Dicefolk: Everything We Know

Roguelite games are pretty cut in stone with how they should take form. Typically, you expect a dungeon crawl-type experience through a procedurally generated area, with turn-based combat and grid-based movement. Unlike roguelike games, however, they lack permadeath and offer some sort of progression after failure. Despite that being the stature of the genre, developers have managed to push the envelope and deliver innovative ideas that result in fresh and engaging gameplay. We've seen it done before in titles like Hades and Slay The Spire, and it may be done once again in the newest entry in the genre, Dicefolk.

This creature-collecting, dice-influenced roguelite is looking to break barriers with its novel concept. So, if you're excited to hear that, then read on to learn everything there is to know about Dicefolk.

What is Dicefolk?

Dicefolk is a new tactical roguelite adventure that sees you playing as one of the titular Dicefolk. As a Dicefolk, you're able to catch, collect, and command creatures known as chimera. Using dice-based combat, you will put your team of recruited chimera, up against tougher, more dangerous versions of the creature. As a result, you'll be embarking on a roguelite journey that involves collecting and conquering chimera under the power of the dice.

According to the Dicefolk Steam page, “Dicefolk brings a unique tactical roguelite based on monster-catching mechanics for Roguelite players, but only Dicefolk gives you control of the dice and enemy turns!” The twist is that as one of the Dicefolk, you control both sides of the combat using the dice. That being, you and your enemy's turn. It's a unique idea, and we'll go over it in detail in the gameplay section, but first, let's talk about the story.

Story

According to the Dicefolk Steam page, “You'll embark on a thrilling adventure to collect and recruit new chimeras for your squad. Unlock all the talismans to discover the real truth behind the chimeras, and develop new tactics with each run. With different chimeras come different strategies, ensuring endless replayability.”

Therefore, it seems that there is more mystery to collecting and taking down chimera than meets the eye. But, by collecting talismans, you'll be able to further uncover the truth behind how chimeras tick, and further unravel the story of why the Dicefolk are seeking to take them down. Either way, we love a good roguelite with a sense of mystery. Especially if that means catching all the chimera in order to uncover it.

Gameplay

Dicefolk's gameplay puts the player entirely in the driver's seat. “You decide the faces of the dice, giving you unprecedented influence over your chimeras' abilities and attacks. It's all up to you, and your tactical choices will determine your success in battle.”

As a result, you will have control over both your own chimeras' attack and defense as well as that of the adversaries. Giving you full-fledged control over the battle. That doubles your tactical responsibility, though, as you must constantly plan a few moves ahead in order to outwit the more powerful Chimera. However, the gameplay does not solely depend on your ability to roll the dice, but also on the composition of your chimera.

“With a variety of different chimeras to recruit and command, you'll need to strategize and adapt your playstyle to suit each battle. From tough tanks to speedy attackers, each chimera brings a unique set of abilities to the table.” Therefore, it will take more than just mastering the die. You'll also need to assemble the ideal squad that can carry out your battle plans with the greatest efficiency. The type of chimeras you are up against will also determine the composition of your team. Thus, providing a learning curve in terms of what chimera combat one another, and which ones work best together.

Development

Dicefolk is being developed by LEAP Game Studios and Tiny Ghoul, alongside their publisher, Good Shepherd Entertainment. LEAP Game Studios have been around for almost a decade and already have five titles to call their own, however, only one being roguelite in nature. Dicefolk, on the other hand, is the debut title from the Tiny Ghoul studio. Therefore, it should be interesting to see how the two studios collaborate on ideas and concepts to create Dicefolk, which from what we can tell from the announcement trailer already seems to be showing some strong presentation.

Nevertheless, they have the support of publisher Good Shepherd Entertainment, which has hundreds of action, adventure, strategy, and independent games in its library. With that in mind, we can rest assured Dicefolk is in more than capable hands of delivering an impact title in the roguelite genre.

Trailer

Dicefolk did release a trailer following its announcement. Although being relatively short at just under a minute, you can see and get a better idea of how the dice gameplay will work. As well as, a closer look at some of the chimera we can capture and fight with.

Release Date, Editions & Platform

Although there is no concrete release date, Dicefolk is slated to launch for PC via Steam in the second half of 2023. As of right now, we don't know any information on editions of the game.

However, stay tuned to Gaming.net as we'll be covering all the latest updates and developments on Dicefolk when it sheds. In the meantime, make sure to read up on everything we know about the other titles revealed at the 2023 May PlayStation Showcase.

So, what's your take? Will you be picking up a copy of Dicefolk when it releases later this year? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.