Why the Cleric is the Unexpected Star of 2026’s Best RPG
When chatting with Christoffer Bodegård, the mastermind behind the highly anticipated RPG, Esoteric Ebb, I couldn’t help but ask a burning question: why on earth choose a Cleric as the main character? Traditionally seen as the goody-two-shoes of the fantasy realm, I’d much rather dive into the shadows as a sneaky Rogue. But Bodegård had a straightforward answer—Clerics are just plain overpowered!
He put it bluntly, saying, “They’re overpowered. I’m sorry to say they are just overpowered.” It turns out that even in the early drafts of Esoteric Ebb, which predates the influential Disco Elysium, the Cleric was already a star alongside a goblin companion. “The Cleric is the best class if you want versatility,” he explained. “They have access to spells, can wear heavy or light armor, and they’re capable of healing as well as melee combat. They can do it all!”
As someone who’s been a bit of a Cleric doubter in the past, I can’t deny that their versatility has piqued my interest at times—especially in classics like Neverwinter Nights, where they were an unstoppable force in 3rd Edition D&D. Sure, there are other classes that can hold their own, like Bards or Fighter/Mages, but Bodegård believes the Cleric’s divine angle adds a rich narrative layer to the game.
“They’re narrative-driven because they have a god,” he said. “Warlocks have their own cool factor, but they’re much more focused.” This perspective made me rethink how I see Clerics compared to Warlocks; after all, the complex relationship with a deity can be far more relatable than a pact with dark forces.
Bodegård is keen to weave themes of masculinity, faith, and the concept of God into the narrative of Esoteric Ebb. The protagonist’s bond with his god, Urth, is both intricate and thought-provoking, especially considering Urth’s controversial status in the game’s lore.
As a player who often opts for the Paladin, the Cleric’s more charismatic cousin, I found Bodegård’s take on it quite amusing. “Honestly, the Paladin is just an off-brand Cleric, if you want to ignore the whole Oath thing,” he said with a laugh. It’s a bold statement, but there’s a kernel of truth there!
Even though the game centers around the Cleric, you still have the freedom to explore other D&D classes. I learned from Bodegård that players can even craft a character with a cheeky moniker like “Dick-Ass Rogue” if they indulge in enough thievery. This was just a glimpse into the plethora of choices available in the game, revealing layers of gameplay I hadn’t even tapped into yet.
With Esoteric Ebb set to redefine the RPG landscape in 2026, it’s exciting to see a Cleric take the lead, proving that sometimes the most unexpected choices can steal the show.