deckbuilding Archives

AppWizard

April 27, 2026

Vampire Survivors dev is working on over 15 ‘projects,’ though that includes DLC and updates

Vampire Survivors has attracted over 27 million players and generated significant revenue since its launch in 2022. The game sold more than one million copies within two to three months of release. Developer Luca Galante reinvested earnings into the game, leading to the free release of the Emerald Beyond DLC. Poncle is developing Vampire Crawlers, a deckbuilding dungeon crawler spinoff, and has plans for additional projects. The studio aims to have small, agile teams working on various projects simultaneously. Future developments include Warhammer Survivors, which is part of the official Survivors franchise. Matteo Sapio expressed a goal of having 40 projects in parallel development globally within five years.

AppWizard

April 24, 2026

Everything announced for Xbox and PC at the ID@Xbox and IGN April 2026 Showcase — new indie games on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Play Anywhere, and more

Microsoft's ID@Xbox program supports indie game development and recently showcased new titles in collaboration with IGN. - Beastro: A roguelike RPG where players are chefs for heroes, releasing on May 21 for Xbox Series X|S and PC, available on Xbox Game Pass. - Deep Dish Dungeon: A survival exploration game set for Fall 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Cloud, with Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Play Anywhere support. - Albion Online: A free-to-play PvP MMO now available on Xbox consoles, offering perks for Xbox Game Pass members. - Lofsong: An audio-based game with no announced release date, available on Xbox Series X|S and PC, supporting Xbox Play Anywhere. - Escape Academy 2: Back 2 School: A puzzle adventure game set for 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Cloud, with Xbox Game Pass support. - Kalanoro: An action-adventure game featuring lemurs, releasing this summer on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with Xbox Play Anywhere support. - Vapor World: Over the Mind: A narrative-driven platformer launching on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Cloud, with a demo in June and Xbox Game Pass support. - inKONBINI: A management simulation game releasing on April 30, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S and PC, with Xbox Game Pass availability. - Echo Generation 2: A sci-fi deckbuilder RPG launching on May 27, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Cloud, with Xbox Game Pass support. - Starseeker: A spinoff of Astroneer, available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PS5, and Switch 2, with Xbox Game Pass support. - Tears of Metal: A co-op roguelike hack-and-slash game for Xbox Series X|S and PC, with Xbox Play Anywhere compatibility. - Crashout Crew: A co-op game centered around forklifts, releasing on May 28, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Steam, with Xbox Game Pass support. - RV There Yet?: A comedic co-op adventure expected to launch in May for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Cloud, with Xbox Game Pass support. - Solo Leveling Arise Overdrive: An action game set to launch on Xbox Series X|S in Q3 2026. - There Are No Ghosts at the Grand: A musical-themed hotel and ghost hunting game for Xbox Series X|S, PC, Cloud, and other platforms, with Xbox Game Pass support. - Golf With Your Friends 2: The sequel to the party golfing game, releasing on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PS5, and Nintendo Switch this fall. - Mistfall Hunter: An extraction RPG launching in July on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with Xbox Game Pass support. - Totopia: A free-to-play party game supporting Xbox Play Anywhere. - SpeedRunners 2: King of Speed: A competitive racing platformer scheduled for July on multiple platforms, with Xbox Game Pass support. - Vampire Crawlers: A deckbuilding spinoff from Vampire Survivors, now available on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with Xbox Game Pass support. - Screenbound: An action-adventure game where players control a character in both 3D and 2D, available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Cloud, with Xbox Game Pass support.

AppWizard

April 23, 2026

Slay the Spire 2 dev says an early idea was to actually reduce the card pool, but players hated it: ‘We need new stuff!’

Casey Yano, co-founder of Mega Crit Games, discussed the development of the sequel to Slay the Spire in an interview with Edge magazine. He cited the Dark Souls series as a key inspiration, particularly in terms of character building and player choice. Feedback from playtesters led the team to reevaluate their initial ideas, resulting in a more nuanced approach that retains core mechanics while introducing new features. Despite some criticism regarding recent updates, Yano indicated that the sequel will continue to evolve based on player feedback, similar to the original game's seven years of post-launch support. He also confirmed that the game will maintain a definitive endpoint, expressing skepticism about the inclusion of an 'infinite mode' due to concerns that it could diminish the excitement of deckbuilding.

