- Release Year: 2016
- Platforms: Windows
- Genre: Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Tactics
- Perspective: Diagonal-down
- Game Mode: Co-op
- Gameplay: Base building, Combat, Defense, Open World, Resource gathering, Sandbox
- Setting: Steampunk
- Average Score: 81/100
Description
Aurora Dusk: Steam Age is a unique blend of RPG, strategy, simulation, sandbox, and survival gameplay set in a collaborative world where players build and defend a community. Evolve from the Wood Age to the Steam Age by managing resources, constructing buildings, and utilizing mechanical golems and soldiers to secure your place in a dynamic, open-world environment.
Gameplay Videos
Where to Buy Aurora Dusk: Steam Age
PC
Aurora Dusk: Steam Age Patches & Updates
Aurora Dusk: Steam Age Mods
Aurora Dusk: Steam Age Guides & Walkthroughs
Aurora Dusk: Steam Age Reviews & Reception
steambase.io (83/100): Aurora Dusk: Steam Age has earned a Player Score of 83 / 100. This score is calculated from 308 total reviews which give it a rating of Very Positive.
store.steampowered.com (82/100): An amazing mix of RPG, strategy, simulation, sandbox and survival game. Aurora Dusk looks like many other games, but instead of being alone, you live in a community.
metacritic.com (80/100): Generally Favorable Based on 4 User Ratings
Aurora Dusk: Steam Age Cheats & Codes
PC
Enter the listed codes in the game’s ‘Cheats.txt’ file located in the goodies folder or use the trainer hotkeys. Trainer actions can be toggled with the corresponding Numpad key or Ctrl shortcuts.
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| Numpad 1 | Super Damage (massive weapon damage) |
| Numpad 2 | Unlimited HP, Stamina, and Mana for all creatures |
| Numpad 3 | Unlimited item usage when crafting or firing a weapon |
| Numpad 4 | Mega Resources (abundant resource collection) |
| Numpad 5 | Reset trainer (re‑engage options after mission) |
| CTRL-H | Disable or re‑activate trainer hotkeys temporarily |
| CTRL-K | Delete custom hotkeys from the trainer |
| nbshooters | Provides all weapons |
| nbkeys | Provides all keys |
| nbkfa | Full health, all weapons, keys, and ammo |
| nbullets | Infinite ammo (no needed reloads) |
| nbdeity | Infinite health (god mode) |
| nbff | Doubles fire speed (also grants full health and armor) |
| nbdeathless | Full health and enhanced moral |
| nbfrog | Increases jump height by 0.1 per use |
| nbreflect | Mirror mode – cannot be toggled off |
| nbman | Resets jumping height to normal |
| nbregularfingers | Sets fire speed to normal |
| nbwoohoo | Allows jetting up into the air by holding the space bar |
| nbufo | Allows player to fly via the space bar |
| nbspoder | Climbing power‑up for 300 seconds |
| nbgotta | Lava suit active for 300 seconds (enhanced movement) |
| nbponcho | Superhot mode active for 300 seconds |
| nbhot | Serum of Blistering Heat power‑up |
| nbclip | Enables noclip mode (through walls) |
Aurora Dusk: Steam Age: Review
Introduction
Aurora Dusk: Steam Age is a unique indie gem that defies easy categorization. Released in 2016 by solo developer Sylvain Harlaut, it blends elements of RPG, strategy, simulation, sandbox, and survival games into a compelling, community-focused experience. The game’s legacy is one of ambitious vision, innovative mechanics, and a dedicated fanbase that continues to support and modify it.
Development History & Context
Sylvain Harlaut, a French developer, undertook the ambitious project of creating Aurora Dusk: Steam Age. Released during the indie game boom on Steam, the game was self-published and developed using the Adobe Air engine. The technological constraints of the era and the developer’s limited resources are evident in some of the game’s technical aspects, but the passion and creativity shine through. The steampunk-inspired setting and the focus on community building set it apart from other games of the time.
Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive
The narrative of Aurora Dusk is emergent, driven by player actions rather than a linear storyline. Players create and control multiple characters, building a village and guiding it through six ages from prehistory to the industrial age. Key themes include:
- Community and Collaboration: Unlike many survival games where the player is alone, Aurora Dusk emphasizes working with AI-controlled companions to build defenses, gather resources, and wage war against enemies.
- Progression and Evolution: The game encourages players to evolve their village through technological ages, unlocking new resources, buildings, and abilities.
- Perseverance and Adaptability: Surviving against waves of monsters and rival villages requires strategic planning, resource management, and adaptability.
Characters are customizable with various races (humans, dwarves, elves, etc.), skills, and equipment. The AI companions exhibit a mix of behaviors that can be both helpful and unpredictable, adding depth to the gameplay.
Gameplay Mechanics & Systems
Aurora Dusk: Steam Age combines several gameplay mechanics in a real-time, top-down environment. Key systems include:
- Resource Management: Players must plant and harvest resources like wood, iron, wheat, and more. Workshops are used to transform these resources into equipment and buildings.
- Character Progression: Each character gains experience in various skills ( combat, crafting, magic) through actions. Skills have individual experience bars, allowing specialization or versatility.
- Building and Defense: Construct ramparts, turrets, barracks, and workshops to fortify the village and produce soldiers and siege weapons.
- Combat: Engage in real-time battles against waves of monsters or rival villages using soldiers, golems, and direct character control.
- Multiplayer: Support for LAN and online multiplayer allows cooperative or competitive play with friends.
- Modding: The game’s data is in editable text files, and map creation is possible with image editors, fostering a vibrant modding community.
Innovative features include the persistent character system (characters carry over between games) and the ability to create custom AI behaviors. However, the UI can be complex and unintuitive, leading to a steep learning curve.
World-Building, Art & Sound
The game’s world spans diverse environments and ages, with each age introducing new resources and technologies. The art style is a charming pixellated aesthetic, though some players find it lacking in polish. The sound design includes ambient noises and battle sounds, contributing to the atmosphere but not standing out as particularly memorable.
Reception & Legacy
At launch, Aurora Dusk received mixed critical reception but warmed to a “Very Positive” user rating on Steam (82% of 296 reviews). Players appreciate the unique blend of mechanics, addictiveness, and potential for future updates. Common criticisms include bugs, technical issues, and repetitive gameplay.
The game’s influence can be seen in other indie titles that combine strategy, survival, and RPG elements. Its modding community continues to create content, extending the game’s lifespan and appeal.
Conclusion
Aurora Dusk: Steam Age is a remarkable achievement in indie game development, offering a rich blend of gameplay mechanics and a compelling community-focused experience. While its technical limitations and repetitive aspects are undeniable, the game’s innovative systems, dedicated fanbase, and enduring appeal secure its place in video game history as a cult classic.