Indie studio Mystic Road has unveiled Zodiac Mountain, a stunning roguelike deck-building adventure set in the mystical landscapes of ancient China. Slated for release on PC via Steam in 2026, the game invites players to embark on a mythological journey guided by balance, strategy, and folklore.
A Panda’s Quest to Join the Zodiac
At the heart of Zodiac Mountain is a determined Panda striving to prove their worth to the revered Chinese Zodiacs. The game blends deck-building mechanics with rich narrative storytelling, drawing inspiration from ancient myths and philosophies. Players will harness the Dual Hands System, balancing Yin and Yang card decks to unlock unique synergies and strategic possibilities.
Lead developer Kevin Jiang, who is creating his first indie title, explained the inspiration behind the project:
“Growing up, people often asked me why the Panda wasn’t one of the Chinese Zodiacs. That simple question sparked the story of Zodiac Mountain. I wanted to honor my roots while bringing something fresh to the roguelike deckbuilder genre. The Yin and Yang system is all about balance, offering both flexibility and strategic depth while celebrating cultural stories that shaped me.”
Demo Launching This Month
Fans won’t have to wait long to experience Zodiac Mountain. A playable demo will be available on Steam starting September 29, 2025. The game will also be featured in October’s Steam Next Fest, giving players an early chance to test its innovative mechanics and captivating world ahead of launch.
Strategic Combat and Evolving Worlds
Zodiac Mountain introduces strategic turn-based combat with a Dynamic Turn Queue, letting players plan moves in advance, balance offense and defense, and outwit enemies inspired by Chinese mythology. From mythical beasts to legendary figures, every battle tests skill and adaptability.
The world itself is just as alive as its combat. Each climb up the procedurally generated mountain brings new challenges, shifting environments, and beautiful art inspired by traditional Chinese ink paintings and watercolor designs. No two journeys will be the same.
When to Play
To stay updated, follow Mystic Road on Instagram and TikTok, or join their Discord community.
