In a new game on Steam, the dream of many Skyrim fans could finally come true. Modern graphics and a built-in co-op mode mixed with the typical Skyrim elements are what AetherCycle aims to deliver.
What kind of game is this? AetherCycle is a first-person action RPG that focuses on fast-paced combat, vast worlds, and epic bosses. Dungeons and bosses lead to loot and leveling up, with the strength of your character becoming evident mainly through progress in your gear.
AetherCycle is being developed by a small team and is set to release as an early access title on Steam in November 2026. However, it could be well worth it for Skyrim fans.
Here you can watch the trailer for AetherCycle:
Skyrim with co-op and modern graphics
Why is the game so interesting for Skyrim fans? Watching the trailer, it seems as though The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has once again released an even better version for its fans.
AetherCycle is heavily inspired by the mega-hit, be it in gameplay, graphics, presentation, or when it comes to fighting in first-person view. This doesn’t have to be a bad thing; in fact, thanks to the better graphics, the indie game looks really nice.
There’s a bonus as well. The trailer already shows that AetherCycle can be played together with other players. The description on Steam clearly states: “Explore the world, complete quests, defeat bosses, and develop your character together.”
It accordingly seems that you can complete the entire game in cooperation with other players. However, what the limits are remains to be seen.
How is the trailer received by fans? Although AetherCycle is a true indie game, fans have recognized what could be in store for them. Consequently, they appear quite euphoric in the comments on YouTube:
- highuchi: “Another episode of ‘Oh well, I’ll do it myself’.”
- Boss_Fight_Index_Channel: “Everyone is evolving the Bethesda formula… except Bethesda.”
- Fuceril: “First we had Souls-likes, now we have Scrolls-likes. As a fan of both, I am filling my stomach.”
- Pugsliee: “Good to see that the Elder Scrolls series is progressing!”
- Dive_in_with_Mr.M: “Honestly, that looks pretty good.”
At the same time, there is also criticism from fans who accuse the indie developers of using many asset packs and believe that the game only exists for the trailer.
Whether and how good AetherCycle really is will only be revealed upon release. Did the trailer get you excited about the game or is the title rather not for you? Let us know in the comments! If you’re looking for a tried and tested alternative to Skyrim, you might be happy with another game that Johanna discovered: I have searched for a replacement for Skyrim for 15 years and now I have found the game on Steam.
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