Turn-based games are a foundational cornerstone of the gaming industry, even if they are not everyone’s cup of tea. Games like Baldur’s Gate 3 show turn-based is not just a fad that can be the best game of 2023, but mainstays and possibly one of the best games of all time—showing that upcoming turn-based games should not be shunned. A new turn-based game on Steam isn’t going to revolutionize the genre, but it still adds something unique to it.
This new Steam game is not only a turn-based game, but players are sky pirates in it with a hint of steampunk and roguelike gameplay packed in. In this way, it’s arguably a mix between classic tactical RPGs with modern roguelike games on Steam. With an 85% Very Positive Review rating after almost 300 reviews, then it might be a good new game for fans of the genre.
Turn-Based Pirate Game Dead Weight Launches to Fantastic Reviews
Check Out Dead Weight on Steam
In short, Dead Weight is a steampunk roguelike game that blends tactical turn-based combat with flying ship exploration and RPG progression, developed and published by Kluvka Games. Players step into the shoes of an airborne pirate vessel captain where players explore a world of floating islands for loot, new crew members, ship upgrades, and more. The ovearching goal isn’t just gold and glory but to defeat Ancient Gods that are awakening across the skies. Every roguelike-esque run lets you experiment with different characters, skill trees, equipment builds, and strategic decisions (including whether to fight these godlike beings or pursue their forbidden knowledge), all with a distinctive, “small” pixel art style too.
Find the odd one out before the timer hits zero.
Dead Weight has launched to an 85% Very Positive reception on Steam, with players praising its satisfying blend of turn-based tactics, roguelike progression, and flying ship exploration. Many reviews notably call it an easy recommendation for fans of tactical roguelike games, to boot. Overall, the biggest criticisms target quality-of-life issues and balance concerns, with Steam Deck performance and shortcomigns also being a concern, but the consensus seems to suggest it is a mostly polished and surprisingly deep tactical game experience.
What’s more, Dead Weight released on July 16 and currently has a launch sale going on through July 30. Folks who pick it up before that date are getting a cheap Steam game deal because it’s 25% off a typical retail value of $12.99, meaning folks can get it for $9.74. Good things come in small packages because, while the world of Dead Weight might be “small,” fans can expect 8-12 hours out of the game. If they develop the classic roguelike fixation with more runs, it could be even longer and upwards of 30.
One of the biggest issues facing modern indie games on Steam is discoverability, as so many games release and miss their target audience due to the sheer volume of games. Fans of turn-based games, roguelike games, and/or steampunk pirate games really oughtn’t miss out on this gem.