Indie tactical fans, it is time to mark your calendars and prep your flying pirate ships. Developer Klukva Games (alongside co-publisher Spaghetti Cat) has officially announced the launch date for their highly anticipated debut tactical roguelite, Dead Weight.
Set your alarms: the game officially hits Steam on July 16, 2026, at 18:00 CEST for $12.99.
What is Dead Weight?
If you ever wondered what would happen if you mixed the tight, grid-based puzzle combat of Into the Breach with the deep character building of Final Fantasy Tactics, all wrapped up in a beautiful Lovecraftian-steampunk aesthetic—Dead Weight is your answer.
Having already amassed over 120,000 Steam wishlists, placing it comfortably in Steam’s top-400 most anticipated upcoming titles, this passion project by two friends is shaping up to be one of the summer’s biggest indie hits.
The Premise: The world is rapidly fracturing. Ancient Gods with highly questionable morals have awoken from their eternal slumber, threatening what remains of humanity. It’s up to you to board a flying steamship, recruit a fierce crew, manage your fuel, and explore dangerous floating islands scattered across the skies.
Key Features to Get Excited For
- Tiny Battlefields, Massive Choices: The turn-based tactical combat takes place on compact, tight grids where every single step matters. You’ll need to use the environment to your advantage—like shoving enemy goblins and monsters off the edges of floating islands into the abyss below.
- Deep Character Builds: Choose from 4 unique playable characters (including Arn, the heavy-hitting Barbarian) and dive into a massive skill tree. With hundreds of weapons and items, the multiclassing possibilities are virtually endless.
- Risk vs. Reward Mechanics: As you explore ancient ruins and gather loot, you’ll have to manage a “Madness” meter. High madness means harsher environments and tougher, corrupted enemies—but it also promises higher-tier item drops.
- Stunning Pixel Art: The game boasts meticulously detailed, old-school pixel art that contrasts beautifully with its dark fantasy and sky-pirate theme.
Prepare to Face the Gods
Whether you choose to fight the awakening Ancient Gods or pursue their forbidden knowledge for your own gain, the skyways of Dead Weight promise a hardcore, infinitely replayable strategy experience.
With the developers also rolling out a massive final update to their Steam demo, there’s no better time to get a taste of the skies before the full launch next month.
Head over to the Dead Weight Steam Page right now to try the demo and add it to your wishlist!
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