Summary
Free-to-play MMORPGNeverwinteris quite literally reaching new heights with its latest module, Spelljammer, as it takes players into space aboard one of the titular spelljammer vessels: the Moondancer. The module kicks off as a mysterious crystal hurdles into the Neverwinter Outskirts, eventually leading to players embarking on an interstellar adventure that easily sets itself apart from pastNeverwintercontent thanks to Spelljammer’s unique sci-fi spin onDungeons & Dragons.
Game Rant had the chance to play the Spelljammer module ahead of its release where we touched down on several surprisingly varied locales and faced off against enemies both new and familiar. We also dabbled in Spelljammer’s core gameplay loop where players' actions collectively build progress toward challenging timed invasions.
Spelljammer Features A Compelling Sci-Fi Narrative
The overall plot of Spelljammer is centered around the Xaryxian Empire, a society that harvests energy from its star, Xaryxis, to fuel Xaryxian magic. Xaryxis has faded over time due to the astral elves' exploitation, and so the Xaryxian Prince Xeleth has been infecting worlds with crystalline astral seeds that drain each planet’s life energy and send it back to replenish the dying star.Neverwinter’s worldhas been hit by one of these astral seeds, and this is how players get involved.
Players team up with Princess Zedalli, Xeleth’s sister, who has ambitions to gain rulership over the Empire and destroy Xaryxis, thus saving countless worlds from being destroyed by astral seeds. To achieve this, players will need to assemble an alliance of likeminded factions throughout the stars for aid in Zedalli’s rebellion. Right from the bat the stakes are massive, and the plot does a great job in making each visit to a landing site feel important.
Spelljammer Captures The Wonder Of Space Exploration
Spelljammer has taken a completely different approach frompastNeverwintermodules, as this module takes place across a large handful of smaller but far more varied environments in the form of “landing sites” rather than one or two larger open-world areas. The art team really pulled all the stops here, as each landing site is quite distinct and we looked forward to each new location. Our first stop was Remichi, a perpetually dark desert world far from the light of any nearby stars, and it’s inhabited by ancient ghost-like beings who have evolved beyond needing physical forms. In stark contrast, our next landing site was the lush jungle world Beloria which was richly decorated with flora and bodies of water. Another small environmental detail that stuck out was that there was a difference in gravity on some asteroid worlds which greatly affected our jump height.
There’s a bit of aMass Effectvibe during the quest line as players are tasked with visiting each world and convincing the locals to join the cause against an interstellar threat, and it was a nice extra touch to see these various races join us aboard the Moondancer as we completed their tasks. WithBaldur’s Gate 3still firmly on our minds, it was also a delight to once again encounter ilithid mindflayers, intellect devourers, and Gith in the course of our adventure.
The Core Gameplay Loop In Spelljammer Is Fast-Paced
After a series of quests introducing some of the main locales of Spelljammer, we eventually found ourselves locked into the module’s core gameplay loop involving its invasion mechanic. As players across Wildspace defeat enemies and complete quests and other activities, progress is gained on an invasion meter until a time-limited invasion is finally unlocked and everyone is notified of the event. Invasions are challenging landing sites balanced for groups of players, and they’re capped off with boss fights similar to Mog’dorath and Garyx fromNeverwinter’s Avernus module. Completing invasions yields a currency that is required to move the plot forward, so players will need to hop on these whenever possible.
Because of the limited nature of our preview, there weren’t many players around to help progress these invasions, but we imagine things will move much more quickly once the module goes live. In the meantime, repeatable versions of earlier story quests along with more challenging heroic encounters can be used to help build up the meter. Overall, it’s a fast-paced gameplay loop and the grind is made quite bearable thanks toNeverwinter’s already-fun combat and Spelljammer’s terrific world design.
Neverwinter
WHERE TO PLAY
Neverwinter is the premier Dungeons & Dragons MMORPG experience, featuring fast-paced combat and epic dungeons. Explore the vast city of Neverwinter and its surrounding regions, battle its many enemies, and be a part of Forgotten Realms history.Experience Dungeons & Dragons Like Never Before - Neverwinter is an action MMORPG that bridges intense combat with classic D&D gameplay. Journey through the city of Neverwinter and the legendary subcontinent of Faerûn, and face off against the greatest adversaries from D&D legend.Build Your Own Legend – Bring your adventures to life through iconic D&D classes and races, advanced paragon paths, companions, and a remarkable range of customization options. Whether you’re hunting dragons and beholders within crumbling dungeons or battling other players in the icy reaches of Icespire Peak, you’ll discover why Neverwinter is the definitive Dungeons & Dragons experience.
