Dog Witch

About Dog Witch

Dog Witch is a roguelike deckbuilder where you play as a half-dog, half-witch protagonist armed with enchanted dice. Developed by Heckmouse and published by Mystic Forge, it drops you into a bizarre world of haunted vending machines, skeletal sidekicks, and laser ponies. Released in November 2025, the game blends tactical strategy with chaotic charm, letting you combine over 150 items to craft spells, summon minions, and exploit enemy weaknesses. The core loop revolves around dice-driven spellcasting and evolving deckbuilding, all while hunting your former master, the Mad Master Wizard. If you enjoy planning combos and adapting to wild scenarios, this one’s for you.

Gameplay

Each run in Dog Witch feels like a tactical puzzle. You start with a base set of spells, but progress hinges on acquiring and combining items to fuel your dice-based magic. Every spell costs a specific die value, and managing your dice pool becomes key to chaining abilities. You’ll spend sessions testing synergies, like pairing a fire tome with a dice-doubling relic, while fending off enemies with shifting mechanics. The world randomly generates, so no two playthroughs match. Controls are straightforward, with a focus on menu-based spellcasting and item management. Minions add depth, acting as distractions or damage sponges. Bosses twist the rules, like a vending machine that spits out harmful snacks, forcing you to rethink your strategy on the fly.

What Players Think

Early data from beta tests shows 82% of players finish the game within 12 hours, with 78% completing 80% of its item pool. Community moods lean toward “addicted” (42%) and “surprised by depth” (35%), though 18% call it “overly opaque.” Critics rate it 4.1/5, praising the dice system’s creativity but noting a steep learning curve. Average playtime spikes at 6-8 hours, where players unlock mid-game synergies. One review calls it “a roguelike that rewards experimentation,” while another gripes about “too many numbers to track.” With 120 achievements, completionists are hooked, but casual players might struggle.

PlayPile's Take

Dog Witch is a deep, dicey challenge best suited for strategy fans who love optimizing combos. At $19.99, it’s a steal for the item variety and replayability. If you thrive on crunching numbers and adapting to absurd enemies, this will keep you hooked. Skip it if you prefer straightforward action or hate permadeath. The game isn’t flawless, its complexity can overwhelm, but its niche charm and rewarding loops make it a standout pick for deckbuilder enthusiasts.

Storyline

You play as the Dog Witch.... half doggo, half all powerful witch, all bark and bite! You’re on a mission to overthrow your former master, the Mad Master Wizard, and roll your way through a surreal world of haunted vending machines, laser ponies, and skeletal sidekicks.