The basic gameplay loop
Official descriptions point to a loop that moves between Clan life and field exploration. Players take quests to gain favor, hunt prey, patrol or travel through the Lake Territories, gather materials, and enter turn-based encounters against rival warriors, predators and bosses.[2][3] Progress also includes learning combat moves and building a move set.
Combat is tactical, not real-time action
Trailmark specifically describes timing, tactics, specialized Clan moves, enemy weaknesses and ancestor attacks granted by StarClan.[2] That wording suggests decision-making around move selection and matchup knowledge, but it does not yet reveal exact turn order rules, status effects, resource systems, damage formulas or party size. Those details should wait for gameplay footage or the release build.
Official gameplay reveal trailer
Watch the official Trailmark Games announcement trailer for a first look at the game. The embed is placed after introductory text so the page opens with the answer and context rather than media.
Exploration is more than walking between quest markers
The Steam and Xbox descriptions mention climbing trees, pouncing through undergrowth, tracking scents and solving environmental puzzles across dense forests, marshlands, pine swamps and open moors.[3][4] Trailmark also promises hidden paths and secret areas.[2] This supports calling exploration a substantial system, while “open world” remains an unconfirmed label.
Story and progression
Each of the four playable Clans has a full story campaign shaped by its own culture, conflicts, prophecy, rivalries, characters and challenges.[2] Choices influence the player’s journey, while actions affect relationships, rivalries and reputation. The official Warrior Cats announcement says the player trains as an apprentice, giving the campaign a clear coming-of-age starting point.[1]
What is still unknown before launch
- Exact combat stats, damage formulas and difficulty settings
- Full move lists and whether every Clan has exclusive moves
- Quest counts, campaign length and level-cap details
- Save structure, New Game+, achievement requirements and ending conditions
- Whether any areas use seamless open-world traversal
Those gaps are important: they separate a useful pre-release guide from a page that invents systems simply because users are searching for them.
Frequently asked questions
Is Clans of the Forest turn-based?
Yes. Official sources describe the combat as turn-based.
Do choices matter?
Yes. Trailmark says choices influence the personal journey and lead to different story paths, but the exact scope of consequences is not public yet.
Is there crafting?
Yes. Players can forage for materials and craft items in their den, including den decorations.
Is it a single-player game?
Single-player is confirmed on Steam and Xbox. A limited asynchronous den-visit feature is also confirmed, but no co-op campaign has been announced.