Zomia Studio has officially opened a Steam page for Starshard Brigands, giving players an early look at its upcoming dungeon-crawling adventure ahead of a planned 2027 release on PC. Developed by a one-person team, the game blends first-person dungeon exploration, party-based encounters, faction politics, and a flexible character-building system designed to let players shape their own approach from the very beginning.
At its core, the game is built around the idea of player choice. Rather than pushing adventurers into a rigid class structure, it offers a classless character creation system that allows players to mix and match race, stats, appearance, weapon proficiencies, and backstory elements. That means players can build a hero around their preferred combat style instead of being forced into traditional archetypes. Whether someone wants to focus on raw offense, defensive timing, utility, or a hybrid setup, the game appears to encourage experimentation.
That freedom continues through progression. A large, constellation-style skill tree gives players a non-linear path for development, opening the door to unusual combinations and specialized builds. Instead of following a straightforward upgrade route, players can branch into different directions and create a party member or protagonist that feels distinct from one playthrough to the next. Combined with randomized equipment affixes, the system should add a strong loot-driven element to progression. Even gear with the same name may function differently depending on the bonuses attached to it, making treasure hunting and equipment optimization a major part of the experience.
The dungeon itself is not just a place to fight monsters and gather resources. One of the more interesting features is the presence of rival parties roaming the same spaces. These groups have their own goals, and players may choose how to deal with them when paths cross. Encounters can lead to cooperation, tension, or outright combat, adding another layer of unpredictability to each expedition. This system could help make dungeon runs feel more dynamic than a standard crawl where every enemy is simply hostile on sight.
Factions also play a major role in the game’s structure. As players recover relics and valuables from the depths, they can decide whether to keep those treasures for personal use or offer them to specific factions. Donating relics helps build trust and influence, which in turn unlocks exclusive rewards. These can include better gear, expanded facilities, and other faction-specific advantages. This creates an interesting risk-reward loop: hold onto powerful loot for immediate strength, or sacrifice it to gain long-term benefits and stronger relationships.
That faction system appears to tie directly into the game’s broader world progression. As alliances grow and rivalries deepen, the balance of power can shift based on player decisions. This suggests that the hub area and available support options may evolve over time depending on who receives your loyalty. Instead of treating factions as static vendors or quest dispensers, the game seems to frame them as active forces that respond to your actions.
Combat is built around tactical timing and exploiting enemy weaknesses. A break and follow-up system allows players to shatter an opponent’s guard by targeting vulnerabilities, which then opens the door for allied attacks that can keep enemies under pressure. On top of that, counter and parry mechanics introduce a more active layer to defense. Well-timed inputs can negate damage and immediately turn defense into offense with a punishing response. This combination of weakness exploitation and reactive timing could give battles a satisfying rhythm, especially for players who enjoy systems that reward precision.
Outside of combat, the game follows a crawl-and-craft loop. Players venture into dangerous areas to gather materials and treasure, then return to their hub to craft, appraise, and improve equipment before heading back into the dungeon. Tavern visits, guild quests, and gear forging all appear to be part of the routine, helping create a familiar but potentially engaging cycle of preparation, exploration, and advancement.
The Steam listing also reveals a few development details. The title was created using RPG Maker MZ, which may surprise players given the first-person dungeon-crawling presentation and the scope of its systems. In addition, the developer notes that some assets involved the use of AI-generation tools, though those materials were reportedly edited by hand afterward. The game is currently planned to support both Japanese and English, which should help it reach a wider audience when it launches.
While 2027 is still a long way off, the early details point to an ambitious indie RPG with a strong focus on agency, replayability, and dungeon-driven progression. Between its faction relationships, rival party encounters, customizable builds, and randomized loot, it aims to offer more than a straightforward crawl through monster-filled corridors. If Zomia Studio can successfully deliver on those ideas, this could become a notable title for players looking for a more reactive and systems-heavy dungeon RPG on PC.
Forge your gear, feast at the tavern, take up the guild’s quests.
Plunge into the abyss, seize its treasures, slay the masters that lurk within.
Every relic you claim — offer it to the factions, or keep it as your own arsenal.
Alliances forged, grudges earned, rivals breathing down your neck.
A shifting power map, redrawn by your every choice.
Turn it all into strength, and descend even deeper——
Your Choices Determine Friend and Foe —— Dynamic Agency
Relic Offerings: Surrender your treasures to earn a faction’s trust — or keep them hidden and turn them into power. Your call shapes the story and the rewards.
Rival Party Encounters: Other parties roam the dungeon with their own agendas. Cross paths with them, and anything can happen.
Faction Hub Expansion: The more you contribute to a faction, the more they offer in return — exclusive gear unlocks, facility upgrades, and growing influence.
Read the Battle, Turn the Tide —— Tactical Command Battle
Break & Follow-up System: Exploit enemy weaknesses to shatter their guard, triggering ally follow-up attacks that lock them down and leave them helpless.
Counter & Parry: Time your inputs to nullify incoming damage and immediately strike back with a devastating counterattack.
The Crawl & Craft Cycle : Gather materials in the dungeon, craft and appraise gear at your hub — then dive back in stronger than before.
Push Past Your Limits —— Build & Loot
Classless Character Creation: Mix and match race, stats, appearance, weapon proficiency, and backstory to forge a playstyle entirely your own — no class restrictions, no compromises.
Vast Constellation Skill Tree: Chart your own path through a sprawling, non-linear skill tree to build combinations that transcend any single class archetype.
Random Affixes: Every piece of equipment rolls its own set of abilities — even two weapons of the same name can play completely differently.
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