Exciting news for strategy fans! Part Time Monkey and publisher Coyote Time Publishing have officially announced an open playtest for their upcoming title, Warena, running from April 17th to April 19th, 2026, exclusively on Steam.
If you’ve been looking for a game that bridges the gap between the calculated strategy of a card battler and the adrenaline of real-time combat, this is your weekend to jump in.
What is Warena?
Forget the slow, turn-based pacing of traditional CCGs. Warena is a 1v1 real-time tactical card battler where both players act simultaneously. There is no waiting for your opponent to finish their move—you’ll be deploying troops, casting spells, and pushing toward the enemy base in a fast-paced tug-of-war.
Key Gameplay Features:
- No Turns, Just Action: Both players play cards at the same time. Success is determined by your mana management and your ability to counter-time your opponent’s moves.
- Mid-Match Deckbuilding: Using Runes, you can unlock new cards and abilities during the fight, allowing you to adapt your strategy on the fly.
- Hero Skills: Before the match starts, you choose specific Hero Skills that define your playstyle and force your opponent to adjust their tactics.
- No Pay-to-Win: In a refreshing move for the genre, all cards are earnable through regular gameplay. Skill is the only currency that matters here.
The Pedigree Behind the Game
If the art style feels familiar, there’s a good reason. Warena is led by Tuomas Erikoinen, the original artist behind the iconic Angry Birds characters. After a legendary stint at Rovio, Erikoinen has brought his talent for character design and engaging mechanics to the indie strategy scene, ensuring Warena looks as sharp as it plays.
How to Join the Playtest
Getting in is straightforward:
- Head over to the Warena Steam Store Page.
- Look for the “Join the Warena Playtest” section.
- Click “Request Access.”
The playtest runs from Friday, April 17th, through Sunday, April 19th.
Pro Tip: If you’re new to RTS games, Warena features a full single-player campaign designed to teach you the core mechanics and counter-tactics before you dive into the competitive 1v1 PvP arena.
Final Thoughts
With a planned full release in Q3 2026, this playtest is a critical opportunity for the developers to gather feedback and for the community to get a head start on the meta. Whether you’re a strategy veteran or just a fan of high-speed indie gems, mark your calendars for April 17th.
Will you be taking the field this weekend? Let us know your favourite card combos in the comments below!
What kind of strategy games do you usually prefer—slow and methodical or fast-paced like this?
Find out more here – https://s.team/a/4331100
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