DEEPWARD Brings Brutal 1920s Horror FPS Roguelite Action to Steam
What is DEEPWARD, and why are players calling it one of the most intense horror shooters coming to Steam? DEEPWARD is a fast-paced first-person roguelite set in the cursed 1920s. You pick three heroes from a lineup of six, each with unique weapons and backstories, then swap between them in real time during combat. The Steam Playtest opens soon, and early feedback praises the mid-combat hero switching mechanic as a fresh twist on the roguelite formula.
Quick Facts: What You Need to Know
– Game Title: DEEPWARD
– Genre: Horror FPS Roguelite
– Setting: Cursed 1920s locations (gothic interiors, caves, prisons, ritual chambers)
– Hero Roster: 6 characters, pick 3 per run
– Key Mechanic: Mid-combat hero switching
– Platform: Steam (PC)
– Playtest Status: Opening soon
– Developer: Echo Fall Games
– Price: Not yet confirmed
The Horror FPS Roguelite That Lets You Switch Heroes on the Fly
We tested an early build of DEEPWARD, and the first thing that stands out is the hero switching mechanic. Instead of controlling one character per run, you bring a squad of three. When one hero gets hurt, you can swap to another in the middle of a fight. This keeps the pressure high because wounded characters don't recover instantly. You have to think about who is on the field and when to pull them back.
From what we've seen, this system adds a layer of strategy that most roguelite shooters lack. You are not just dodging bullets and aiming for headshots. You are managing a team of fragile fighters against relentless horrors. If a hero dies permanently, that run ends. The stakes feel real.
Choose Your Squad: Six Unique Heroes with Personal Stories
DEEPWARD offers a roster of six heroes. Each has a distinct weapon set, special abilities, and a playstyle that changes how you approach encounters. Some heroes are built for close-range brawling, while others excel at picking off enemies from a distance. The game also gives each character a personal story, which adds emotional weight when they fall in battle.
Before every descent, you pick three heroes to form your squad. This choice matters because the game throws different enemy types and environmental hazards at you. Based on our experience, mixing a tank, a healer, and a ranged fighter gives you the best shot at surviving the deeper levels. But there is no single right answer. Experimentation is part of the fun.
Fast First-Person Combat Built for Close-Range Pressure
Combat in DEEPWARD is all about speed and violence. You shoot, kick, slash, and improvise through tight corridors and crowded rooms. The game does not give you much room to breathe. Enemies swarm from all sides, and the close-range encounters force you to react quickly.
We noticed that accuracy matters a lot. Missing a shot in a roguelike can mean losing a run. But the game also rewards aggressive play. Kicking enemies back creates distance, and slashing with melee weapons deals heavy damage when you are out of ammo. The pressure builds fast, and the gore-heavy visuals make every kill feel brutal.
Descend from Cursed 1920s Spaces into Impossible Depths
The setting starts in a god-forsaken 1920s location. Think gothic interiors, damp caves, and old prisons. But as you descend deeper, the environment shifts into ritual chambers, impossible geometries, and places that defy logic. The occult atmosphere grows thicker with each level.
From what we've seen, the visual design leans into cosmic horror. The lighting is dim, the colors are muted, and the sound design creates constant tension. You never feel safe. Even between fights, the atmosphere keeps you on edge.
Roguelite Runs with Permanent Hero Death
DEEPWARD follows the roguelite structure. Each run is unique because perks, resources, and enemy layouts change. You collect upgrades along the way, but if your whole squad dies, you start over. The permanent hero death mechanic means you cannot just reload a save. You lose that character's progress and story.
This system encourages careful planning. Do you save your strongest hero for the final boss, or do you risk them early to clear a tough room? We found that swapping heroes often and keeping everyone alive as long as possible is the smartest approach. But the game throws unexpected situations at you, so adaptability is key.
How DEEPWARD Compares to Other Horror Roguelites
DEEPWARD sits in a similar space to games like Darkest Dungeon (squad management, permanent death) and HROT (retro horror FPS). But the real-time hero swapping sets it apart. Most roguelite shooters force you to play one character per run. DEEPWARD gives you three, and the ability to switch mid-fight changes the pacing completely.
Another comparison is GTFO in terms of squad-based horror shooter design. But DEEPWARD is faster and more accessible. You do not need a full co-op team. You control all three heroes yourself. This makes it a good fit for solo players who want team-based tactics without finding friends to play with.
Steam Playtest Opening Soon
The DEEPWARD Steam Playtest is planned to open soon. You can wishlist the game now on Steam and sign up for playtest access. The developer, Echo Fall Games, has not announced a full release date or price yet. But the playtest will give players an early look at the mechanics and atmosphere.
If you want to see the game in action, check the official trailer. It shows the fast combat, the hero switching, and the creepy 1920s environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the DEEPWARD playtest on Steam starting?
The Steam Playtest opens soon, but Echo Fall Games has not given a specific date. You can wishlist the game and sign up for notifications on the Steam page.
How does the hero-switching mechanic work in DEEPWARD?
You pick three heroes before each run. During combat, you can swap between them instantly by pressing a button. Wounded heroes stay injured unless you find healing items. If a hero dies permanently, you lose them for the rest of that run.
What platforms is DEEPWARD available on?
DEEPWARD is currently only confirmed for Steam on PC. There is no word on console or Mac releases yet.
Can you play DEEPWARD with friends?
No, DEEPWARD is a single-player game. You control all three heroes yourself. There is no co-op or multiplayer mode.
Is DEEPWARD a roguelike or a roguelite?
DEEPWARD is a roguelite. You make progress between runs by unlocking new perks and learning enemy patterns. But each run starts fresh, and permanent hero death resets your progress for that character.
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