Kenshi

 PC
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 278 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 233 out of 278
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 278
  3. Negative: 27 out of 278

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  1. marcuss2
    May 19, 2013
    10
    Its not best 10 bucks ever spend (best was Minecraft), but this GAME got AMAZING potential. I check every day for new updates. Now I see time when I will pickpocket town guards.
  2. PrincessSparkle
    Oct 4, 2019
    10
    Hidden gem... It's kind of like fallout meets feudal Japan... If fallout weren't a decrepit husk being raked over the coals by Bethesda and feudal Japan took place on a moon. 10/10 will continue playing until my wife leaves me.
  3. adrenilinmatt
    Apr 16, 2020
    10
    best RPG sandbox game ever made, and well worth the asking price. theres a reason this is one of steams highest rated games.
  4. Joewashere
    Aug 28, 2019
    9
    In the character creation you've already got some important choices to make that will influence your playstyle for the rest of the game. You want to join the Holy Nation? well, too bad they don't like you because you've created a female Shek with the Holy Sword background and they will attack you on sight.

    This also shows one of the core elements of the game: constant learning and    In the character creation you've already got some important choices to make that will influence your playstyle for the rest of the game. You want to join the Holy Nation? well, too bad they don't like you because you've created a female Shek with the Holy Sword background and they will attack you on sight.

    This also shows one of the core elements of the game: constant learning and improving through making mistakes and failing. Kenshi literally is "what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger" - the game. your whole party got wiped out in a fight, is heavily wounded or some of you even lost a limb? congratulations, your toughness just went up! overburdoned your inventory, which massively slows down your movement speed and reduces your chances of escaping raiders. bandits or slavers? congratulations, you're leveling up strength right now!

    Kenshi is a sandbox survival game in a massively sized open world. you can play it however you want, you can actively seek out fights you'll lose to level up your toughness, you can play it safe and mine copper and ore near a city, buy a house inside a city and do some research, build your own settlement in the midst of nowhere and risk attracting some unwanted attention or you can join one of the factions like the aforementioned Holy Nation and fight for their cause.

    If Kenshi isn't edgy enough for you as it is there are also mods that allow you to play as a slaver or cannibal. this game is literally one of the most sandboxy games to be released since the outstanding Daggerfall and you'll not only see your character's stats rising constantly, but also the number of hours you've played it. sandbox roleplaying hasn't been that much fun in quite some time.    … Expand
  5. ConvictsCranium
    Apr 2, 2019
    10
    Kenshi is a masterpiece and is one of a kind, do not miss out. This game ticked so many boxes for gameplay mechanics that other games couldn't and revealed some mechanics I never knew I wanted. The progression is perfect. Kenshi won't hold your hand but it showers you in rewards you when you reach your goals. I am about 120 hours in on my first playthrough since 1.0 and have barelyKenshi is a masterpiece and is one of a kind, do not miss out. This game ticked so many boxes for gameplay mechanics that other games couldn't and revealed some mechanics I never knew I wanted. The progression is perfect. Kenshi won't hold your hand but it showers you in rewards you when you reach your goals. I am about 120 hours in on my first playthrough since 1.0 and have barely explored 30% of the map and still have so many more goals for my ever-growing faction.… Expand
  6. bigreview122
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    really really amazing game!!!!! I thought this game was gonna suck but one day I was bored and purchased this game and when I downloaded this game I was close to refunding but when I played for an hour that hour then doubled and doubled and doubled, I realized this game was amazing and I really want anyone who reads this to play it, it is a special game. (Epic Game)
  7. edmund84
    Nov 28, 2013
    10
    When I first saw this game, thought it was gonna be a M&B: Warband clone, only in a Asian setting, and that sounded great. But what this game is, is so much more, or at least potentially.

    You create a character in a post apocalyptic fuadal japan-ish world, and from there your on your own. You can be a merchant, thieve, docter, shop owner, start your own town/outpost, craft your own    When I first saw this game, thought it was gonna be a M&B: Warband clone, only in a Asian setting, and that sounded great. But what this game is, is so much more, or at least potentially.

