Fossilpunk brings a genre mash-up that you don’t see every day. Developed by the indie studio Ahsaurus, this roguelite strategy imagines a world where the dinosaurs never went extinct.
When I say it’s a unique genre blend, I mean it. While it’s technically a roguelite, Fossilpunk is, at its core, a 4X strategy game set on small, tactical maps reminiscent of Into the Breach. But don’t let the map size fool you—this game still features everything you’d expect from a full-fledged 4X: tech trees, unit production, espionage, and even religion (yes, the dinosaurs have their own faiths).
The game offers multiple modes, including a single-player campaign and online PvP. Fossilpunk was just announced, with a playable demo expected to drop this winter on PC via Steam. In the meantime, you can check out the overview, some screenshots, and the reveal trailer.
Fossilpunk is an upcoming 4X roguelite turn-based strategy (TBS) game developed and published by Ahsaurus, blending classic 4X strategy mechanics with roguelite elements. The game’s theme is centered around leading dinosaur-based civilizations as they settle and expand across procedurally generated space maps, each offering a new challenge and infinite replayability.
Gameplay Overview:
- 4X Strategy & Roguelite Mechanics: Players will explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate while controlling dinosaur armies like T-Rex, Brontosaurus, and Triceratops. The game focuses on a faster-paced early-game expansion while minimizing the late-game micromanagement that often bogs down traditional 4X games.
- Procedurally Generated Maps: Each playthrough features unique space maps and battlefields, ensuring no two runs are the same. This procedural generation is key to its roguelite appeal, offering fresh tactical challenges and replayability.
- Tech and Deck Building: A critical feature of Fossilpunk is the “tech deck” system. As players progress, they collect technology cards, which can be strategically used to build cities, develop civilizations, and guide their armies. Tailoring the tech deck to each run’s specific challenges adds a layer of strategic depth.
- Tactical Combat: Armies and buildings have distinct abilities, so success in battle isn’t purely determined by the size of an army but by clever use of unit abilities and terrain. It’s a dynamic system where different strategies can lead to victory.
Key Features:
- Dinosaurs as Combat Units: Lead a variety of dinosaur species, each with unique combat roles and abilities, in battles for territorial control.
- Quick-Paced Expansion: Focus on rapid city-building and conquering rivals across small “island” maps before moving on to the next procedurally generated challenge.
- Replayability: The procedural map generation and tech customization keep each playthrough fresh, encouraging players to adapt to new challenges.
- Multiplayer: Includes online PvP, allowing players to battle one another in a competitive setting.
- Limited Late-Game Micromanagement: By shifting focus to short maps and early-game expansion, the game avoids the tedious micromanagement common in traditional 4X titles.
Additional Information:
- Single-player and Online PvP modes available.
- Available in multiple languages including English, Simplified Chinese, Thai, and Traditional Chinese.
- Release Date: The game is currently listed as “Coming soon.”
Fossilpunk’s unique combination of dinosaurs, strategy, and space exploration makes it stand out as a fast-paced, accessible 4X game with roguelite elements, ideal for players who love both tactical combat and the thrill of constant new challenges.
