These are some of the most promising PC Indie RPGs we have talked about lately
Lately, I have been regularly publishing overviews of RPGs that I believe deserve attention due to their interesting features and/or graphic styles. This has resulted in three months of new previews about promising indie games.
Now, I’ve decided to do a monthly recap to highlight some of the most interesting indie RPGs that you might have missed. Each game will have its own dedicated page for you to learn more. I want to clarify that many of these titles do not yet have a release date, so if this might bother you, at least you’re prepared. However, the purpose of showcasing projects that are often still in the early stages is to increase their wishlist numbers, thereby favoring the development and the final project.
Within this first Indie Showcase, you will find various subgenres, from more classic RPGs to roguelites, from fantasy settings to darker and futuristic ones. That said, I remind you to bookmark Turn Based Lovers on Google News, so you never miss our content. Now, we can really start with the first Indie Showcase featuring 10 promising turn-based RPGs.
Sand Nomads
The desert planet of Eldo awaits players in Sand Nomads by PlayPanic. A tactical RPG where advanced technology meets ancient traditions. Players lead a team of nomads through a harsh, open-world landscape filled with bandits, ruins, and alien artifacts.
The game features turn-based strategy, permadeath mechanics, and extensive character development through a class system with unique skills and equipment. Players will engage in tactical battles, gather resources, complete story-driven quests, and explore abandoned ruins to uncover the planet’s secrets. For now there is only a “coming soon” tag.
DeathTower
You probably know developer Headbang Club for its previous work called Double Kick Heroes, a rock-metal zombie survival rhythm game, anyway its new game is completely different and is called DeathTower. A new 2.5D isometric rogue-lite tactical RPG where players assume the role of Ikarus, who must navigate and ascend a perilous megastructure after a botched maintenance operation.
With the aid of Phi, a mysterious µbot, Ikarus battles enemies, solves mysteries, and progresses through each floor of the tower using a mix of stealth, hacking, melee weapons, special attacks, and heavy artillery. The game features unique biomes, diverse enemies, mini-bosses, and the ability to reprogram the tower to aid in combat or escape. Currently in development for PC, DeathTower does not yet have a release date.
Pennon And Battle
You played Songs Of Conquest and are looking for more Heroes Of Might and Magic-Like games. I’ve got you covered with the upcoming Pennon and Battle. A strategy war game developed by PB Studio and published by Luckycalf, set for Early Access release on June 20, 2024. Inspired by the Heroes of Might and Magic formula, the game is set in the fantastical realm of Ruachland, where players take on the role of a lord aiming to restore and expand a kingdom’s glory.
Players will lead armies, recruit heroes with unique talents, and utilize a mix of tactical and magical abilities to conquer territories. The Early Access version will feature substantial content, including story campaigns, Arena, and online PVP modes, with five factions, over 50 heroes, 80 types of soldiers, and 70 spells. The game promises dynamic gameplay with randomly generated battle elements, event cards, and support for online multiplayer modes.
Kingdom, Dungeon, and Hero
Kingdom, Dungeon, and Hero could be the answer for those who like mixing Strategy with RPG mechanics. Developed by indie Kraken Studios, known for their work on WarPlan and WarPlan Pacific, the game combines elements of grand strategy, diplomacy, and adventure within a detailed fantasy world. Players must lead their kingdoms to prosperity, protect their lands, and conquer enemies while preventing the resurrection of the fallen god Draeul by collecting Unity Runes and combating the Corruption Curse.
The game features a hex-based map, enhancing its strategic depth, where players can control up to 50 kingdoms, manage resources, and engage in diplomacy and warfare. Armies, customizable with up to six units each led by unique heroes, can be used to outmaneuver adversaries. Set to release on July 1, 2024 on PC.
Hermetica
Immerse yourself in the dark and enchanting world of Hermetica, a roguelite deckbuilder set in the perilous streets of 16th-century Toledo. Developed by Red Mountain and published by Abylight Studios, this game masterfully combines the ancient art of alchemy with card-based combat. Players start with a basic set of cards and enhance their deck by mastering alchemical combinations to create powerful elixirs and potions.