    You create a character in a post apocalyptic fuadal japan-ish world, and from there your on your own. You can be a merchant, thieve, docter, shop owner, start your own town/outpost, craft your own weapons and armor, build different kind of fuctional buildings, research technology to build/craft even better stuff. You can train in fighting, recruit an army of any size, and control and train each person individually. Well you get the idea...

    At first the game had sub-par GFX and no sound, but bear in mind it was still in Alpha (and still is), the graphics keep inproving immensely, and there is sound now. On top of that new major features keep being added every couple of months.

    In its current state (29/11/2013) the game is allready very enjoyable, so buy it now while i'ts still in it's Alpha pricing $20.    … Expand
  8. FearAndLoathing
    Dec 12, 2018
    10
    Absolutely love this game and would strongly recommend. It instantly feels like a classic game for me with a strong community, good mods, and incredible gameplay. Hard to compare other games to because there are so few games that do what this does so well, but it has a Fallout meets Rimworld sort of feel to it.

    Extremely open ended, but the world can be a tough master - it won't    Absolutely love this game and would strongly recommend. It instantly feels like a classic game for me with a strong community, good mods, and incredible gameplay. Hard to compare other games to because there are so few games that do what this does so well, but it has a Fallout meets Rimworld sort of feel to it.

    Extremely open ended, but the world can be a tough master - it won't necessarily force your play style but will force you to make hard decisions or punish you for rushing. For instance, if you want to strike out on your own and empire build, you may need to grind a bit and/or recruit a ton before you can adequately defend the settlement in a more lawless region. If you want to live in a safe region, like the Holy Lands, you have to follow the rules (meaning you can't recruit non-humans or females without risk of bringing unholy hell upon your people). And generally speaking, it seems as though if you are in a more "controlled" portion of the map, your settlement will have to pay taxes. A lot of them. Unless you want to fight the very people you hope to trade with or receive protection from.

    It is rough around the edges, in the same way Mount and Blade was rough around the edges. It has crashed occasionally for me, and it can slow down on my computer when I'm all over the map or have been running it a ton. But it also has that same inexorable pull; an incredible open-ended experience that was clearly a product of a lot of time and love. It will punish your schedule and force you into sick days. It will force you to start over.    … Expand
  9. dcarley44
    Mar 20, 2013
    9
    many features for an early development game and i really enjoy the level of freedom. definetly worth the 15 bucks and just the thought that all this came from one guy is crazy iam all in!
  10. aradapilot
    Apr 4, 2016
    10
    An ambitious project, finally in beta. Been playing it since 2013, and watching it grow. Brilliant, unique, varied gameplay. I look forward to every little update.
  11. Deathhood98
    Oct 1, 2013
    10
    This was one of the best games i have played in a long time currently being worked on by several devs it was designed by one guy till recently. Updates are steady and updates do not contain many bugs, sound is being worked on along with females, clothing, and other game play features. You can create a town, a army, and more. You can be a bandit, established faction leader, Mayor, or just aThis was one of the best games i have played in a long time currently being worked on by several devs it was designed by one guy till recently. Updates are steady and updates do not contain many bugs, sound is being worked on along with females, clothing, and other game play features. You can create a town, a army, and more. You can be a bandit, established faction leader, Mayor, or just a simple merchant… Expand
  12. fallendemon
    Jan 4, 2019
    10
    I haven't had this much fun in a long time. I been literally playing none stop for days a time!!!

    Huge fan of fall and elder scrolls. This fits my bill :). I now wish they would expand the lore a little bit behind the history of the place etc...
  13. teamfinnigan
    Jan 7, 2019
    10
    I have been waiting a long, long time for a sandbox game like this! This is one of the most addicting games I have played in a long time! This is a game without quests, its a world you decide how your going to fit into it. I love it and hope they keep adding content to it!
  14. Barteaux
    Apr 2, 2013
    7
    Kenshi is a sandbox game with elements from both RPG and RTS. It's still under development and still has quite a bit to go to be anywhere near completion.
    That being said, it's been long since I played anything as original and complex. In a world of generic console ports, this game stands out as a diamond in the rough.
    You can play it as a single character or as a larger group. You can    Kenshi is a sandbox game with elements from both RPG and RTS. It's still under development and still has quite a bit to go to be anywhere near completion.
    That being said, it's been long since I played anything as original and complex. In a world of generic console ports, this game stands out as a diamond in the rough.

