Introduction

As someone who usually gravitates toward cozy simulations and lighthearted puzzlers, I was pleasantly surprised by Limbus Company. Developed by Project Moon and released on February 26, 2023, this free-to-play turn-based RPG blends tactical depth with a dark fantasy narrative. If you’ve enjoyed titles like Slay the Spire (for its deck-like chains) or the narrative weight of Library of Ruina, you’ll find plenty to admire here.

Story and Setting

Limbus Company returns to the dystopian metropolis first seen in Lobotomy Corporation and Library of Ruina. You play as the Executive Manager tasked with guiding twelve Sinners into buried facilities to recover the mythical Golden Boughs. The plot unfolds through fully voiced Korean dialogue, vivid character art, and richly detailed environments. While the tone is darker than many cozy titles, the writing balances grim stakes with moments of wry humor.

Compared to Lobotomy Corporation, the narrative here is more structured—each chapter feels like a concise novella rather than an open-ended experiment. Fans of lore-rich worlds will appreciate uncovering hidden motivations and secret endings.

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Gameplay Mechanics

Limbus Company fuses turn-based tactics with real-time “brawls.” Each turn triggers simultaneous actions for both sides; when two characters target each other, a Clash ensues. Outcomes hinge on skill strength and a dash of randomness—similar to the critical systems in Fire Emblem.

  • Skill Grid Chaining: Connect same-color icons to boost damage, reminiscent of match-3 puzzles but deeply strategic.
  • Identities & E.G.O: Build teams from 12 Identities, then equip E.G.O. weapons that synergize—comparable to party customization in Pillars of Eternity.
  • Affinity & Abnormalities: Enemies wield affinity-based skills; learning their patterns is essential, calling to mind the boss encounters in Library of Ruina.

While the core loop can feel grindy—especially when farming for rare E.G.O—daily missions and challenges help maintain variety. Controls are simple enough for newcomers, yet the depth rivals many premium strategy RPGs.

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Visuals and Audio

Project Moon’s signature anime-inspired 2D art shines in every frame. Character portraits are expressive, and battle animations are crisp without being overwhelming. The user interface is clean, though it can feel crowded during large brawls.

Musically, the soundtrack leans into haunting piano and electronic beats, underlining the world’s oppressive atmosphere. Fully voiced Korean dialogue adds authenticity, though non-Korean speakers may miss nuances without subtitles.

Community Feedback and Reviews

On Steam, Limbus Company holds a “Very Positive” rating—90% positive from nearly 4,000 recent reviews and 84% positive from over 69,000 all-time reviews. Players consistently praise:

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  • Rich worldbuilding and compelling characters.
  • Innovative combat that rewards strategic planning.
  • Striking art style and great soundtrack.

Common criticisms include:

  • Gacha RNG that can hinder progression without regular spending.
  • Repetitive farming loops for high-tier E.G.O gear.
  • Steep learning curve in late-game mechanics.

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Strengths and Weaknesses Compared to Peers

  • Strength: Unlike many free-to-play RPGs, Limbus Company’s narrative feels complete and well-paced, rivaling paid titles like Disgaea in depth.
  • Strength: The blend of real-time clashes and turn-based tactics is unique in the mobile/PC market, offering more dynamism than static match-3 hybrids.
  • Weakness: Its gacha elements can frustrate players who prefer earning gear through pure gameplay, unlike more generous loot systems found in roguelites such as Hades.
  • Weakness: The grind for mastery is substantial—casual gamers may feel pressured by daily login demands and in-app purchases.

Conclusion

Limbus Company is a standout free-to-play RPG that merges dark storytelling with innovative combat. If you’re willing to embrace its grind and occasional RNG hurdles, you’ll discover a world as rich as any premium strategy RPG. Fans of Library of Ruina, Slay the Spire, or Fire Emblem will find plenty to love, while newcomers should be prepared for a deeper, more challenging experience than your typical casual title.

Best of luck! Your Golden Boughs await!

Add Limbus Company to your Steam collection!