AppWizard

April 21, 2026

Vampire Crawlers review

Vampire Crawlers is a roguelike deckbuilder developed by Poncle and Nosebleed Interactive, set to release on April 21, 2026, with pricing yet to be announced. The game features turn-based gameplay where players draw cards to attack enemies, introducing a combo mechanic based on mana costs. Players level up by collecting blue XP gems from defeated foes, but the gameplay can become predictable and repetitive. The difficulty curve varies, with early enemies being easy and later bosses feeling jarring due to a lack of preparation. Upgrades can increase enemy difficulty and experience drops but may lead to a tedious experience. Each dungeon floor includes a mini-map, and the overall gameplay is described as formulaic and lacking in engaging exploration. While the game has potential for strategic depth, it struggles with repetitive gameplay and difficulty progression.

AppWizard

April 20, 2026

This week in PC games: the “final” Molyneux game, Game Boy horror, ski resort management, and a glamcore heist sim

Returning from a holiday, the author feels invigorated and is excited to explore new PC game releases. The new games include: - Space Drilling Station: An early access vertical outpost builder set in a magma pool. - TownsFolk: A hexagonal survival strategy game focused on rebuilding a home in the wilderness. - The Third Shift: A nostalgic horror game where players patrol a museum. - Vampire Crawlers: A game combining turn-based strategy, dungeon exploration, and deckbuilding roguelite mechanics. - Legendary Pilots: A flight simulator with sepia pixel art inspired by the golden age of aviation. - Tides of Tomorrow: A "plasticpunk" game with online features for shared storytelling in a post-apocalyptic setting. - Masters of Albion: An early access god simulation game from former Lionhead and Bullfrog developers, including Peter Molyneux. - Factory 95: A factory management game set in a nostalgic Windows OS environment. - Titanium Court: A surreal strategy game for clowns and criminals. - Offering App: A violent introspective journey with minigames and hand-drawn art. - Rollick N Roll: A collection of 3D marble runs involving toy trains. - Above the Snow: A management game focused on designing hiking trails for an alpine ski resort. - Snap & Grab: A game where players, as a burglar disguised as a fashion photographer, plan heists by capturing images. The RPS team is engaged in hands-on impressions and discussions about upcoming titles, including a focus on god sims and a recurring pirate theme in games.

AppWizard

April 14, 2026

Top-rated Steam PC Games Released Last Week (6th–12th of April)

KuloNiku: Bowl Up! — 97% positive reviews of 474 ratings, Developer: Gambir Studio, Publisher: Raw Fury, Genre: Casual, Indie, Simulation, Release Date: 7 Apr, 2026. Sol Cesto — 93% positive reviews of 2461 ratings, Developer: Tambouille, Géraud Zucchini, Chariospirale, Publisher: Goblinz Publishing, Genre: Indie, Strategy, Release Date: 10 Apr, 2026. Nautical Survival — 99% positive reviews of 162 ratings, Developer: Idan Rooze, Publisher: Idan Rooze, Genre: Action, Adventure, Casual, Release Date: 9 Apr, 2026. Wannabe Galgame God!!! — 98% positive reviews of 235 ratings, Developer: Noctella Observatory, Publisher: Noctella Observatory, Genre: Free To Play, Release Date: 10 Apr, 2026. Idols of Ash — 98% positive reviews of 259 ratings, Developer: Leafy Games, Publisher: Leafy Games, Genre: Adventure, Indie, Simulation, Release Date: 9 Apr, 2026. Draw Steel — 6 reviews, Developer: Verisim, MCDM, Publisher: MCDM, Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG, Release Date: 8 Apr, 2026. Elton Manor: Requiem of the Cursed Roses — 98% positive reviews of 65 ratings, Developer: 阿魯, Publisher: Playmeow, Genre: Casual, RPG, Release Date: 7 Apr, 2026. Origament: A Paper Adventure — 97% positive reviews of 44 ratings, Developer: Space Sauce Studio, Publisher: Beverlor, Genre: Action, Adventure, Casual, Release Date: 7 Apr, 2026. WRATH: Aeon of Ruin VR - Brutal Edition — 91% positive reviews of 34 ratings, Developer: Team Beef, Flat2VR Studios, Publisher: Flat2VR Studios, Genre: Action, Release Date: 9 Apr, 2026. Arcadia Fallen II — 100% positive reviews of 32 ratings, Developer: Galdra Studios, Publisher: Galdra Studios, Genre: Adventure, Casual, Indie, Release Date: 9 Apr, 2026. GGST Additional Character 18 - Jam Kuradoberi — 94% positive reviews of 76 ratings, Developer: Arc System Works, Publisher: Arc System Works, Genre: Action, Release Date: 9 Apr, 2026. Barking from the Dark — 100% positive reviews of 27 ratings, Developer: shoftArt, Publisher: shoftArt, Genre: Adventure, Indie, Simulation, Release Date: 8 Apr, 2026. Fortune Seller — 97% positive reviews of 40 ratings, Developer: Kiwick, Publisher: Kiwick, Genre: Casual, Indie, Strategy, Release Date: 6 Apr, 2026. Find Your Words — 96% positive reviews of 56 ratings, Developer: Capybara Games, Publisher: Capybara Games, Genre: Adventure, Casual, Indie, Release Date: 8 Apr, 2026. Spinny Dungeon — 97% positive reviews of 44 ratings, Developer: Typing Monkey, Publisher: Typing Monkey, Genre: Indie, RPG, Strategy, Release Date: 6 Apr, 2026. Pluralys — 96% positive reviews of 28 ratings, Developer: Ivalys Studios, Publisher: Ivalys Studios, Genre: Adventure, Casual, Indie, Release Date: 8 Apr, 2026. MINOS — 90% positive reviews of 152 ratings, Developer: Artificer, Publisher: Devolver Digital, Genre: Action, Adventure, Simulation, Release Date: 9 Apr, 2026. Subversive Memories — 96% positive reviews of 33 ratings, Developer: Southward Studio, Publisher: Southward Studio, Genre: Action, Adventure, Indie, Release Date: 8 Apr, 2026. Nippets: A Hidden Object Game — 91% positive reviews of 59 ratings, Developer: Blink Industries, Publisher: Blink Industries, Genre: Casual, Indie, Release Date: 7 Apr, 2026. [Redacted] The Safehouse — 100% positive reviews of 21 ratings, Developer: Heartbeast, Publisher: Heartbeast, Genre: Indie, Release Date: 9 Apr, 2026.

