Introduction

Two games I love are Diablo and Dark Souls. Maybe that’s why I was surprised I completely missed a game that released in 2023 called Sands of Aura. Developed by Chashu Entertainment, Sands of Aura may not be brand new, but it’s never too late to spotlight a strong indie title. So here’s the real question: is Sands of Aura still worth talking about in 2026, or should you download it immediately? Let’s find out in my review of Sands of Aura for the PS5.

Gameplay

Throw one part Soulslike into a blender with one part Diablo, and you get Sands of Aura. After being recruited by a resistance trying to restore a world consumed by endless sand and night, you create your character and step into the land of Talamhel.

Combat is action-heavy from the start. You begin with basic weapons like swords or fists and gradually acquire more powerful gear as you explore ruins and the open world. What stood out most to me was the depth of the equipment system. You can level up armor, insert runes that grant passive bonuses like increased health or damage, and equip special attack runes for powerful abilities. No single weapon feels mandatory. If you love dual-wielding—as I do—you can build entirely around that playstyle and feel rewarded for it.

There’s a lot of trial and error involved when learning how runes and gear scaling work, but once it clicks, the build variety is impressive. No two playthroughs need to look the same.

Exploration happens in two primary ways: on foot and aboard your sand-sailing ship. I genuinely loved piloting the ship across sand seas and discovering new islands, hidden NPCs, and unexpected bosses. Once you complete the opening tutorial section, Sands of Aura opens up and lets you tackle Talamhel however you want.

That freedom, however, comes with a drawback. Difficulty spikes can feel abrupt and sometimes punishing. As someone who thrives in Dark Souls and Elden Ring, I don’t need hand-holding. But in Sands of Aura, you can wander into areas far beyond your current power level without realizing it. The freedom is exciting, but it also means you’ll need to invest time strengthening your character before fully exploring the world.

Graphics

Sands of Aura looks surprisingly strong for an indie title. At times, it honestly feels close to a AAA experience. Character customization could use more variety, but the environments and enemy designs are genuinely impressive.

From sprawling sand-covered landscapes to intricate dungeon interiors, the visual presentation consistently holds up. The further I progressed, the more I appreciated what Chashu Entertainment accomplished visually.

Sound

The soundtrack leans into a subtle, adventurous tone rather than bombastic orchestral pieces. I actually appreciate that approach. While there aren’t standout tracks I’ll revisit later, the sailing themes and exploration music fit the atmosphere well.

Voice acting and sound effects are serviceable. Nothing feels poorly done, but nothing truly stands out either. That said, I never felt compelled to mute the game, which says something. For a title like this, functional and immersive audio goes a long way.

Story

An apocalyptic event reshaped the world, a resistance fights to restore it, and you stand at the center of it all. The main story of Sands of Aura didn’t leave a lasting impression on me. It isn’t bad—it’s just familiar.

However, the lore is where the game shines. Much like Souls titles and Diablo, the world-building lives in item descriptions, NPC dialogue, and environmental storytelling. If you enjoy piecing together deeper narratives, there’s plenty here to uncover.

Overall Impression

I’m honestly surprised I didn’t discover Sands of Aura sooner. While it isn’t flawless and does stumble in certain areas—particularly difficulty balancing—it excels where it matters most: gameplay and exploration.

If you’re a fan of Soulslikes or ARPGs with meaningful build variety, Sands of Aura offers a rewarding experience that deserves more attention.

Conclusion

Sands of Aura deserves more attention. In terms of gameplay and visuals, it hits many of the notes I look for in a strong Soulslike or Diablo-inspired ARPG. While the story may not captivate everyone and difficulty spikes may frustrate some players, the overall experience is compelling.

I can easily see myself continuing to explore Talamhel and uncovering every secret it hides. If you enjoy build experimentation and open-ended exploration, Sands of Aura is well worth your time.

—Aaron