Overview
Trials of Aerlynn is a 2D Metroidvania platformer built in Unreal Engine 5.4, created as a solo exploration of genre fundamentals and the design of responsive, satisfying movement mechanics. The game features six distinct regions and a progression system centered around ability-gated exploration.
Character Controller
The project began with rebuilding the character controller from scratch using UE5 Blueprints. The original template had inconsistent mechanics — particularly with sliding that relied on position vectors rather than physics interactions. The rebuilt controller supports six core abilities:
- Super Tome — Ranged spell attack
- Stone Breaker — Downward slam attack
- Sliding Boots — Ground movement boost
- Sticky Gloves — Wall cling and climbing
- Seraph Amulet — Double jump
- Slipstream Armor — Air dash mechanic
Level Design
The design philosophy was "World First, Systems Second" — map design came before mechanics, drawing inspiration from Hollow Knight. The original concept featured only three abilities and was titled "Caves of Chicago," treating Chicago as a medieval fantasy realm. This evolved into the current scope with six regions.
Key systems include Pyres (collectible braziers that unlock doors), breakable walls and secret paths, a hazard respawn system, and Azure Beads that recharge the air dash. A tutorial-focused introductory zone teaches each ability in isolation before combining them.
Every tile was hand-placed in UE5, as the engine lacks the automated tile-adaptation systems found in other engines. This constraint forced deliberate decisions about surface placement and movement readability.
Results & Takeaways
Trials of Aerlynn is available for free on itch.io. Building a full Metroidvania solo in Unreal — an engine not typically used for 2D — proved that the fundamentals of level design transfer across any toolset. The hand-placement constraint became a strength, forcing every tile to be an intentional design choice.
Asset Credits
- Character: Woman Warrior by Dreamir
- Tilesets: Fantasy Winter, Ancient Temple, Fantasy Caves, Lava Caves by aamatniekss
- Audio: Joel Francis Buford, Joel Steudler, DanielTelesOST
- VFX: Smoke N Dust 2, Holy VFX by pimen
- UI: Shikashi, Kenney, ElvGames