Redfall is a first-person shooter game developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. The game takes place in the fictional town of Redfall, Massachusetts, which is crawling with vampires. Players take control of one of four playable characters, each with their own unique abilities and weapons. The game can be played solo or with up to three other players in co-op mode. Although the game was deemed a disaster, due to its many bugs and seemingly unfinished state on launch, Redfall can still be a blast to play especially when doing so with your closest friends.
So how does Redfall play exactly? Read on as we talk about just that. Here is an in-depth explanation of Redfall gameplay.
Redfall Gameplay
The combat system in Redfall is based on a combination of ranged and melee attacks. Players can use a variety of weapons, including pistols, shotguns, assault rifles, and sniper rifles. They can also use their character’s abilities to deal damage to enemies. For example, Layla can use her telekinesis ability to lift and throw enemies, while Jacob can use his werewolf form to maul enemies.

In addition to combat, Redfall also features a variety of exploration and puzzle-solving elements. Players can explore the town of Redfall, finding weapons, items, and secrets. They can also solve puzzles to progress through the game.
Here is a more detailed explanation of the gameplay and combat system in Redfall:
- Weapons. Players can use a variety of weapons in Redfall, including pistols, shotguns, assault rifles, and sniper rifles. Each weapon has its own unique stats, such as damage, range, and fire rate. Players can also find and equip weapon attachments, such as scopes, silencers, and magazines.
- Abilities. Each character in Redfall has their own unique abilities. These abilities can be used to deal damage to enemies, heal allies, or provide other benefits. For example, Layla can use her telekinesis ability to lift and throw enemies, while Jacob can use his werewolf form to maul enemies.
- Exploration. Redfall is a large open-world game, and players are free to explore at their own pace. They can find weapons, items, and secrets by exploring the environment. They can also solve puzzles to progress through the game.
- Cooperation. Redfall is a cooperative game, and players can work together to defeat enemies and complete objectives. Players can share weapons, ammo, and health with each other. They can also revive each other if they are downed.
Is it Similar to Borderlands?
While you wouldn’t necessarily be reminded of Gearbox’s Borderlands series at first look at Arkane Studio’s Redfall, once you get the chance to play it, you’d understand why many see Redfall as similar to Borderlands.Â
For one, Redfall and Borderlands are both first-person shooter games with a focus on cooperative gameplay. On top of that, both games also utilize a four-playable character approach and an emphasis on co-op. However, there are some key differences between the two games. Here are some of them:
- Setting. Redfall takes place in a fictional town in Massachusetts that has vampires. Borderlands, on the other hand, is on the planet Pandora, which is a hostile world with bandits, monsters, and other dangers.
- Characters. Redfall features a cast of four playable characters, each with their own unique abilities and weapons. Borderlands features a large cast of playable characters, each with their own unique skills and playstyles.
- Gameplay. Redfall’s gameplay is more focused on action and exploration. Borderlands’ gameplay is more focused on loot and character progression.
- Theme. Redfall is a more serious game with a darker tone. Borderlands is a more light-hearted game with a comedic tone.
Does Redfall Gameplay Include PvP?
No, Redfall does not have a PvP mode. Arkane Studios put the focus on cooperative gameplay, and there are no plans to add a PvP mode at this time. Instead of killing each other, players can work together to defeat enemies and complete objectives. Players can share weapons, ammo, and health with each other. They can also revive each other whenever in critical situations.
However, there is still plenty of content for players to enjoy in Redfall, even if they don’t have friends to play with. The game features a long and challenging campaign that players can take on either solo or with up to three other players. There are also plenty of side missions and activities to keep players busy, such as exploring the open world, finding hidden collectibles, and taking on challenging boss fights.