Chances are you’ve encountered tales of individuals arriving to settle their parking fines with an oversized sack of coins, but Flask elevates this concept to an entirely different realm. In this roguelike autobattler, players assume the role of an alchemist navigating a mobile tower, equipped with a suite of peculiar powers. The twist? A substantial mortgage looms over your wandering abode, and your creditors demand payment in blood—quite literally.
Unveiling the Creative Mind Behind Flask
This bizarre fantasy game is the creation of Danish artist John Kenn Mortensen, celebrated for his delightfully peculiar Post-it note illustrations reminiscent of Edward Gorey. For those with a distaste for clowns or a preference for peaceful slumber, a quick search of his work might be best avoided.
Described as “a roguelike autobattler about alchemical greed on the new frontier,” Flask challenges players to manage a myriad of responsibilities, all while striving to collect the various fluids coursing through the veins of goblins and other fantastical creatures.
A Disturbing Mission with Eerie Aesthetics
The unsettling visual style of Flask complements its macabre objectives. Players will craft homunculi to engage in battles against foes, subsequently gathering flasks to enhance these creations’ abilities, transforming them into formidable entities that could rival the likes of Resident Evil 2’s Mr. X. What could possibly go awry?
As players harvest blood, they face a critical decision regarding its use. While ‘paying your mortgage’ may seem like the straightforward choice, trading with merchants and other characters presents an enticing alternative. One can easily foresee a complex budgeting dilemma on the horizon.
Engaging with Other Players
What adds an intriguing layer to Flask, beyond its unique hemoglobin-collecting mechanic, is the feature that allows players to pit their homunculi against the spectral remnants of other players’ creations every third battle. Drawing from the experiences of games like Elden Ring and Sniper Elite 5, the thrill of invading another player’s domain remains an enduring source of excitement, regardless of the outcome.
Flask is set to be published by Ghost Ship Publishing and developed by Chop Chop Games, with Mortensen taking the helm as the art and narrative lead. The game is slated for a 2026 release, and interested players can add it to their Steam wishlists.
For those seeking gaming experiences in the interim, a curated list of the best indie games awaits. Alternatively, if horror is your genre of choice, explore our recommendations for the top horror games.
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