Deckbuilder
Ongoing coverage on Deckbuilder.
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Vampire Survivors developer Poncle is opening more studios and has over 15 games in the works
Vampire Survivors developer Poncle is expanding with two new studios in Japan and Italy and has over 15 games in development. These include Vampire Survivors spinoffs, original intellectual properties, and roguelites based on existing IPs like Warhammer Survivors. The company has also paused third-party publishing to focus on its internal projects.
Vampire Survivors deck-builder spin-off Vampire Crawlers is out now
Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard, a deck-builder spin-off of Vampire Survivors, is now available. While it captures the chaotic fun of its predecessor with fast-paced card battles and power-up systems, the review suggests it lacks depth in its dungeon crawling and combo mechanics, making it feel repetitive. Despite its shortcomings, the game has achieved an Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam.
Stochastic Walk Releases Free Public Demo for Match Morphosis — the Roguelike Match-3 Deckbuilder Built Solo with a Custom C Engine
Stochastic Walk has released a free public demo for their upcoming PC title, Match Morphosis, a Roguelike Match-3 Deckbuilder. Developed solo by Ernes Budiman using a custom C engine, the game challenges players to match tiles and build synergies in procedurally generated runs. The demo is available now on Steam, offering a glimpse into the game's strategic depth and low system requirements.
Roguelite poker deckbuilder King’s Well revealed before the Indie Live Expo showcase
Turkish indie studio Fire Brick Games has revealed its upcoming roguelite poker deckbuilder, King's Well, ahead of its showcase at the Indie Live Expo. The game, which will be released soon on Steam, features a blend of deck-building mechanics and poker strategy, with a demo planned for release shortly. Fire Brick Games will also announce another title, One Last Hand, at the event.
Reminder: Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard From Vampire Survivors Out Now For Switch 1 & 2
Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard, a new deckbuilder spin-off from Vampire Survivors, is now available on Nintendo Switch for $9.99. The game transforms the original's gameplay into a turn-based, card-driven experience with roguelite elements. Reviewers have praised its clever fusions and satisfying build creation, though some minor bugs and UI quirks were noted.
Deckbuilder 'Bonereader' Announced by DANGEN Entertainment for PC with Demo Available Now
DANGEN Entertainment and developer Bonereaders have announced their deckbuilder game, Bonereader, for PC, scheduled for release in Q3 2026. A playable demo is currently available. The game combines deckbuilding with dice mechanics, featuring a story mode and a roguelike mode.
Bonereader Invites Players to Gamble Beyond the Grave
DANGEN Entertainment has announced Bonereader, a PC deckbuilder with dice mechanics, set to launch in Q3 2026. Players will build decks and roll cursed dice in a Purgatory setting for a chance at rebirth. A playable demo is available now on Steam, GOG, and itch.io.
‘Burn With Me’ Completes Dark Rituals With Card Sacrifices
Burn With Me is a strategy game where players sacrifice creature cards to perform occult rituals, deviating from traditional deckbuilding mechanics. The game features a narrative about a teacher discussing forbidden rituals and involves strategic card play to score points and overcome bosses. Currently in development, it is available to wishlist on Steam.
Review: Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard From Vampire Survivors (Switch) - An Expert Adaptation Of Excess
Vampire Crawlers, the latest game from Vampire Survivors studio Poncle, successfully adapts the survival sensation into a deckbuilder. While it introduces new mechanics like card combos and evolutions, it retains the familiar progression and unlock systems of its predecessor. Despite some minor bugs and UI challenges, the game offers a deep and engaging experience, particularly on the Nintendo Switch in handheld mode.
Review: Vampire Crawlers (PS5) - Just as Fiendishly Compelling as Vampire Survivors
Vampire Crawlers is a compelling dungeon-crawling deckbuilder for PlayStation 5 that blends elements of Vampire Survivors with a unique strategic twist. Players move through grid-based maps, battling enemies and building decks of cards that represent weapons and power-ups, with a combo system that amplifies card effects. Despite minor clunkiness in menus and movement, the game offers a highly addictive and satisfying experience with plenty of unlocks and permanent upgrades.
