What Watcher Chronicles is
Watcher Chronicles is a 2D souls-like action RPG from Third Sphere Game Studios. Purgatory has been invaded by a group of fallen ones called The Watchers, who want to turn it into a new hell, and lost souls have to unite or face annihilation. You fight through a large interconnected realm in non-linear fashion, poking into cracks for secrets and loot. Combat is skill based and built on tight controls: dodge, block, and slice your way through enemies, then plan carefully against the bosses. There are over 20 of them, each tuned to demand real skill. Expect to die a lot; that is part of the deal.
Playing it with friends
The whole game can be taken on in local co-op with a friend, and full native Steam Remote Play Together support means you can also play online. Player 2 has two options. They can use a locally saved character, in which case they progress, find loot, and get the full RPG experience alongside you. Or they can take a preconfigured mercenary that matches Player 1's level and equipment, which suits quick sessions with friends who do not have much time. Either way you are working through the same interconnected world and the same bosses together.
Building your character
The RPG side is streamlined but deep enough to shape a play style of your own. You upgrade your hero and build out a unique character class, with 100+ upgradable armor, weapons, and rings to specialize your build. Weapons come in several types — giant swords, blade staffs, scythes, polearms, and more — and each type has its own move set that changes how the game plays. Magic is on the table too: waves of fire, lightning, and void for damage, or necromancy to summon the horde.
Before you start
Go in expecting a difficult, punishing game with a non-linear world you will need to explore thoroughly. When you finish, New Game Plus keeps your gear and continues the journey at increasingly harder difficulties, so the run does not have to end there. Controller support is listed, and the game is tagged for singleplayer as well as local co-op, so you can play it alone just as well as with a friend.