- Steam pricePrice
- $17.99
- Release
- May 17, 2016
- Session GoalsGoals
- Platforms
How co-op works
Two players explore locally after the host places a Sellsword statue and recruits the second character at a sanctuary. Each uses a locally saved build, coordinating enemy aggro, stamina, healing, platforming, and bosses; Steam Remote Play Together can carry the couch session online.
About this game
Salt and Sanctuary delivers a harsh, side-scrolling action RPG experience inspired by the Souls formula, set across a bleak island filled with grotesque bosses and labyrinthine pathways. Players explore interconnected zones, collect Salt from fallen enemies to level up, and choose from branching skill trees that support countless builds. The game leans heavily on precise dodge timing, weapon variety, and stamina management, making every encounter feel weighty and deliberate.
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Combat rewards patience and pattern recognition, while the RPG layer offers deep customization through weapons, armor, magic, and prayers. Exploration uncovers secrets, shortcuts, and Sanctuaries that serve as checkpoints and upgrade hubs. The dark, hand-drawn aesthetic and cryptic lore add to the oppressive atmosphere that makes discovery rewarding.
Local co-op lets a second player drop in on the same screen, turning the brutal journey into a shared trial. Reviving each other, coordinating aggro, and tackling bosses together changes the pacing and opens tactical possibilities. Sessions remain challenging but more forgiving, ideal for players who want the thrill of a demanding RPG without facing it alone.
Similar games
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Role-playing games built around cooperative play, from action-heavy dungeon crawlers to sandbox adventures where you build and battle together.
Platformers built for two or more players, where jumping, climbing, and split-second timing become shared challenges that test coordination as much as skill.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does local co-op work in Salt and Sanctuary?
A second player can drop in on the same screen for local co-op play. You'll share the challenging journey together, coordinate enemy aggro, revive each other when downed, and tackle bosses as a team. It makes the brutal experience more forgiving without removing the challenge entirely.
Is this game as hard as Dark Souls?
Yes, Salt and Sanctuary is inspired by the Souls formula and features punishing combat that demands precise dodge timing, stamina management, and pattern recognition. Every encounter feels weighty and deliberate, though playing in co-op does make it somewhat more forgiving since you can revive each other.
What kind of character builds can I create?
The game features branching skill trees that support countless builds. You can customize your character through weapons, armor, magic, and prayers, with deep RPG mechanics that let you create anything from melee-focused fighters to magic users. You level up using Salt collected from defeated enemies.