If you’ve ever looked at a chessboard and thought, “This is great, but it needs more fireballs and psychological dread,” then Misfits Attic has the answer to your very specific prayers. The developers behind the award-winning strategy hit Duskers have announced that their latest project, Below the Crown, is officially exiting Early Access and launching into Version 1.0 on April 21st, 2026.
Described as a “love letter to chess, roguelikes, and dungeon crawlers,” Below the Crown isn’t just about moving pieces across a board—it’s about surviving a glitchy, retro-style nightmare for the amusement of a very demanding Emperor.
What’s New in the 1.0 Update?
The jump to full release isn’t just a label; it’s bringing a massive haul of new content to the dungeon floor. Here is what you can expect when you dive back in on April 21st:
The Final Boss: For the first time, players will be able to face off against the Emperor himself in a climactic final battle.
New Playable Wizard: The Queen Wizard joins the roster, offering a fresh way to approach the game’s tactical puzzles.
Expanded Repertoire: Version 1.0 introduces a wealth of new runes, spells, skills, and upgrades, allowing for deeper customisation of your strategy.
Psychological Depth: New narrative elements and “glitchy” psychological evaluations will further unravel the mystery of the world below the castle.
Quality of Life: Steam Cloud saves, more achievements, and a suite of new animations to make every checkmate feel even more satisfying.
Why You Should Care
Below the Crown has earned its stripes (and an IGF 2026 Honourable Mention for Excellence in Design) by making chess accessible and, frankly, cool again. You don’t need to be a Grandmaster to play; you start with just one piece and build your party—using Knights, Mad Queens, and Mimics—as you progress through maze-like chambers.
The game swaps out dry theory for explosive spells and dynamic hazards. If you take too long to make your move, the board itself might start self-destructing, forcing you to keep your wits sharp and your feet moving.
“One of our goals… is to bring more players into the chess atmosphere, crafting a fun and accessible experience for newcomers, while maintaining the classic and challenging strategy elements for long-time fans.” — Tim Keenan, Founder of Misfits Attic.
Availability
Below the Crown is currently available in Early Access on Steam, and if you’re looking to get a head start, a massive Beta update recently added the Infinite Dungeon mode and a Replay Room.
Mark your calendars for April 21st—it’s time to see if you have what it takes to bring back the gold and survive the Emperor’s evaluation.
Find out more here – http://www.misfits-attic.com/
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