    You can play it as a single character or as a larger group. You can roam the lands with its post-apocalyptic like setting as a trader or a bandit, or you can start your own outpost and defend it against attackers.

    If it in ready state will fulfill half of what it seems to promise, it will be a clear cut 9'er, but as of now I believe it earns the 7 I gave it.

    Ps Sound has not been added yet, so whip out your media-player for some background music.    … Expand
  15. ObsequiousM
    Jun 25, 2014
    9
    There are hours of entertainment to be had here. Still lacks content, and a but buggy, but if you can see past that it's fantastic. I can't wait for the final product.

    Definitely worth the money.
  16. Raredragon
    Apr 20, 2016
    9
    In one sentence : The Sims with swords.

    In a lot of sentences : Kenshi is a work in progress (as of April 2016) openworld/sandbox strategy RPG where the world evolves with you. You can steal things, sell it off to the fence, leave the criminal life behind and wander around as a trader, get ambushed, robbed, and captured, work hard in the mine as a shackled slave, or escape it and    In one sentence : The Sims with swords.

    In a lot of sentences : Kenshi is a work in progress (as of April 2016) openworld/sandbox strategy RPG where the world evolves with you.

    You can steal things, sell it off to the fence, leave the criminal life behind and wander around as a trader, get ambushed, robbed, and captured, work hard in the mine as a shackled slave, or escape it and create an alliance of fellow slaves to create your own base, train hard, and slaughter your former captors.

    Every incident, even unpleasant ones is an opportunity to grow. The game has a complex skill/level system where the more you get hit and survive the fight, the stronger you will become in the next fights, but that also means the more you meet the same opponents that you've beaten off and let go, the stronger he/she will become as well.
    All in all you have to survive in Kenshi's hard world, somehow.    … Expand
  17. dromedan
    May 30, 2014
    8
    Although Kenshi is a bit buggy (pathing & structures) I have found it to be a very satisfying combination of simulation/rpg/tower defense games. I do enjoy acquiring new followers and "training" them to fit my overall strategy. The open-world aspect fits really well giving you the freedom to play any way you desire. So far I haven't dealt with many aspects of the game, like factionAlthough Kenshi is a bit buggy (pathing & structures) I have found it to be a very satisfying combination of simulation/rpg/tower defense games. I do enjoy acquiring new followers and "training" them to fit my overall strategy. The open-world aspect fits really well giving you the freedom to play any way you desire. So far I haven't dealt with many aspects of the game, like faction reputation, but I do look forward to exploring them and new updates as they are released. So far it has surpassed my expectations making it a fine investment for $20.… Expand
  18. Solstrand
    Sep 29, 2013
    9
    This game is in Alpha stage, and is unfinished and unpolished as of right now. (which is completely natural considering its current development stage) So why a 9/10? That doesn't make sense does it?

    I disregarded: -bugs, glitches etc -lack of content that is announced. and focused entirely on its potential and current playability: If i had disregarded potential as well, i would    This game is in Alpha stage, and is unfinished and unpolished as of right now. (which is completely natural considering its current development stage) So why a 9/10? That doesn't make sense does it?

    I disregarded:

    -bugs, glitches etc
    -lack of content that is announced.

    and focused entirely on its potential and current playability:
    If i had disregarded potential as well, i would have to drop it to 7/10. 100+ hours of fun in this state, deserves at least that.

    Why i like it:
    It's a squad based RPG in a sandbox environment. And its highly mod-able. Yeah sure there's limited stuff to do in the game, as of right now, but new content are added regularly. The feeling of freedom is great in this game.
    Want a new outpost, so you can trade with the trade caravans? Alright, better go pick up some slabs of stone and start building.
    Want to run around killing bandits? Then do that.. Just make sure you're ready for a fight. You might want to scavenge a few fights between the holy order, samurai lords or bandits first.
    Want to befriend the bandits? Run around healing the bandits after they get crushed by an enemy.
    Want to fight a faction, go right ahead.
    Finding the end game a bit easy? Go mod in your own faction of bad-asses and look at them rip apart the world.

