Ertugrul of Ulukayin

Ertugrul of Ulukayin is a 3rd-person action-adventure RPG developed by Tekden Studio, set in a medieval world that blends historical elements with rich Turkish mythology. Players embark on a journey through a setting spanning parts of Asia and Europe, embodying the legendary figure Ertugrul in a story deeply rooted in regional lore, aiming to deliver a compelling experience for fans of mythological fantasy.

Ertugrul of Ulukayin: A Promising Epic Shrouded in Early Access Shadows

1. Introduction

In an industry increasingly dominated by familiar fantasy tropes and well-worn historical backdrops, a true gem of cultural exploration often shines brightest when it dares to venture beyond the mainstream. Ertugrul of Ulukayin, an ambitious action-adventure RPG from Tekden Studio, emerges from the rich tapestry of 13th-century Anatolia, seeking to immerse players in a realm where Turkish history, folklore, and the clash of empires converge. Heralded by some as “the Turkish Witcher,” this title carries the heavy burden of introducing a relatively unknown mythology to a global audience, while simultaneously battling the inherent challenges of an Early Access release. My thesis argues that Ertugrul of Ulukayin stands as a culturally significant and remarkably ambitious “AA” title, brimming with potential and a unique narrative vision, yet currently constrained by its unpolished state, technical flaws, and the inherent difficulty of establishing an unfamiliar cultural touchstone in a competitive global market.

2. Development History & Context

Ertugrul of Ulukayin is the inaugural global game from Tekden Studio, an indie game development team based in Turkey. Crucially, the studio was established by Tekden Film, the production company behind the globally acclaimed historical drama series, “Resurrection: Ertugrul.” This direct lineage imbues the game with a clear vision and an immediate connection to a popular, if regionally focused, cultural phenomenon. The developers explicitly state their intent for the game to be a “passion project,” a “cultural expression that shares our heritage with the world while embracing universal values like justice, courage, and spirituality into the digital realm.” This ambition positions Ertugrul of Ulukayin as an “interactive tribute to a national hero,” aimed at transcending mere entertainment to become a vehicle for cultural dissemination.

The game was initially launched into Early Access on the Epic Games Store on August 16, 2024, before making its Steam debut on June 12, 2025, priced at $19.99 (with an initial 10% discount). This staggered release strategy is typical for smaller studios seeking early feedback and funding. Technologically, Tekden Studio opted for the powerful Unreal Engine 5, a choice that promised “realistic lighting, dynamic weather conditions, and a day and night cycle,” elements essential for crafting an immersive semi-open world. However, this engine choice also brought demanding system requirements, with recommended specs calling for an Intel Core i7-12700 or AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, 32 GB RAM, and a GeForce RTX 3060 Ti or Radeon RX 6700 XT.

At the time of its release, the gaming landscape was rich with established action-adventure and RPG titles. The game openly invites comparisons to The Witcher and Assassin’s Creed for its cinematic ambitions and historical setting, while its combat has been likened to a “less refined Ghost of Tsushima” or a “slightly more refined Mount and Blade: Warband.” This places Ertugrul of Ulukayin in direct competition with giants, a daunting task for an indie studio. The most significant contextual challenge, however, lies in its thematic core: presenting Turkish history and mythology to a global audience predominantly familiar with Norse, Greek, Roman, Japanese, and increasingly, Chinese mythologies. As one critic noted, “very few people outside Turkiye know who Ertugrul is and what Ulukayin means,” a factor that could “have a catastrophic impact on sales” without strong regional support. This cultural barrier, while a strength for authenticity, is a significant hurdle for mass-market appeal.

3. Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The narrative of Ertugrul of Ulukayin is set against the tumultuous backdrop of 13th-century Anatolia, a region known as Ahlat, during the brutal Mongol invasions led by Genghis Khan. Players assume the role of Ertugrul Gazi, the legendary tribal leader of the Kayı clan and a pivotal figure in the genesis of the Ottoman Empire. The core quest revolves around Ertugrul’s urgent mission to rescue his vanished brother, a journey that quickly expands into a far grander destiny. This “misty path” leads him to confront a “mysterious Order” and realize that the encroaching darkness and corruption are more widespread than he initially perceived, ultimately pushing him to seek the “Key of the World”—a relic that promises to either bring justice or ruin, depending on whose hands it falls into.

The game’s character roster extends beyond the titular hero, offering a dynamic team system where players can control not only Ertugrul, the skilled swordsman, but also his “loyal companion” Turgut, a powerful axe-wielder, and the “mysterious warrior” Meryem, a precise archer. Each character is equipped with unique weapons, combat styles, and their own personal storylines, allowing for multiple narrative perspectives and evolving gameplay. This diversification enriches the plot, moving beyond a single heroic journey to encompass a collective struggle.

Central to the game’s thematic depth is its integration of Turkish mythology, most notably through the concept of Ulukayin, the Tree of Life. In Turkish culture, Ulukayin represents the cosmic link between the mortal world, the afterlife, and the stars, with the North Star at its core. This profound spiritual element is woven into the story through “dreamlike scenes” and “vivid dreams” that can offer guidance, clues, and wisdom, or conversely, drag the protagonist into a nightmare. These mystical sequences serve not only as atmospheric interludes but also as crucial narrative devices, directly influencing events in the “real world” gameplay and highlighting the symbolic journey of the adventure.

