The masterminds behind the breakout hit Vampire Survivors have unveiled their latest project. A demo for the spin-off title, Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard, has officially debuted on Steam as part of the Steam Next Fest, where it is already garnering significant acclaim.
Poncle, the triple BAFTA-winning studio, has taken a bold step away from its signature auto-battler mechanics. This time, the developers are exploring the tactical depths of a turn-based roguelike deckbuilder.
Replacing the chaotic “bullet heaven” gameplay with strategic decision-making, players must assemble eccentric decks, orchestrate powerful combos, and navigate iconic dungeons from an entirely new perspective. The demo showcases a variety of unique “Crawler” characters and a village hub where players can invest in permanent upgrades and experiment with complex damage synergies between runs.
The project caters to two distinct playstyles: meticulous strategic analysis or high-octane, fast-paced progression. The developers have clarified that this is a canonical expansion of the Vampire Survivors universe rather than a mere spin-off. While the free demo provides a comprehensive preview of the mechanics, the full version is slated for a 2026 release.
Source: iXBT.games