Shadowstone Reveals Tactical Roguelite Gameplay and Surprise Playtest

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Shadowstone debuted a dedicated playtest trailer during the Future Games Show Spring Showcase, and alongside the reveal came an unexpected announcement: players can now sign up to participate in a limited playtest ahead of the game’s Steam Early Access launch later this year.

Developed by Secret Door, the studio behind Sunderfolk, and published by Dreamhaven, the company founded by gaming industry veteran Mike Morhaime, the game takes place in a darker corner of the Sunderfolk universe. In this world, ancient ruins have been corrupted by a mysterious force known as shadowstone, and only a small group of experimental heroes can fight back against the spreading darkness.

Players command a party of unique characters, including archetypes such as the Witch and the Berserker, each with abilities designed to interact with both the battlefield and their teammates. Combat unfolds on a hex-based grid, where positioning and clever use of the environment play a critical role. Lava pits, explosive hazards, and other interactive elements allow players to create devastating combinations when paired with the heroes’ abilities.

Randomized rooms, enemies, and encounters force players to adapt their strategies as they progress deeper into the corrupted ruins. As the journey continues, heroes can gain new skills, equipment, and power-ups that reshape the team’s tactical options. Solo players can control multiple characters, while online co-op allows up to four players to coordinate their strategies together.