Shuffle Tactics, a deckbuilding RPG with turn-based tactical combat, has released its first free demo on Steam, available until March 3, 2025. Developed by Club Sandwich and published by The Arcade Crew, the game combines card-based mechanics with grid-based battles and a roster of recruitable sidekicks. Shuffle Tactics has a planned launch on PC via Steam in 2025.
What’s in the Demo?
The demo offers a preview of the core mechanics, featuring two playable characters, several sidekicks, and access to a selection of cards, relics, and upgrades. Players can explore two biomes, engage in battles with randomly selected bosses, and test out different strategies.
Here’s what’s included:
- Two playable characters:
- The Doberknight – A melee-focused fighter with knockback abilities and fire-based attacks.
- Catalina – A magic user with elemental spells and area-of-effect abilities.
- Five recruitable sidekicks, each offering different support abilities (two unlockable).
- Two explorable regions – The Deluge, a ruined city, and The Snarl, a forested area with roaming creatures.
- Four boss encounters, with two randomly selected per run.
- A portion of the full deckbuilding system, including half of the final game’s total number of cards, relics, and charms.
After each battle, players can earn new cards, hire sidekicks, collect relics, and upgrade their deck.
Deckbuilding Meets Tactical Combat
Unlike traditional deckbuilders, Shuffle Tactics places emphasis on battlefield positioning. Terrain height, unit placement, and movement mechanics play a role in battles alongside card-based attacks and abilities. Players can assemble a team of up to four sidekicks, with each bringing unique skills suited to different playstyles.
For those looking to challenge themselves, the game also tracks medals for fastest completion times, lowest damage taken, and highest single attack damage.
We’ll keep you updated on the release of Shuffle Tactics.
