Bloodgrounds Enters the Arena: Brutal Gladiator Roguelite Launched in Early Access
Exordium Games and Daedalic Entertainment have launched Bloodgrounds, a brutal turn-based gladiator roguelite now in Early Access on Steam and playable on Steam Deck. The game is celebrating its debut with a 25% discount.
In addition to the main game, players can purchase the Supporter Pack, which includes the original soundtrack, a digital artbook, and cosmetic items such as armor and weapon skins. The demo also remains available, allowing progress to carry over into the full release.
Meanwhile, the launch trailer Rise of a Gladiator shows off the blood, fear, and glory of the arena. The campaign spans five unique ages, each with its own challenges and biomes. With nine gladiator classes and thirteen upgradeable buildings, Bloodgrounds delivers deep, tactical battles and satisfying roguelite progression.
Furthermore, every decision carries weight. Death is permanent, reshaping each fighter’s path to vengeance against the tyrannical Emperor. With its dark fantasy pixel-art style, Bloodgrounds promises a challenging and rewarding experience for fans of Darkest Dungeon, The Last Spell, and Battle Brothers.
What We Can Expect
- Highly Tactical Turn-Based Combat – Master grid-based arena battles, unleash powerful abilities, and use traps, consumables, and divine powers to sway the fight.
- Hardcore Roguelite Stakes – Lose a fighter, lose them forever — along with their gear and progress. Surviving gladiators are rewarded with valuable loot and experience points, creating a satisfying and motivating progression loop.
- Deep Squad Management – Recruit, train, and upgrade gladiators; build unique class combinations; and balance trauma, status effects, and glory-seeking risks.
- Audience and Arena Dynamics – Win over the bloodthirsty crowd for battle rewards, or manipulate the underworld to sabotage rivals before the fight even starts.
- A Dark Fantasy World – Explore Marevento’s political intrigue, navigate a noble’s revenge quest, and rise through deadly tournaments toward the Emperor himself.
My Thoughts
I don’t like turn-based RPGs. I like tactical turn-based games even less. Yet for some reason, I really want to play Bloodgrounds. Maybe it’s the roguelike elements winning me over, or perhaps the 16-bit-inspired visuals feeding my nostalgia belly. Arm your character, choose your team, and step into the gladiator fray. Just try not to get any blood on your new clothes because Bloodgrounds looks plenty gory! I’m in.
Check out the trailer here!
