The Banner Saga

Turn-based tactical RPG with consequential choices on a frozen journey

Stoic · Published by Stoic Studio · Released Jan 14, 2014

Reviews: Very Positive; 89% of 16K
Recent reviews: Very Positive; 86% of 23 in 30 days
Playing now: 18; peak 24h 22
Steam Deck: Verified
Last update: 7 years ago; Nov 14, 2018

What is The Banner Saga?

This single-player, hand-drawn tactical RPG follows a caravan across a frozen, Norse-inspired fantasy landscape as a new threat endangers its people. You manage the caravan, make decisions during travel and conversations, and choose characters for turn-based battles where some may be lost permanently.

For you if...

+you like tactical battles tied to story decisions
+you want a somber fantasy journey about survival

Not for you if...

−you prefer fast-paced action over turn-based battles
−you want a lighthearted story rather than a bleak journey

What players say

89% of 15,967 reviews are positive · 86% of 23 in the last 30 days

Players praise the art, music, story, and tactical battles. Some say the turn order encourages leaving weakened enemies alive and makes fights repetitive; others object to unexpected character losses and limited control over saving.

Screenshots and trailer

The Banner Saga system requirements

As published by the developer.

Minimum

OS: Windows 7 SP1
Memory: 2 GB RAM
Storage: 4 GB available space

PC version details

DRM, required accounts, controller support and Steam features.

DRM: None declared on Steam
Controller: Full controller support
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Achievements: 39
Steam features: Cloud saves, Family Sharing, Trading cards

Steam Deck: Verified

All functionality is accessible with the default controller configuration
Shows Steam Deck controller icons
In-game text is legible on Steam Deck
Default graphics settings perform well on Steam Deck

Multiplayer and co-op

Single-player

Languages

Full audio: English. Text only: French, German, Spanish - Spain, Polish, Portuguese - Brazil, Russian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Czech, Simplified Chinese.