Riftwalker looks like one of the more ambitious solo-developed sci-fi RPGs currently in the works, blending bounty hunting, open world exploration, and supernatural mechanics into a cinematic space adventure.
The upcoming Unreal Engine 5 project recently started gaining attention online thanks to its impressive visuals, atmospheric worlds, and a gameplay system known as “The Void,” which allows players to step into a dangerous alternate dimension during combat and exploration.
Set across multiple planets, Riftwalker puts players in the role of a bounty hunter tracking dangerous fugitives through futuristic cities, harsh deserts, and lawless frontier settlements. The game mixes third person shooting with investigation mechanics, vehicle traversal, hacking, and parkour movement.
One of the biggest features revolves around The Void, a mysterious parallel reality that can be used to gain an advantage during missions. Players can reportedly use it to bypass enemies, slow time, discover hidden paths, and escape deadly encounters. However, spending too much time inside the Void comes with consequences, as the game hints that it slowly changes both the player and the world around them.
The project is being developed by solo creator Ethan McKinnon, and despite being handled by a single developer, Riftwalker already looks surprisingly polished. The game’s gritty sci-fi tone has drawn comparisons to titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Star Wars Outlaws, and Mass Effect, while its darker supernatural themes help it stand out from more traditional space RPGs.
Hoverbike traversal also appears to be a major part of the experience, with players able to travel between large environments while hunting targets across different regions and settlements. The Steam page also suggests that player choices will impact certain outcomes, hinting at branching story elements and reactive missions.
While Riftwalker still does not have a release date, the game has already started building interest among sci-fi fans thanks to its strong presentation and ambitious scope. If the final release can deliver on its ideas, this could end up being one of the most impressive solo-developed RPGs in recent years.