If you love tactical thinking, roguelike tension, and the thrill of building the perfect run, keep your eyes on Master of Piece. The award-winning, chess-inspired roguelike deckbuilder is officially heading to Steam Early Access on February 4, 2026 — and it’s already generating major buzz across the strategy gaming community.
Developed by independent studio I M GAME, Master of Piece has racked up more than 30,000 Steam wishlists and earned recognition at the GDWC Awards. With its gothic medieval aesthetic and brain-burning tactical depth, it’s shaping up to be one of the most intriguing strategy launches of the year.
A Tactical Roguelike Where Every Move Feels Like Chess
Instead of traditional cards, Master of Piece turns the battlefield into a living chessboard. Players command mercenary “pieces,” each with unique traits that trigger during combat. Where you place them — and when — can make the difference between victory and total collapse.
Positioning, turn order, and synergy define every encounter. Each run becomes a puzzle layered with evolving builds, powerful relics, and high-risk tactical decisions that reward creative planning.
A Dark Medieval World Wrapped in Roguelike Progression
Set in a grim, gothic land swallowed by mysterious black fog, Master of Piece unfolds through narrative fragments discovered across multiple runs. Players unlock new commanders, uncover secrets, and strengthen their army through long-term meta progression systems.
Failure isn’t the end — it’s a stepping stone. Every defeat brings new upgrades, strategies, and opportunities to refine your style.
Key Features That Set Master of Piece Apart
Simple to Play — Deep to Master
Drag mercenaries onto the board and watch battles unfold. Beneath that simplicity lies complex synergy-driven strategy that rewards experimentation.
Endless Build Combinations
Traits, relics, and upgrades combine in countless ways. Break the meta, discover game-changing synergies, and craft unstoppable teams.
Persistent Meta Progression
Use resources earned in battle to build facilities, unlock perks, and shape your long-term strategy run after run.
Hardcore Challenge Modes
Ordeal Mode introduces 10 escalating difficulty levels built for players who crave brutal, rewarding tests of skill.
Striking Gothic Aesthetic
Inspired by classic board games and real medieval history, every encounter feels like moving pieces across a grand, ominous board of fate.
What Arrives with Early Access
I M GAME has refined Master of Piece through community feedback since its first demo in March 2025 — which hit over 10,000 downloads in a month. A polished Prologue later toured global shows including Gamescom, PAX West, and Tokyo Game Show.
Early Access begins on February 4, 2026 and is expected to run roughly 6–12 months. Players can look forward to:
- New playable commander, Libius
- Two new playable regions
- Outpost system offering permanent upgrades per run
- Hall of Fame progression and achievements
- Expanded story with an ending for the EA build
- Record system for your journey
- Enhanced Ordeal difficulty systems
Roadmap Toward Full Release
With community input guiding development, I M GAME plans to deliver even more content at full launch, including:
- True final ending and final boss
- Additional commander
- Daily challenge runs
- New bosses for every region
Price, Trailer, and Review Access
Master of Piece launches on Steam Early Access for PC at USD 14.99, with a 10% discount during its first week.
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