However, the game’s historical and thematic portrayal has not been without controversy. While it aims to be an “authentic focus on horseback culture” and an “interactive tribute to a national hero,” one critic raised significant concerns about “Christian Erasure and Historical Revisionism.” This critique points out the game’s portrayal of Turkish history as predominantly Islamic, overlooking the pre-existing, organically established Christian presence in Anatolia. The arrival of Islam in Turkey is historically noted to have occurred via invading armies, often leading to forced conversions, subjugation, and persecution of non-Muslims. While the game presents Ertugrul and his Muslim warriors as righteous heroes fighting invaders and evildoers—a narrative consistent with the “story told by the victor”—this perspective elides the complex, often violent, historical realities. The critique is not an indictment of Islam’s role in shaping modern Turkey, but rather a call for a more nuanced representation of its historical arrival and the diverse religious landscape of the era. This tension between a national heroic epic and a more objective historical account forms a significant thematic undercurrent, highlighting the challenges of adapting sensitive historical narratives into interactive media. The game does, however, embrace the concept of Ertugrul “at times, works with people of other faiths,” suggesting an attempt at depicting a more inclusive struggle against common enemies.

4. Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Ertugrul of Ulukayin presents itself as a third-person action-adventure game rooted in core gameplay loops of exploration, combat, crafting, and character progression within a “semi-open world.” Players navigate “vast steppes, mountainous terrains and abandoned settlements,” with the promise of “discovering secrets and performing side quests, which can influence the development of the story.” The game emphasizes an “authentic medieval setting” and “steppe life,” including elements like tribal management and the crucial care of one’s steed for travel.

Combat is a central pillar of the experience, described as “tactical real-time combat” involving a blend of light and heavy attacks, dodging, and blocking. The system, while showing potential, has been critiqued as “slow and lacking precision,” with parrying and blocking occasionally feeling “off.” The highlight here is the ability to switch between three distinct playable characters: Ertugrul (swordsman), Turgut (axe-wielder), and Meryem (archer), each offering “unique weapons and combat styles” and “special abilities.” This character-switching mechanic injects strategic depth, allowing players to adapt to different enemy types or situations. Beyond direct confrontation, the game also offers “stealth eliminations,” utilizing shadows, the environment, and traps, hinting at a more varied approach to enemy encounters.

Character progression is tied to gaining experience through activities, which then unlocks new combat, tactical, and survival skills. Resource gathering plays a role, enabling players to upgrade weapons and armor, as well as craft potions and traps. This survival-lite element reinforces the idea of strengthening one’s tribe and fortifying defenses against external threats.

Despite its ambitious mechanics, the game’s Early Access state reveals significant flaws. A prominent issue is “poor optimization,” leading to “frequent FPS drops and heavy system load,” even on high-end PCs. “Clunky gameplay,” “stiff and unresponsive” movement, and “clipping glitches” further detract from the immersion and fluidity. The user interface has been widely described as “confusing and clunky,” hindering the overall experience. Animations are a particular point of contention, often cited as “outdated or stiff,” impacting the visual feedback during combat and exploration. Many users expressed a desire for “deeper gameplay mechanics,” including more varied exploration and engaging side quests, alongside “enhanced cinematics” and “more dynamic environments” to alleviate the feeling that the world can sometimes “felt empty.” These technical and design shortcomings underscore the “very rough around the edges” nature of the current build, resembling “a vertical slice rather than a proper Early Access title.”

5. World-Building, Art & Sound

The world of Ertugrul of Ulukayin is a compelling draw, meticulously crafted to reflect 13th-century Anatolia, particularly the region of Ahlat. The developers aimed for an “authentic medieval setting” portraying “semi open world steppe life, ancient ruins” and “historical landmarks.” Despite being described as “semi-open,” the ambition for a sprawling, immersive environment is clear, with promises of “breathtaking landmarks” and opportunities to “forge connections with neighbouring tribes.” The emphasis on “horseback culture” further grounds the experience in the nomadic lifestyle of the era.

Visually, the game utilizes Unreal Engine 5, which allows for “detailed graphics” and “realistic lighting, dynamic weather conditions, and a day and night cycle.” For an “AA title,” the visuals are often described as “pretty impressive,” with “beautiful environments and character designs” that pull players into the world. However, the graphical promise is frequently undermined by the technical issues inherent in its Early Access state. Critics and users alike have pointed out “stiff animations,” “graphical glitches,” and a general sense that while the potential for stunning visuals exists, the execution is currently hampered by an overall lack of polish. The world, despite its beauty, sometimes “felt empty” to players, indicating a need for more dynamic interactions and environmental density.

Atmospherically, the game strives for a “cinematic experience reminiscent of popular titles like Witcher and Assassin’s Creed.” The pervasive “mysticism woven into the story through dreamlike scenes inspired by Turkish mythology” is a key component, lending a unique spiritual depth. These dream sequences, rich with symbols from Turkish folklore, are designed to profoundly influence the player’s journey, blurring the lines between reality and myth and contributing significantly to the game’s distinctive atmosphere.

