The hellish dungeon crawler returns darker, deeper, and more brutal than ever
Ars Goetia is back, and this time the demons are angrier. The newly announced HellSlave II: Judgement of the Archon is on the way in 2026, and it looks like solo developer Baptiste Miny is going all in on the dark fantasy chaos he started in the first game. Partnering once again with Dear Villagers, this time directly rather than through their sister label PiD Games, Miny is building a sequel that promises to be bigger, meaner, and more unforgiving.
The original HellSlave carved out a cult following with its handcrafted art, first-person turn-based combat, and a story that let players embrace demonic powers for a price. The sequel ups the ante. This time, Heaven has had enough, so it sends the Archon of Judgement to purge both demonkind and humanity. Players are once again caught in the middle, fighting for survival, power, and a sliver of hope.
Miny describes HellSlave II as “deeper, bigger and better designed,” and it’s clear he’s listening to his players while pushing his vision forward. The core is still there: a dungeon crawler full of tension, twisted enemies, and morally gray choices. But there’s more flexibility now, more classes, a deeper talent system, and handcrafted maps that combine an overworld and underworld into one immersive trek through the apocalypse.
Here are the standout features:
- Customize Your Damnation: Start as a Warrior or Sorcerer and evolve into six specialized classes, from spectral assassins to plague-wielding mages. It’s all about synergy and survival.
- Time-Based Combat: Every move plays out in real-time seconds, forcing you to think ahead and react quickly. It’s a unique spin on turn-based tactics that rewards calculated risk.
- Explore a Cursed World: Travel through haunted villages, sanctuaries, and hellish strongholds. Every location hides secrets, lore, and NPCs on the edge of despair.
- Light, Corruption, and Consequences: Demonic powers are tempting—but they come with a cost. And with Heaven’s last judgment looming, you’ll need every edge you can get.
If you haven’t played the original HellSlave, now’s a great time. It’s free on Steam until June 16 during the Dear Villagers Publisher Sale. I’ll be keeping a close eye on this one, and yes, I’ve already requested a review code. Below are more details, screens, and the reveal trailer.
About This Game
Thousands of years of demonic warfare have torn the world to shreds. Six demon lords, locked in an endless war, have brought ruin to all. Tired of this infernal chaos, the heavens have unleashed the Archon of Judgment, an unstoppable force set to destroy everything.
But before annihilation can begin, you’re given a final chance at salvation: destroy all the demons yourself or perish with the rest of the world and creation.
Welcome to HellSlave II: Judgment of the Archon, a dark fantasy dungeon crawler RPG where you’re humanity’s last twisted chance. As the spiritual successor to the critically acclaimed Hellslave, this sequel takes everything fans loved, gritty lore, comic book style hand-drawn art, and tactical combat that raises the bar to hell.Customize Your Damnation
Start as a Warrior or Sorcerer and specialize in six deadly classes from spectral assassins to plague-bearing mages. Mix and match powers in a flexible talent tree and forge your path through fire and fury.
Turn-Based Combat with a Time Twist
Plan every move carefully with a unique time-based combat system. Each skill takes real-time seconds to execute, forcing you to balance aggression and survival in every brutal fight.
Explore a World on the Brink
Walk inside the map to travel an immersive overworld and explore cursed dungeons, ruined villages, and sanctuaries. Every location filled with lore, secrets, and characters clinging to the last threads of hope.
Fight or Be Forgotten
Face hordes of monstrous enemies and hellish bosses. Use active powers and passive talents to unleash devastating combos and ride the edge between light and complete corruption.
What’s New in HellSlave II?
• Randomized Loot System: Find, forge, and fine-tune gear with an overhauled crafting system
• Flexible Build Paths: All powers are accessible, but your class defines your journey.
• First-Person Combat View: Feel the impact. Get closer to the carnage.
• Time Management in Combat: Every second counts in this real-time/turn-based hybrid.
What Returns from the First Game?
• Dark, handcrafted universe and visuals that ooze style and sorrow.
• Deep character customization and class synergy.
• Strategic, turn-based battles with layered enemy design.
• A world soaked in lore, with haunting quests and rich storytelling/narration.
Made by Ars Goetia, Fueled by Fan Fire
The original HellSlave was a dark INDIE gem that lit the way. The passionate solo-dev returns with Judgment of the Archon, a sequel built on fan feedback, powered by ambition, and forged for those who crave a deeper, darker RPG experience.
For fans of grim fantasy, tactical turn-based combat, and narrative-rich dungeon crawlers, HellSlave II is your invitation to defy heaven, crush hell, and carve your legend in blood.
The demons aren’t your only enemy.
The clock is ticking. Judgment is coming.
