The survivors-like genre exploded after Vampire Survivors proved that auto-attacking through waves of enemies could be endlessly compelling. Halls of Torment, developed by Chasing Carrots and released into Early Access in 2023, takes that formula and wraps it in the aesthetic of late-1990s isometric action RPGs. The visual shift from Vampire Survivors’ retro pixel art to something resembling pre-rendered Diablo sprites gives the game an immediate visual identity, and the mechanical additions underneath that surface layer make it one of the more interesting entries in the genre.
Player reception has been strongly positive, with most praise directed at the game’s ability to feel like a more “complete” game than the typical survivors-like. The build variety, the meaningful differences between characters, and the sense of progression between runs all elevate it above genre average. The Early Access status means content is still being added, and some players have noted that certain balancing issues and incomplete features reflect that ongoing development. But the foundation is strong enough that most players are happy to grow with it.
A Pre-Rendered Hellscape with Real Build Depth
The visual presentation does more heavy lifting than it might seem at first. The pre-rendered isometric art style gives Halls of Torment a weight and atmosphere that the flat, minimalist aesthetics of most survivors-likes can’t match. Enemies feel like creatures rather than sprites, environments feel like places rather than arenas, and the overall experience reads as a proper action RPG that happens to use survivors-like mechanics rather than a genre exercise in a costume.
Build variety is where the game distinguishes itself mechanically. Multiple playable characters each bring unique starting abilities and stat distributions, and the items and upgrades available during runs allow for meaningfully different approaches. A run focused on summoning allies plays nothing like a run built around area-of-effect damage or single-target burst. The blessing system, which provides permanent meta-progression upgrades, adds another layer of customization that carries across runs.
The difficulty curve hits a satisfying balance between power fantasy and genuine challenge. Early runs feel overwhelming as enemies swarm from every direction, but as you learn the upgrade synergies and unlock permanent buffs, the power scaling kicks in without trivializing the experience. Boss encounters punctuate runs with focused challenges that test specific aspects of your build, and they’re well-designed enough that beating one for the first time feels like an accomplishment rather than a formality.
Early Access Growing Pains
The “Early Access” label is earned. Content drops have been consistent, but certain character abilities feel less polished than others, and balance passes sometimes shift the meta in ways that invalidate previously strong builds. This is expected and generally well-received by the community, but players who want a finished, stable experience should know that the game is still being shaped.
Some runs can feel samey despite the build variety. The map layouts, while visually distinct, don’t change the fundamental gameplay loop enough to prevent a sense of repetition after extended play sessions. The procedural elements affect enemy spawns and item availability but don’t reshape the terrain or introduce environmental hazards that would force adaptive play.
The UI and information presentation could be cleaner. During intense moments with hundreds of enemies on screen, it becomes difficult to track your own position and the effects of your abilities. The blessing system’s permanent upgrades are powerful but not always clearly communicated in terms of their impact, leaving some players to consult external resources for optimal paths.
The Survivors-Like That Feels Like a Real Game
Halls of Torment’s greatest achievement is making the survivors-like format feel like more than a time-killer. Where many games in the genre lean into their casual, almost idle-game nature, Halls of Torment asks for engagement. Positioning matters. Build decisions have consequences that play out over the full run. Boss fights require attention and sometimes adjustment. The result is a game that occupies a middle ground between the mindless satisfaction of Vampire Survivors and the demanding complexity of traditional action RPGs.
The Diablo-inspired aesthetic reinforces this positioning. It signals to players that this game takes itself seriously enough to reward serious play, without being so demanding that casual sessions aren’t enjoyable.
Should You Play Halls of Torment?
If you’ve enjoyed Vampire Survivors or any of its successors but wished they had more mechanical depth and visual personality, Halls of Torment is exactly what you’re looking for. Players who love action RPG aesthetics but don’t have time for hundred-hour campaigns will appreciate how much this game delivers in shorter sessions. It’s also a strong pick for anyone who enjoys optimizing builds and discovering synergies.
Wait on it if Early Access is a dealbreaker for you, or if you need a complete, polished package before investing time. Players who found Vampire Survivors satisfying exactly as it was may not feel the added complexity here improves the formula. If the survivors-like genre doesn’t appeal to you at a fundamental level, the improvements Halls of Torment makes aren’t dramatic enough to convert skeptics.
The Verdict on Halls of Torment
Halls of Torment takes the survivors-like formula and gives it the visual identity of classic isometric RPGs like Diablo. The result is a game that feels more substantial than most of its peers, with meaningful build variety, satisfying progression, and an art style that sets it apart from the crowd. Early Access means content is still growing, but what’s here already offers dozens of hours of monster-shredding satisfaction.