Hero’s Hand: Everything We Know

It’s getting a little more difficult to find new or upcoming video games without associating them with the indie games category. And even as thousands of releases continue captivating fans, these titles portray unmatched creativity and innovation. Aside from that, they deliver a unique and personal touch that directly speaks to the hearts of many dedicated gamers. The subject of this article, Hero’s Hand, is an upcoming indie game that features a concept that’s yet to be seen in the gaming community. Below, we discuss everything we know about it so far.

What is Hero’s Hand?

The title is a poker-based RPG adventure match with roguelite elements. Its narrative unfolds in the land of Cardunia, where players assume the role of the mighty Knight of Spades. Subsequently, they embark on a perilous quest to save their realm from a great evil. Throughout your journey, you will uncover the mysteries of Mortis Numa and the emergence of fearsome monsters that dominate your world. The game promises excitement and a puzzle-filled adventure that will leave you yearning for more.

Story

Darkness has taken over the land of Cardunia and it’s up to you to destroy this evil and restore peace to the land. Hero’s Hand takes players on a fulfilling journey through beautiful hand-drawn environments. As the King of Spades, you traverse the lands, building your reputation and destroying monsters inspired by Dungeons & Dragons. 

Along the way, make new friends, collect ancient weapons, cast spells, and gain potion expertise. With each run, you grow stronger and master your skills as you prepare to take on the ultimate boss, the Dark Wizard. The story reveals numerous comedic scenarios and boss battles, creating a complex yet fun roguelike match.

Gameplay

In this single-player match, gamers move across a board strategically, collecting cards to form the best possible poker hand. Then, they try to play and win with the cards they are dealt. Your strategies, fortunes, items, weapons, and armor combine to create a complex run experience. Different hand types create various forms of spirit weapons that you use to defeat different types of enemies. Your enemies also retaliate using their own special powers. 

Additionally, players have access to powerful items known as relics, which they find in several locations throughout the realm. Effects from these items can enhance the player’s builds through interactions. However, these relics may often come at a hefty price. In the game, you also use spells, potions, and the wheel of Fortuna to boost your poker hands and gain an advantage over your foes.

The game features procedurally generated maps of uniquely themed worlds. Here, unpredictable events confront you, and you uncover deep secret portals filled with new, exciting challenges. Players battle their way through Death’s Tower, where their character levels up with each run. Leveling up allows you to up the ante, buy potions and scrolls, upgrade your weapons, and collect powerful fortunes to be able to make it to the Tower. 

You also unlock more inventory slots, face tougher enemies, and gain starting gold as the narrative unfolds. Aside from that, you also get to secure better Fortune buffs and upgrade your spirit weapons. Hero’s Hand contains over 60 enemies spread out over 8 differently-themed locations that feature deep and intriguing tales. The famous cast of Dungeons & Dragons inspires the enemies.

They range from ugly trolls to powerful dragons, each having their own unique attacks and effects. Defeating your enemies earns you XP, gold, and items. Moreover, you get to collect rare equipment to adorn your hero for bigger and better combos on subsequent runs. Hero’s Hand also features mini-quests where you get to solve mysteries and puzzles. In return, you acquire rare items and fortunes that can’t be obtained in stores.

Development

Villain Games, an indie development team based in Raleigh, is the sole genius behind the creation of Hero’s Hand. They announced the game during the 2025 Day of the Devs event. The team dates back to their popular iOS shooter, Archetype, where, just like with their new game, they surprised players with an intriguing gameplay that features innovative mechanics and memorable art. With their new title, they aim to reawaken and test their prowess’ on several platforms, including PC, console, and VR.

The creators began the project in the North Carolina studio, infusing fantasy RPG with roguelike elements and strategic poker mechanics. Randy Greenback, the game’s creative director, suggested that when they initially came up with the title concept back in 2019, they never expected it to spark such hilarious chaos. However, once their prototype had the team howling over insane card combos, they knew the game had to become a reality. They then proceeded to Villain with the passion they had for their game.

Comparisons can be made between the general concept of the game and the renowned title Balatro. However, unlike it, Hero’s Hand incorporates a fully developed RPG system rather than a traditional deck-building game. Even though the game is still under development, fans are itching to get their hands on the final product, which they say is set to revolutionize the gaming industry. Hero’s Hands will officially enter the market sometime in 2026.

Trailer

In the beautiful world of Cardunia, enemies have assembled around a campfire to discuss the daring conquests of the mighty Knight of Spades. The knight takes on many enemies by moving across boards of cards to build poker hands, which deal damage. The trailer portrays the protagonist’s dynamic gameplay, which blends unique fighting combos and upgrades. Further, the title includes eight themed worlds with procedurally generated maps. Players explore the maps, growing stronger and more resilient with each run.

Release Date and Platforms

Developer Villain Games announced their upcoming poker-based RPG adventure game Hero’s Hand. The developers will launch the game in 2026. However, they have not yet released an exact release date. It will debut on PS5, Xbox Series, Switch, and PC via Steam. Fans of the title can expect to receive more updates as the game develops further. Additionally, the developers could potentially release a Practice demo in the near future.