The world of Candlewood is on the brink of an endless night, and unfortunately for you, your legendary deck just went down with the ship.
If you’ve been craving a game that captures the “just one more turn” magic of modern roguelites but keeps the cosy, pixelated heart of a 90s JRPG, your wait is over. Developed by solo-dev Lunoland (Chris Smith) and published by Joystick Ventures, the demo for Dark Cards of Candlewood has officially landed on Steam, just in time for the 2026 Steam Next Fest.
The Pitch: Loop Hero meets Final Fantasy VI
Imagine waking up on a beach with nothing but a few basic cards and a town in shambles. That’s the setup. You aren’t just building a deck; you’re rebuilding a community. As you venture into randomised dungeons to reclaim your lost cards, you’ll recruit a party of misfits and funnel your spoils back into the town of Candlewood to unlock new perks and abilities.
What Makes the Combat Different?
The “deceptively simple” engine is what makes this game stand out. Most card games overwhelm you with a hand of ten cards and a dozen status effects. Dark Cards of Candlewood simplifies the moment-to-moment choice to a binary two-card system, but then adds layers of depth through:
- Chain Attacks: Weave multiple cards together to create devastating combos.
- Momentum & Timers: A speed-based system inspired by classic ATB (Active Time Battle) mechanics—faster characters act more often, and keeping your momentum high is key to survival.
- Backpack Management: It’s not just about the cards; the items you draft into your limited inventory can be the difference between a successful run and another shipwreck.
Inside the Demo
Luno and the team haven’t held back for this preview. Here is what you can expect when you hit “Download” today:
| Feature | Details |
| Content | The entire opening chapter of the story. |
| Card Pool | Over 150 unique cards to collect (of the 300+ planned for full release). |
| Party Members | The first 3 recruitable characters to test out synergies. |
| Adventures | 4 distinct locations with increasing difficulty tiers. |
Pro-Tip: If you manage to beat the hardest adventure in the demo, head over to the official Discord—there’s a special role waiting for players who master the darkness early!
No Microtransactions, Just Vibe
In an era where digital card games are often synonymous with “booster pack subscriptions,” Dark Cards of Candlewood is taking a stand. Every card is earned through gameplay—drops, drafts, and crafting. It’s a pure, single-player experience designed by an indie developer who actually loves the genre.
How to Play
The demo is available right now on Steam. Whether you’re a veteran of Slay the Spire or someone who just misses the golden age of 16-bit adventures, Candlewood is worth the trip.
Find out more here – https://www.joystickventures.com/
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