On the audio front, the inclusion of “full Turkish voice-overs” is a powerful contributor to “cultural authenticity” and immersion, highly praised by players. While specific details on music or sound effects are sparse, the overall intent is clearly to deliver a rich aural experience that complements the visual and narrative elements. The combination of cultural authenticity, mystical themes, and impressive (albeit unpolished) visuals forms the backbone of the game’s unique identity, attempting to create a world that is both historically grounded and steeped in folklore.

6. Reception & Legacy

Upon its Early Access debut, Ertugrul of Ulukayin‘s reception was a mixed bag, reflecting its ambitious scope versus its unfinished state. Critically, it garnered a “Mediocre” average score of 50% from MobyGames (based on a single critic from IndieGames, 2.5/5), which characterized it as “very rough around the edges, more like a vertical slice than a proper Early Access title,” raising concerns about its ability to “reach the quality needed to compete with other games in its genre.” Bluntly Honest Reviews echoed this sentiment with a 6/10, acknowledging its “loads of potential” but highlighting “noticeable flaws.”

Commercially, the game faces an uphill battle. While its initial price point of $19.99 is reasonable for an AA title, critics pointed out a fundamental challenge: the lack of widespread familiarity with Ertugrul and Turkish mythology outside Turkey. This niche appeal was predicted to have a “catastrophic impact on sales” unless the Turkish gamer community rallied to support it. The developers’ active engagement, including offering a 29% discount for Turkey’s Republic Day and releasing hotfixes shortly after its Steam launch, demonstrates a commitment to nurturing its early community.

Despite the critics’ reservations, user reception, particularly on Steam, has been notably more positive. Just a week after its June 2025 Steam debut, Ertugrul of Ulukayin accumulated 264 user reviews, with a striking 92% rating it positively. Players lauded its “unique setting and engaging story,” the “promising combat mechanics,” and the developer’s “active communication with the community.” This disparity suggests a core audience willing to look past current imperfections for the sake of the game’s unique cultural offering and potential. IMDb users also rated it highly with an 8.8/10, though based on a small number of ratings. GameStar, a German gaming magazine, even dubbed it “the Turkish Witcher,” indicating a recognition of its ambitious scope and thematic depth.

The game’s legacy is still being written, deeply intertwined with its Early Access journey. Tekden Studio anticipates about a year in Early Access, during which they plan to resolve technical shortcomings, refine combat, and expand content to include “two expansive maps, new abilities and larger-scale battles,” aiming for around 15 hours of gameplay in the full release. The hope is for it to transition from a “niche title” to one with “wide market appeal,” perhaps even evolving into a franchise capable of reaching “AAA territory.” Its influence already lies in its bold attempt to diversify gaming narratives, bringing a rich, underrepresented culture to the forefront. Should it successfully navigate its development cycle and polish its rough edges, Ertugrul of Ulukayin could inspire other regional studios to explore their own unique mythologies, proving that compelling stories exist far beyond the traditionally popular settings.

7. Conclusion

Ertugrul of Ulukayin is a brave and ambitious foray into uncharted gaming territory. As a historical action-adventure RPG, it presents a compelling vision of 13th-century Anatolia, infused with the rich folklore of Turkish mythology and driven by a heroic narrative of justice, leadership, and cultural heritage. Tekden Studio, backed by its connection to the “Resurrection: Ertugrul” TV series, has poured immense passion into crafting a “cultural expression” that genuinely offers something distinct in the modern gaming landscape. The ability to play as Ertugrul, Turgut, and Meryem, each with unique combat styles, alongside the atmospheric integration of Ulukayin-inspired dream sequences, speaks volumes about its creative potential.

However, the game’s current Early Access state prevents it from fully realizing this potential. Technical issues, including severe optimization problems, clunky controls, stiff animations, and a plethora of bugs, significantly hinder the player experience. The user interface is unrefined, and the world, while visually promising, sometimes lacks the dynamism and density needed to truly compete with its AAA inspirations. Furthermore, its deliberate choice of an unfamiliar historical and mythological setting, while a strength for cultural representation, poses a considerable marketing challenge in a globally competitive market. The nuanced portrayal of history, particularly regarding religious dynamics, also presents a complex thematic discussion point for players and critics.

In its current iteration, Ertugrul of Ulukayin is a diamond in the rough—a mediocre game by some metrics, yet one with truly redeeming qualities and a strong foundation that suggests a glorious future. Its definitive place in video game history hinges on Tekden Studio’s ability to capitalize on its user community’s passionate feedback, address the technical deficiencies, and refine the gameplay to match its lofty narrative ambitions. Should it succeed, Ertugrul of Ulukayin could not only become a beloved “AA” franchise but also a landmark title in diversifying the cultural tapestry of video games, proving that heroic tales from every corner of the world deserve their digital stage. For now, it remains a testament to cultural ambition, a beacon of what could be, and a worthwhile experience for those willing to invest in its journey of evolution.