Splatoon 2’s best shooter is getting a sequel, so now is the time to play the first game

13 May at 19:31 Comment Views: 24

Prophecy Games officially unveiled Deadzone: Rogue 2 this Tuesday, serving as a highly anticipated follow-up to their 2025 breakout roguelike success. While an official launch date remains under wraps, players can look forward to a demo arriving this June, offering an early glimpse at how the sequel aims to refine and amplify the high-octane combat of its predecessor.

I didn’t personally discover the original Deadzone: Rogue until its surprise arrival on the Nintendo Switch 2 this past March. Despite launching the previous summer, it immediately hooked me. While much of the gaming community was preoccupied with the intensity of Marathon, I found myself completely captivated by the fluid gunplay of Deadzone: Rogue.

True to classic science-fiction traditions, Deadzone: Rogue traps you on an isolated space station devoid of human life. You are stalked through these sterile corridors by lethal machines and grotesque biomechanical horrors. As you embark on repeated runs, you piece together fragmented lore that slowly reveals the station’s tragic history and your own mysterious role within it.

Beyond the narrative, the core appeal is the refined, punchy combat. You can craft viable builds around almost any primary weapon, as each offers unique tactical advantages. Personally, I favor the deep magazine capacity of LMGs to avoid the vulnerability of reloading while surrounded, though the rapid-fire efficiency of SMGs—when paired with the right perks—is equally devastating. The mid-run shops provide a great way to continuously buff your favorite gear, ensuring you never feel stuck with suboptimal equipment.

Notably, Deadzone: Rogue on the Switch 2 takes the unique approach of supporting mouse-style controls. Utilizing a Joy-Con as a makeshift mouse—with the other drifting somewhat awkwardly in your hand—is a bit jarring initially. However, it quickly becomes intuitive. The increased precision allows for rapid snap-aiming that far outclasses standard thumbstick sensitivity, proving essential when you’re overwhelmed by hostile drones.

The sheer build variety is what keeps the experience fresh. Whether you are leaning into elemental effects—freezing foes or watching them burn—or deploying combat companion bots to draw enemy fire, the strategic depth is rewarding. My personal favorite setup involves using a stealth-on-melee-kill perk; wielding a powerful blade allows me to clear entire rooms like a silent assassin, leaving enemies none the wiser.

The progression system, which lets you purchase permanent upgrades before each run, provides that satisfying sense of growth even when you fail—a staple of modern roguelikes like Hades 2. Plus, there is always Planty, the only inhabitant of the station that isn’t trying to terminate you. We love Planty.

Even though the original release is nearly a year old, it still feels incredibly contemporary, making this quick sequel announcement quite a surprise. While it feels like a throwback to the rapid release cycles of the 2000s, I am genuinely excited to see how Prophecy Games iterates on what has already become a standout title in the Switch 2 library.

Deadzone: Rogue is currently available on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X.