Featuring unique movement mechanics inspired by tactical games and an art style that evokes medieval manuscripts, Hermetica challenges players to think strategically as they battle mythical beasts and uncover the secrets of the legendary city. Currently in development for PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation, Hermetica has yet to announce its release date.
Fight Life: Vanguard
It’s one of my favourites thanks to its charm of classic Amiga titles. Fight Life: Vanguard is a retro-inspired tactical RPG developed by StartImpulse and Two Cakes Studio set in a dark, fantastical world on the brink of destruction where players lead a mercenary squad through perilous landscapes, recruiting diverse allies with unique classes and abilities to restore harmony.
The game combines real-time exploration with turn-based tactical combat on hex-based maps, challenging players across four chapters to develop low-rank recruits into seasoned warriors. Emphasizing both strategic combat and squad management, Fight Life: Vanguard is slated for a Q4 2024 PC release.
ALZARA: Radiant Echoes
Probably one of the most well-looking on the list. ALZARA Radiant Echoes is a promising turn-based JRPG from Studio Camelia that pays homage to classics like Golden Sun and Final Fantasy X. Set in the vibrant world of Alzara, the game follows Kayla and her allies as they harness elemental magic—Fire, Air, Water, and Earth—to combat the invading Vedores forces.
The strategic combat system features a unique swap mechanic, managing characters between front and back lines to balance offense, support, and the crucial Echo resource. With contributions from renowned Japanese artists Motoi Sakuraba (Composer who worked on Tales series, Dark Souls, Star Ocean and more) and Yoshiro Ambe, the game offers a rich visual and musical experience. Funded on Kickstarter within 48 hours, ALZARA Radiant Echoes is slated for a 2026 release across multiple platforms.
Shuffle Tactics
Shuffle Tactics, developed and published by Club Sandwich, is a rogue-lite deckbuilding tactical RPG that combines the strategic turn-based combat of Final Fantasy Tactics with the card mechanics of Slay the Spire. Set in the mystical land of Asteria, players lead a unique cast of anthropomorphic heroes through challenging battles, creating powerful card synergies and developing relationships with sidekicks to gain combat advantages.
Each gameplay run offers a unique experience, emphasizing deep deckbuilding and tactical grid-based maps. Players repeatedly face death and resurrection, adding a layer of mystery to the game’s narrative. Scheduled for release in Q2 2024 on PC, with console releases to be announced, Shuffle Tactics promises a fresh blend of strategy and roguelite gameplay.
Claymores Of The Lost Kingdom
Imagine the Slay The Spire mechanics but the possibility of going around inside an open-world map and you have Claymores of the Lost Kingdom. An indie roguelite game from Ultaan Games, set to release sometime in 2024 on PC. This game uniquely blends RPG, strategy, and deckbuilding mechanics within an expansive open world where players can customize their heroes through a classless RPG progression system, enhancing attributes like Strength and Wisdom to unlock new cards and playstyles.
The game features diverse locations, side quests, and events that require critical decision-making, along with five fantasy races and eleven character backgrounds for varied gameplay experiences. With over 300 unique cards and a focus on strategic deckbuilding, players will navigate a rich world, facing challenges like bandit fights and powerful leader battles, making each playthrough dynamic and engaging.
Lair of the Leviathan
I’m not exaggerating when I say the pixelated graphics and concept of Lair of the Leviathan are absolutely brilliant. Developed by Nostalgic Realms, the game pays homage to classic ’80s and ’90s RPGs. This turn-based RPG offers a meticulously handcrafted open world, eschewing procedural generation for a more intentional and nostalgic experience. Players engage in challenging tactical combat and rich RPG mechanics, customizing characters with unique abilities and evolving backstories.
The game’s non-linear narrative allows for exploration at the player’s own pace, with complex quests and dungeons unfolding as the story progresses. Scheduled for release in 2024, Lair of the Leviathan promises a richly layered adventure, appealing to both strategic RPG fans and indie game enthusiasts.
That’s a wrap for our first Indie Showcase! As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment on Discord or hit me up on X. If you’re a developer with a cool turn-based project, don’t hesitate to shoot me an email at [email protected].
