In a genre typically defined by conquest and the pursuit of a higher kill count, a new indie title is asking players to do something radical: put down the sword and pick up the bandages.
Buldozer Production has officially launched the first public playtest for MEDIX, their hand-drawn medieval RTS, as part of the Steam Medieval Fest. Running from April 20 to April 27, 2026, this playtest offers a first look at a strategy game where the win condition isn’t victory on the battlefield—it’s the survival of those caught in the crossfire.
A Different Kind of Strategy
Developed by Prague-based artist and developer Josef Šmíd, MEDIX places you in command of the IXth Medical Unit of the Imperial Army. Your mission is set against the backdrop of a desperate military retreat. While the “heroes” of traditional RTS games are pushing forward, you are the one cleaning up the mess, rescuing the wounded, and managing a mobile field hospital under constant enemy pressure.
Key features of the playtest include:
- The First Two Missions: Experience roughly 40 minutes of gameplay that introduces the core loop of rescuing, treating, and evacuating soldiers.
- Minimalist Mechanics: Instead of complex tech trees, MEDIX focuses on high-stakes decision-making. Every second spent upgrading a tent is a second not spent dragging a soldier to safety.
- Hand-Drawn Visuals: The game’s distinct art style provides a haunting, intimate look at the human cost of medieval warfare.
“This is the first time MEDIX is playable by the wider public. Right now, the most important thing is understanding how intuitive the game mechanics are and what truly resonates with players,” says developer Josef Šmíd.
Why You Should Play It
Most RTS games treat soldiers as expendable resources. MEDIX flips the script, making every individual’s life feel heavy. The tension doesn’t come from a dwindling gold mine, but from the sound of approaching enemy drums while you still have three patients who can’t walk.
As part of the Steam Medieval Fest, the playtest is completely free to download. The developers are also actively seeking player feedback via an in-game form to help shape the final balance before its planned release on PC and Mac later in 2026.
How to Join the Frontline
Ready to test your triage skills? Here is how to get involved:
- Head over to the MEDIX Steam Page.
- Click “Request Access” or download the demo/playtest build directly from the storefront.
- Play through the first two missions and share your thoughts with the dev team.
The playtest ends April 27, 2026. Don’t miss your chance to experience one of the most unique takes on the medieval era we’ve seen this year.
Are you a fan of narrative-driven strategy, or do you prefer the traditional “build and conquer” style? Let us know in the comments!
Find out more here – https://s.team/a/3405140
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