Indie developer MiTale has announced that their upcoming story-driven action RPG, Willow Guard, will launch on PC via Steam and itch.io on April 10, 2025. Blending hack-and-slash combat, deckbuilding mechanics, and branching narrative choices, Willow Guard places players in the role of Ghweros, one of the last protectors of a once-thriving animal kingdom abandoned by its gods.
A Fantasy World in Crisis
The Hinterlands of Tersa are under siege. Monstrous creatures have begun attacking the land’s anthropomorphic inhabitants, and as one of the last surviving Willowguards, it’s up to Ghweros to uncover the source of the invasion. With a faded sword, a worn suit of armor, and a deck of combat abilities, players will battle across procedurally generated dungeons, piece together the world’s history, and make critical choices that shape the story’s outcome.
Dynamic Combat with Deckbuilding Elements
Willow Guard’s real-time combat lets players hack and slash their way through 10+ enemy types, while incorporating light deckbuilding mechanics. As you explore dungeons, complete quests, and find loot, you’ll craft ability cards that unlock powerful skills like health regeneration, throwing daggers, and defensive buffs.
Instead of traditional level-based progression, character strength is built through weapon upgrades, skill mastery, and strategic deck customization.
A Living World with Meaningful Choices
Tersa isn’t just a combat sandbox—it’s a fully realized world that changes as time passes. The Inclination system tracks player choices, allowing Ghweros to develop as a pragmatic protector, a kind-hearted guardian, or something else entirely. NPC interactions, hidden secrets, and clue-gathering mechanics shape the story in a way that encourages multiple playthroughs.
With a tight, branching narrative that takes 10-20 hours to fully experience, Willow Guard prioritizes depth over filler content, making every decision count.
Key Features of Willow Guard
- Procedurally Generated Dungeons – No two runs are the same, with randomized layouts, hidden treasures, and unlockable shortcuts.
- No Leveling, Just Skill – Upgrade equipment, craft cards, and refine combat tactics to survive.
- A Living World – NPCs come and go, storylines evolve, and choices permanently alter the world.
- Investigative Gameplay – Combine clues and items to unlock new locations, characters, and story paths.
- Replayability – Not everything can be discovered in a single playthrough—multiple runs are encouraged to see the full story.
Willow Guard Release Date and Platforms
Willow Guard launches on April 10, 2025, for PC via Steam and itch.io. If you’re looking for a story-driven RPG with deep choices, fast-paced combat, and a mysterious world full of secrets, this is one to keep an eye on.