    If you're put off by the early access, don't buy it and wait.
    If you don't want to buy a game based on its potential, then pick it up if it drops its price a little and you feel comfortable paying for it. It's still enjoyable in it's current state, especially if you like tweaking stuff.
    Which leads me to the last bit:
    If you like to modify and tweak game mechanics etc, and the game concept intrigues you. BUY IT. I sincerely doubt you will regret it.    … Expand
  19. autumnslaw
    Jan 12, 2019
    9
    it's a really good game with a lot of gameplay mechanics and a lively world. it just has some bugs that need to be fixed but mods can fix that for the time being it also has some clunky controls but other than those 2 issues its a really good game 9/10
  20. So-Un
    Jan 7, 2019
    10
    The potential of the game is huge, and the developer has done a great job alone. Respect the guy.
  21. Dr-Davin
    Feb 5, 2019
    9
    Buggy, but extremely addicting. It is quite a unique game to play. Character progression can be a bit grindy, especially at the start, but once you start to truly progress towards your goals, the game becomes breathtaking.
  22. SadYokai
    May 17, 2019
    10
    Even if the wayfinding is bad and it can be a buggy/glitchy mess i love this game.
    In fact it might just be my new fav game ever and it took over 10 years for a game to even compete with gothic (original)
    Its addictive and hard work it's pain but i'm a masochist.
  23. Siphine
    Mar 31, 2013
    9
    When I first saw this game I was doubtful. Then i watched a trailer or two and played the demo. Then I thought "This game has the potential to be a great game." It is still in Alpha so you would either have to cash in your bets and go early release and get a good game for a cheaper price or if they do something horrible then you're stuck with it. You have to judge it and pray that theWhen I first saw this game I was doubtful. Then i watched a trailer or two and played the demo. Then I thought "This game has the potential to be a great game." It is still in Alpha so you would either have to cash in your bets and go early release and get a good game for a cheaper price or if they do something horrible then you're stuck with it. You have to judge it and pray that the developers know what they're doing.… Expand
  24. dukstuf
    Aug 17, 2014
    10
    Refreshingly creative concept that does not restrain the player in any way from doing whatever he likes. If you like freedom to act, true choice and a massive sandbox to play in, this will fill the bill. The looks of the game are the most unfinished part- the combat itself is handled realistically and wounds/damage to characters plays out great. Generally when you lose, you are left maimedRefreshingly creative concept that does not restrain the player in any way from doing whatever he likes. If you like freedom to act, true choice and a massive sandbox to play in, this will fill the bill. The looks of the game are the most unfinished part- the combat itself is handled realistically and wounds/damage to characters plays out great. Generally when you lose, you are left maimed and broken, but fixable with time and the help of an ally. The game requires patience, strategy, tactical thought and the brains to run away when you need to. I like this lots.… Expand
  25. Noir9090
    Feb 22, 2019
    4
    It's very unpolished game that let's you do a little bit of everything. The downside is that it's indeed very "only a little bit of everything" as nothing feels that finished or in-depth. Better games out there if you wanna explore, better building simulations, better RPGs and better sandboxes in general. The game just has weird shallow mixture of everything which makes me question whyIt's very unpolished game that let's you do a little bit of everything. The downside is that it's indeed very "only a little bit of everything" as nothing feels that finished or in-depth. Better games out there if you wanna explore, better building simulations, better RPGs and better sandboxes in general. The game just has weird shallow mixture of everything which makes me question why would anybody want that. The game felt really interesting at start but after while it just made me question is this all game has to offer in X side of the game as the limits started to hit. I was given a free copy so it didn't feel that bad but I wouldn't pay for this game nor am I gonna play it any further.… Expand
  26. MaikWayne
    Jan 3, 2019
    10
    I like it very much! This is monster game! Congratulations to authors! Many playstyles..
  27. Erpu
    Jan 31, 2014
    9
    I keep this short & clean.
    Pros
    - Much of play styles - Able to compensate hard situations with simple tactics & mind play. - This game is the only one I've ever came cross with, and I find this very unique and potential game. - Good & tough world with no "OP" setup to go with. - I find this game atm balanced. - Price/Content rate is ridiculous, so "cheap" for such a big amount of    I keep this short & clean.
    Pros
    - Much of play styles
    - Able to compensate hard situations with simple tactics & mind play.

