Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout
First Secret storyline entry; best-selling Atelier title.
Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout is a role-playing video game developed by Gust, released in Japan for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Microsoft Windows in September 2019, with North American and worldwide releases in October and November 2019. It is the twenty-first main entry in the Atelier series and the first of the Secret storyline, notable for introducing a new protagonist, Reisalin 'Ryza' Stout, and becoming the best-selling title in the series.
- Developer
- Gust
- Release Date (Japan)
- September 26, 2019
- Release Date (North America)
- October 29, 2019
- Platforms
- PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows
- Series
- Atelier (21st main entry, first of Secret storyline)
- Genre
- Role-playing video game
- Sales (as of August 26, 2020)
- 500,000 copies
Lore & Background
The game follows Reisalin 'Ryza' Stout, a girl on Kurken Island who seeks adventure. She sneaks to the mainland with friends Lent Marslink and Tao Mongarten, meets Klaudia Valentz, and is rescued by alchemist Empel Vollmer and bodyguard Lila Decyrus. The trio becomes their apprentices, restoring a cottage as Ryza's atelier. The plot involves a conspiracy by Bos Brunnen and his father Moritz, leading to the discovery of an alternate realm called the 'Underworld' and a war against insectoid monsters known as the 'Philuscha'. Ryza and her friends ultimately repair the island's failing machinery and defeat the Philuscha leader, the Ravaging Queen, before parting ways.
Reader's Guide
Atelier Ryza revitalized the long-running Atelier series with a modernized combat system blending turn-based and real-time elements, and a streamlined alchemy system that allowed automation of gathering and synthesis. Its commercial success—500,000 copies by August 2020, making it the best-selling title in the series—led to two sequels (Atelier Ryza 2 and Atelier Ryza 3) and an anime adaptation. The game's protagonist, Ryza, was nominated for 'Best Character' at the Famitsu Dengeki Game Awards 2019. Producer Junzo Hosoi noted that character designs were influenced by Japan's Lost Decades, reflecting a preference for 'voluptuous body types' during economic recession. The game's legacy includes a DX version released in 2025 and a manga adaptation, cementing its role as a landmark entry in the franchise.
Did You Know?
- The game sold 500,000 copies by August 26, 2020, making it the best-selling title in the Atelier series.
- An updated version titled Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout DX was released on January 28, 2021 in Japan.
- The anime adaptation aired from July to September 2023, animated by Liden Films.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout?
It is a role-playing game crafted by Gust that launched in Japan in September 2019 and reached North American and worldwide audiences by late October and November of that year. As the twenty-first main installment in the long-running Atelier franchise, it also serves as the opening chapter of a new narrative arc called the Secret storyline.
Who is the protagonist of Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout?
The story follows Reisalin 'Ryza' Stout, a young woman living in a small coastal town who stumbles into the world of alchemy after discovering she can brew potions. Her journey to master this craft and uncover the mysteries surrounding her homeland drives the entire narrative.
What platforms can you play Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout on?
The title is available on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Microsoft Windows. It received its Japanese release on September 26, 2019, followed by North American and worldwide launches in late October and November of that same year.
Why is Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout considered important in the franchise?
It stands out as the best-selling entry in the entire Atelier series to date, a remarkable achievement for a niche RPG franchise. It also broke new ground by introducing an entirely fresh protagonist and launching the Secret storyline sub-arc.
What genre and developer is behind Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout?
Gust developed the game as a role-playing title centered on alchemy, exploration, and character-driven storytelling. It builds on the studio's decades-long tradition of crafting the Atelier series while bringing a modern visual and narrative approach to the formula.
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