, which could enhance its visibility and appeal.

    • “This shouldn't be a hidden gem; it needs more exposure for being such a consumer-friendly game and monetization model!”
    • “I think my answer below is why, because the game is more of a simple chore than a game; it was a cash grab for almost everyone involved.”
    • “Many of the people in the advertisement are mini brands for D&D games and have somewhat loyal bases that they are selling this game to.”
Skip Critic Reviews
Skip Game Offers

Buy Sunderfolk

6h Median play time
19h Average play time
2-24h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 9 analyzed playthroughs
Skip Videos

Videos

Skip Games Like Sunderfolk

Games Like Sunderfolk

Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked Image
Eon Altar Image
Gloomhaven Image
Demeo Image
Popup Dungeon Image
Skip Game News
Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunderfolk is a role playing game.

Sunderfolk is available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5 and others.

On average players spend around 19 hours playing Sunderfolk.

Sunderfolk was released on April 23, 2025.

Sunderfolk was developed by Secret Door.

Sunderfolk has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Sunderfolk is a multiplayer game with local co-op support.

Similar games include Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked, Eon Altar, Gloomhaven, Demeo, Popup Dungeon and others.