Entropy Dev Reveals Permadeath Secret: Infinite Party Members

Ever wondered how a party-based RPG can include permadeath without leaving you stuck with a tiny roster? Entropy's lead developer James Wragg has the answer: you need a potentially infinite resource of party members. That way, when one dies, you can just hire another. Simple, brutal, and brilliant.

In a chat with Wragg earlier this summer, he explained the philosophy behind Entropy's mercenary hiring and ambitious permadeath system. The game is a turn-based RPG inspired by classics like Final Fantasy 10 and Lost Odyssey, but it also pulls from Fallout 1 and Games Workshop's tabletop Mordheim. That mix gives it a unique PC flair, blending authored companions with procedurally generated mercenaries.

Wragg was clear: you can get through Entropy with zero casualties if you play skillfully. But even then, the possibility of permadeath is always there, adding an edge to every battle. It's a design choice that makes your victories feel more earned, because one wrong move could cost you a beloved party member forever.

I felt that tension acutely in Star Wars Zero Company, which has a similar mix of authored snowflake squadmates and procgen mercenaries. I managed to get through that game without losing anyone, but the fact that they could have died lent the story and my achievement more weight. Entropy seems to be aiming for that same sweet spot.

I've loved what I've seen of Entropy so far, but haven't gotten super far into its latest early access build. I'm curious to see how much more story meat its authored companions will have versus the mercenaries. If Wragg and the rest of Lovely Hellplace's stance on side quests is any indication—like 'em, love 'em, gotta have 'em—there's probably a lot to chew on there.

You can check out Entropy's demo for free, and the full early access experience for $12 on Steam. It's a promising turn-based RPG that wears its inspirations on its sleeve while doing its own thing with permadeath and party management.

What do you think about permadeath in party RPGs? Will you be picking up Entropy in early access?