Publisher 11 bit studios and developer The Outer Zone have revealed their latest game, Death Howl, a Soulslike deckbuilder set in a Nordic-inspired world. The game will launch in 2025 for PC via Steam. Fans can get an early look with a demo available on 20 January at 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET.
A journey of grief and resilience
In Death Howl, players step into the role of Ro, a grieving mother searching for her lost son in a mysterious spiritual realm. The game combines deck-building mechanics with Soulslike exploration, offering grid-based, turn-driven combat. Players will need to adapt their tactics and refine their decks to survive encounters with eerie spirits and powerful bosses.
The narrative is centred on themes of grief, healing, and love, as players uncover fragments of Ro’s story and the forgotten lore of the spirit world. Director Malte Burup shared: “The loss of a loved one is universal—an inevitable part of the human experience. We believe our narrative approach, enriched by compelling lore and a fresh take on the deck-builder genre through its fusion with Soulslike exploration, will resonate with players of all kinds.”
Death Howl features and gameplay highlights
- Explore grim biomes: Ro will traverse areas like the Forest of Howling Shadows and Meadows of Delusion, each offering unique challenges, cards, and lore.
- Deck-building with strategy: Gather materials to craft cards, discover shamanic totems to enhance decks, and prepare for deadly encounters.
- Grid-based combat: Engage in strategic battles with restless spirits, testing your skills and adaptability.
- A deeply emotional story: Follow Ro’s journey of grief and resilience while uncovering secrets of the spiritual realm.
How to try the demo
The Death Howl demo will be available on Steam starting 20 January. To download it, simply visit the game’s Steam page when the demo goes live.
Whether you’re a fan of deckbuilders, Soulslike games, or heartfelt storytelling, Death Howl promises an experience that blends strategy, exploration, and emotion. Keep an eye out for more updates as the 2025 release approaches!
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