    - This game is the only one I've ever came cross with, and I find this very unique and potential game.
    - Good & tough world with no "OP" setup to go with.
    - I find this game atm balanced.
    - Price/Content rate is ridiculous, so "cheap" for such a big amount of content which is updated constantly
    - And the most valuable thing for this game: Freedom to do what you want.
    - No quick travel
    - Unique "leveling" system
    - Full customization over squad members

    Cons
    - It can be frustrating (atm) to aggro constantly bandits (if there are many) which are recovering from critical blows after fights, as you & faction aggro them. (If they(=bandits) are assaulting ie. npc city)
    - Can be little bit lagged sometimes to move around the global map and get stuck somewhere. (often between heights and low environments)
    - Random crashes are annoying if you haven't saved frequently.
    - Enemy AI can sometimes feel shabby.

    Anyways cons are minor things, which can be fixed anytime soon

    I have much of things to say, but I suggest this for anyone seeking unfair adventure for glory & pride.    … Expand
  28. FARRAGUT
    Feb 3, 2019
    10
    This is the best game in my last 7 years.
    Each action brings great pleasure!
    Huge beautiful living open world and you are part of it!
  29. LocalDovakhin
    Jun 30, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. this cruel game reveals all your sadistic inclinations ... Severed limbs, acid lakes, samovars with hive's prostheses seem like children’s games compared to peeling
    10/10 by the way    … Expand
  30. chleba
    Apr 22, 2019
    10
    Absolutely amazing sandbox RPG game. It just get's me and holds me nonstop two weeks. I was unable sleep, work and think to anything else then Kenshi. I was became warlord with my squad of robotics ninjas and with them and LOT of training time I was able to wipe out whole nation of Paladins.
    Later they became legends cause of their adventure to slain 1000.years old and still living    Absolutely amazing sandbox RPG game. It just get's me and holds me nonstop two weeks. I was unable sleep, work and think to anything else then Kenshi. I was became warlord with my squad of robotics ninjas and with them and LOT of training time I was able to wipe out whole nation of Paladins.
    Later they became legends cause of their adventure to slain 1000.years old and still living Emperors of ancient Nation. How will you play this game is just your choice. Peaceful trader? Alone Adventurer? Powerful warlord? Mayor of your own town ? Or just create your own adventure with game editor and share it with others.
    So what do you waiting for ? Go play it !    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

77
#77 Best PC Game of 2011
64
#64 Most Discussed PC Game of 2011
70
#70 Most Shared PC Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. CD-Action
    Mar 25, 2019
    50
    It took Chris Hunt and his small team 12 years to develop Kenshi and that unfortunately shows. The game utilizes an archaic engine, is poorly optimised and hideous most of the time. It also does next to nothing to help the player get a grasp of its mechanics, and, as it happens, their complexity are Kenshi’s most important aspect. I would be happy to love this game, because I understand and applaud Hunt’s idea of completely open gameplay, but loving Kenshi is extremely hard. [02/2019, p.47]
  2. Games.cz
    Feb 25, 2019
    80
    Do not trust your first impression - this game is a true gem. Elaborate, huge, unbridled, stylish, fresh, captivatingly different. The only blemish is its poor performance and many bugs.
    Read full review
  3. GameGrin
    Jan 14, 2019
    75
    An intriguing RPG/Survival hybrid sandbox that invites you to experiment in the world it presents. Some technical hiccups interrupt the open world and the freeform nature definitely isn’t for everyone but if you are after something different, Kenshi is the very definition of that.
    Read full review
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