Vampire Crawlers release countdown: Exact date and time
Vampire Crawlers, developed by Poncle and Nosebleed Interactive, is set to release worldwide on April 21st. The game is a turn-based deck builder with roguelite elements, featuring card combos and dungeon exploration. A free demo is currently available on Steam.
Coming Out in gaming this week — April 20, 2026
This week's gaming releases include "Jay and Silent Bob: Chronic Blunt Punch," a beat 'em up for multiple platforms, and "Vampire Crawlers," a deckbuilder roguelite. "Masters of Albion" launches in Early Access on PC, while "Tides of Tomorrow" offers a narrative adventure with player-influencing choices. Other notable releases include "Kingdom’s Return: Time-Eating Fruit and the Ancient Monster," "Kiln" from Double Fine Productions, "Titanium Court," and the rhythm adventure "Yunyun Syndrome!? Rhythm Psychosis."
Duo Quest - a co-op deckbuilder that tests your relationships
Duo Quest is a co-op deckbuilder where players build decks together, battle monsters, and answer questions about each other to unlock powerful attacks. The game emphasizes the strength of the players' bond as the ultimate weapon. A demo is available, and developers are open to interviews.
The first major update for Slay the Spire 2 is out now
Mega Crit has released the first major gameplay content update for their deck-builder Slay the Spire 2, following a beta period. The update includes significant balancing changes, reworks, new artwork, a new Badges system, revamped leaderboards, and numerous bug fixes. The developer also recently increased their direct support for the Godot Engine.
If you need more Shakespeare with your Slay the Spire, check out demon lawyer deckbuilder The Killing Stone
The Killing Stone is a new deckbuilder roguelite that blends card battles with contract law haggling, featuring a distinct Elizabethan dialogue option. The game draws comparisons to Slay the Spire and Monster Train, with voice acting from Liam O'Brien and Emma Gregory.
Designer of Terra Nil reveals Combolands, a deckbuilder where cards are buildings and the map is your deck
Crux Games, a studio co-founded by Terra Nil designer Sam Alfred, has revealed Combolands, a deckbuilder where cards represent buildings and the map serves as the deck. The game, which builds upon a prototype called Tiny Towns, will feature roguelike citybuilder mechanics, unlockable content, and multiple guilds. A demo is currently available, with support for PC via Proton/Wine.
Demos and Freebies
Combolands is a deckbuilding game available on PC via Steam. Players create combos by using cards as buildings on a map that represents their deck, aiming to break the game and construct a city.
Terra Nil creator announces Deckbuilder x Citybuilder Combolands, based on viral itch hit!
Crux Games, a two-person studio founded by Terra Nil designer Sam Alfred and Skye Scott, has announced Combolands, a deckbuilder where cards represent buildings and the map is the deck. Based on the viral itch.io hit Tiny Towns, the game features roguelike citybuilding mechanics with unlockable content and procedurally generated levels. A Steam demo is now available.
Naval Roguelike Deckbuilder CURSED TAILS announced on Steam!
Cursed Tails, a naval roguelike deckbuilder, has been announced for PC and is available to wishlist on Steam. Developed by solo dev Sycix, the game features a unique blend of genres with deep customization, allowing players to command a ghost ship, wield magical cards, and recruit fox spirits. It incorporates a hybrid real-time and turn-based combat system with distinct decks and cross-deck combinations.
If you loved Balatro, don't miss your chance to get this indie deck builder at under $3
Fanatical is offering discounts on indie games, including the deckbuilder 'This Ain't Even Poker, Ya Joker,' which shares similarities with 'Balatro.' Players can build custom bundles of Steam games, with prices decreasing as more titles are added, making 'This Ain't Even Poker, Ya Joker' available for under $3. The sale also features other titles like 'The Evil Within' and 'Metal Garden' and is a limited-time deal.
