After a decade-long wait, the legendary strategy board-and-card hybrid series is finally back. Culdcept BEGINS has been officially announced for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and Steam, with a worldwide simultaneous release set for July 16, 2026.
Marking the first brand-new installment in the franchise in 10 years, Culdcept BEGINS revives the beloved formula that has sold over one million units globally — while evolving it for modern platforms with redesigned visuals, enhanced UI, and expanded multiplayer features.
Pre-orders for the physical edition begin today at participating retailers.
Culdcept BEGINS Revives a Cult Strategy Classic
Originally developed by Omiya Soft in 1997, the Culdcept series carved out a unique niche by blending:
- The accessibility of board games
- The strategic depth of collectible card games
- Tactical territory control mechanics
Now, Culdcept BEGINS returns as a full-fledged new entry — not a remake — delivering an original prequel story set before the events of the first Culdcept.
Under full supervision from Omiya Soft, the game has been completely rebuilt from the ground up, including redesigned cards, maps, and world-building elements.
A New Story Set in the Continent of Bavrashka
Culdcept BEGINS unfolds in the richly detailed continent of Bavrashka, where diverse races and cultures coexist in a fragile balance.
Players follow Kamur, a gifted young Cepter who enrolls in the Royal Cept Academy. Recognized for his extraordinary potential, Kamur is selected to join the kingdom’s Royal Cepter Guard Regiment as a massive conflict threatens the entire continent.
As war looms, Kamur’s journey becomes one of growth, awakening, and destiny — tying directly into the mythos of the Book of Creation, Culdcept.
Character and creature designs are led by renowned artist Satoshi Matsuura, bringing vibrant new life to the series’ signature aesthetic.
The Signature Culdcept Gameplay — Now Evolved
At its core, Culdcept BEGINS retains the hallmark mechanics that define the franchise:
- Roll dice to move across the board
- Claim territories
- Summon creatures to defend or attack
- Collect tolls from rivals
- Build magic power to secure victory
The fusion of luck-based dice movement and deep card strategy remains intact — but this time with modern enhancements.
Over 400 Cards and Infinite Strategy
Players can choose 40 cards to create their own custom “Book” (deck) from three categories:
Creature Cards
Summon attribute-based creatures to expand territory or seize enemy land.
Item Cards
Enhance combat with tactical effects that can reverse unfavorable battles.
Spell Cards
Control the flow of the match and disrupt opponents at critical moments.
With over 400 unique cards, Culdcept BEGINS delivers near-infinite strategic combinations.
Multiplayer Modes for Every Playstyle
Culdcept BEGINS offers a variety of modes tailored to solo players and competitive strategists alike:
- Story Mode for narrative-driven progression
- Versus Mode against AI opponents
- Online Versus Mode for global competition
- Custom Versus Rooms for private matches
- Quick Match for streamlined matchmaking
The game supports 1–4 players, ensuring both local and online competition opportunities.
Nintendo Switch 2 Features: GameShare and Mouse Support
The Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Culdcept BEGINS introduces platform-exclusive enhancements:
GameShare Support
Play cooperatively or competitively with up to four players — including Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 users who do not own the game — while GameShare is active.
Mouse Function Compatibility
New mouse functionality allows smoother and more intuitive navigation, improving accessibility and precision.
These features elevate Culdcept BEGINS as a standout strategy experience on Nintendo’s next-generation hardware.
Editions and Pricing
Standard Edition
Price: $54.99 / €49.99
Includes:
- Base Game
- Printed Booklet
Limited SteelBook Edition
Price: $89.99 / €79.99
Includes:
- Base Game
- Folding Box
- SteelBook Case
- Soundtrack CD
- 10 Creature Stone Tablet Cards
The Nintendo Switch version will be digital-only, while Switch 2 will offer both physical and digital formats. A Steam version is confirmed, though pricing and release timing details are still pending.
Why Culdcept BEGINS Matters in 2026
In an era dominated by live-service multiplayer titles, Culdcept BEGINS represents the return of a thoughtful, deeply strategic franchise that rewards long-term mastery.
The blend of tactical territory control, collectible deck-building, and competitive multiplayer positions Culdcept BEGINS as a standout hybrid in 2026’s strategy game lineup.
For longtime fans, it’s a long-awaited revival.
For newcomers, it’s the perfect entry point into one of gaming’s most unique strategy series.
With its July 16 launch date fast approaching, Culdcept BEGINS is poised to reintroduce a legendary board-and-card battler to a new generation.
Culdcept BEGINS Release Details
Release Date: July 16, 2026
Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch (Digital Only), Steam
Genre: Board & Card Strategy
Players: 1–4
Languages: Japanese, English, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese
Sales Region: Worldwide
