The Royal Writ, a medieval lane-based deckbuilding roguelike was announced today by indie dev Save Sloth Studios. I see a lot of roguelike deckbuilders every day, but so few are lane-based, and even less utilize such a unique art style. Save Sloth Studios released a trailer alongside the announcement as well as a plan to release the game later this year. Let’s take a look at it.
Immediately, the art style is strong and recognizable. The medieval picture book style on the cards is beautifully done and immediately iconic. As we’re shown gameplay in the trailer it’s apparent immediately that the rules look fairly simple with a decent amount of depth in both the deck you’re building as well as the customization on the individual cards. The game looks fun, accessible, and appealing. Co-Director of Save Sloth Studios, Kornél Pittmann, had this to say about the game:
Our original idea for the game was extremely simple, but the fun instantly kicked in as soon as we put down the first rabbit soldier on the battlefield, so it was a no-brainer for us to start making a full-fledged game out of this idea. Now, it has grown into something filled with tons of unique mechanics, characters and visuals, and we loved working on every aspect of it.
Originally designed as an entry into Ludum Dare 55, an extremely popular and influential game jam, the game did well enough to spark interest in a full release. The entry is still up with all the comments and ratings received from a year ago. Likewise, if you wanted to play the game in its originally submitted state, the page is still up on itch.io. The Royal Writ has undergone a lot of changes since that entry and it seems like the past year has been a very well spent one.
Sometimes a kingdom’s problems can be solved by simple communication – which is why his illustrious highness has decided to send out letters summoning some of the troublemakers to his throne room. And if the recipients are a little reluctant to accept the invitation? No problem! A little siege never hurt anybody. Carefully enlist and place your peculiar creatures on a battlefield and watch them march to their eternal death or glory as they try to conquer the enemy.
The Royal Writ Key Features
“The art of war is simple. Send forth your subjects to die gloriously in your name. Their sacrifice ensures your legacy… and if they happen to win, all the better!”
- March to Victory or Glorious Death – In The Royal Writ, you don’t just play cards – you command them on the battlefield. Place your loyal subjects strategically as they advance toward the enemy, dealing damage. But beware: any card that reaches the enemy base before victory is permanently destroyed and removed from your deck for the rest of your run.
- A Kingdom of Peculiar Characters – Lead an army of adorable yet battle-hardened animals. Your ranks may comprise a frail and wounded flamingo, a short sighted chicken bowman, or even a crafty lizard who cheats death by only losing its tail! From the renegade red ants to the food taster cow, every card in your deck has a personality and purpose.
- Two Epic Campaigns – Each campaign features unique cards, bosses, and strategic challenges. The battlefield awaits your command!
- Intuitive Yet Deep Gameplay – Easy to learn without compromising on the challenge
- Roguelike Progression – Every run is different
- Charming Art Style – Picture-book visuals blend with medieval absurdity and dark humor
- Memorable NPC Encounters – Are they friend or foe?
- Special Boss Mechanics – Unique challenges that will test you
- Gradual Difficulty Ladder – Climb through harder and harder difficulties as you progress
- Challenge Modes – Test your skills in special modes with unique rules
- Relics – Collect relics with various effects that change how you play
The Royal Writ has no official release date but Save Sloth Studios and Yogscast Games aim to release in 2025. The game can currently be wishlisted on PC via Steam and Save Sloth Studios is teasing a playable demo available soon. Keep an eye on the MonsterVine front page as we provide ongoing coverage of The Royal Writ and other roguelike deckbuilders.