AppWizard

April 10, 2026

If you loved Balatro, don’t miss your chance to get this indie deck builder at under $3

Fanatical's latest Platinum Collection features discounted Steam games, including "This Ain't Even Poker, Ya Joker," which combines cards and strategy with chaotic gameplay. Players battle a Jester, unlocking upgrades and creating unique synergies. The game allows players to bend rules, such as adding or eliminating cards. The collection offers a "build your own" bundle format, where players can select a minimum of three games, potentially acquiring "This Ain't Even Poker, Ya Joker" for under £3. Other titles in the collection include "Gloomy Eyes," "The Evil Within," "Outbreak Island," and "Metal Garden." The offer is available until Thursday, April 30th, and is subject to key availability.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

How multiplayer works in Slay the Spire 2

In Slay the Spire 2, co-op gameplay allows one player to host a multiplayer save, with up to three additional players joining as long as they are Steam friends. There are no password-protected lobbies or matchmaking queues. Players must select a save profile with an unlocked character and choose 'Multiplayer' from the main menu. Each player has three profiles, can only host one campaign at a time, and must be present from the beginning of the game. Multiplayer campaigns feature individual inventories, and enemy stats scale with party size. Energy is not shared among players, and loot is distributed individually. Ascension progression in multiplayer is separate from single-player achievements, and players must complete all three acts as a team to earn Ascension levels, which apply to all characters in multiplayer.

AppWizard

March 15, 2026

‘Even though I threw out my back from overworking, I’m feeling high in spirits’: Slay the Spire 2 sold 3 million copies in its first week

Slay the Spire 2 sold 3 million copies within a week of its launch and players completed 25 million runs, with the developer suggesting the actual number may be higher. The game topped the Steam sales charts and retains familiar gameplay elements. Future updates will include Steam Workshop support, a new scoring system, and a phobia accessibility mode. An expansion for the Slay the Spire board game, titled Downfall, is set to launch on March 24.

AppWizard

March 7, 2026

I got stuck in a 13-day stalemate with an eldritch god in Bloodletter, and now it’s my new favourite deckbuilder

Bloodletter is a game where players assume the role of a medieval doctor, healing villagers while combating an eldritch god's influence in a town plagued by supernatural forces. Players manage metrics such as purity, health, sickness, and trust using a deck of cards to cure ailments and build trust with townsfolk. Successful interactions yield special cards that provide bonuses, while nightfall introduces a malevolent entity that increases the game's difficulty. Players must strategically prioritize which villagers to save, adapting their tactics to overcome challenges. Each day brings new obstacles, and players can enhance their decks through bonuses from trusted villagers. The game's striking visuals contribute to its immersive experience, making it a notable title in the deckbuilding genre.