Stray Kite Studios Unveils Wartorn: A Real-Time Strategy Roguelite
Stray Kite Studios, a Dallas, Texas-based game developer founded in 2018, has just announced their latest project, Wartorn. Comprising around 30 employees by 2025, the studio is known for their work on high-profile titles like Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep: A Wonderlands One-Shot Adventure and various Creative maps for Fortnite. Wartorn marks their first original game, set to launch in early access on Steam and the Epic Games Store in spring 2025.
Wartorn: A Blend of Strategy and Roguelite Elements
Wartorn is a unique blend of real-time strategy and roguelite gameplay, set in a fantasy world torn by chaos. The game follows the journey of two elven sisters striving to reunite with their family amidst perilous battles and tough moral choices. Stray Kite Studios aims to create an immersive experience where players not only engage in thrilling combat but also reflect on deeper themes such as sacrifice, survival, and the bonds that unite us.
Chaotic Gameplay with Destructible Environments
One of Wartorn's standout features is its physics-driven environmental destruction. Unlike scripted events, this system ensures that each battle unfolds uniquely, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the gameplay. The game's setting, a world deeply divided and mired in chaos, further enhances the immersive experience, challenging players to find purpose amidst the turmoil.
Strategic Decisions and Dynamic Combat
Between battles, players will face difficult decisions, such as choosing whom to feed or save from death. These choices will shape the narrative and make every playthrough distinct. In combat, Wartorn introduces a dynamic magic system where players can mix and match elemental forces like fire, water, and lightning. These spells not only interact with each other but also have various situational uses, such as shocking enemies in water or setting fire to tar-covered foes.
Progression and Visuals
As a roguelite, Wartorn features a progression system where upgrades carry over between runs, easing subsequent attempts to complete the journey. The game's visuals adopt a painterly aesthetic, enhancing the drama of its chaotic setting. To ensure accessible gameplay, Wartorn includes the ability to slow down on-screen action, allowing players to issue precise commands amidst the chaos.
Stray Kite Studios' co-founder and creative director, Paul Hellquist, emphasized their dedication to creating a game that not only entertains but also prompts players to think deeply about the themes of sacrifice, survival, and unity.
Wartorn is set to launch in early access on both Steam and the Epic Games Store in spring 2025, promising a rich, strategic, and thought-provoking gaming experience.
