Empire in Decay
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About Empire in Decay
Empire in Decay is a turn-based tactical RPG with deckbuilding and roguelike elements, developed by Siesta Games. Released on February 1, 2026, it blends strategic combat with progression systems. Players navigate procedurally generated districts of Daandria, upgrading cards, recruiting units, and forging relics to challenge the Empire. The game runs on PC, Xbox Series, and Switch, offering a solo experience. It draws from chess mechanics but expands with card-based abilities and unit customization. The core goal is to infiltrate the Throne Hall and defeat the King, combining resource management with tactical depth. Ideal for fans of structured strategy and RPG progression, it emphasizes planning and adaptability over brute force.
Gameplay
Each session involves exploring Daandria’s districts via a grid-based map, encountering enemies that trigger turn-based combat. Players manage a deck of cards that scale with use, upgrading them to enhance damage or unlock new effects. Units like knights and mages can be recruited and leveled, each with unique abilities. Relics found in dungeons modify combat and story outcomes, forcing players to balance risk and reward. Battles require positioning units on a chess-like board, using cards to execute attacks or defenses. The roguelike nature means losing a battle resets progress, but cards and relics carry over, pushing players to tweak strategies. Sessions last 2-3 hours, with a focus on incremental upgrades and tactical positioning to survive increasingly difficult encounters.
What Players Think
Empire in Decay holds a 4.3/5 rating from 25,000 PlayPile reviews. Average playtime is 22 hours, with 38% of players completing the story in 50+ hours. Community moods: 42% determined, 31% curious, and 15% frustrated by early-game difficulty. Achievements (50 total) see an average 75% completion rate, with “Throne Room Conqueror” being the most elusive. Critics praise its strategic depth, with one calling it “a masterclass in resource management.” A player review notes, “Card balance can feel punishing, but the payoff is huge.” The game’s 89% positive Steam score reflects appreciation for its evolving systems, though some lament the steep learning curve.
PlayPile's Take
At $39.99, Empire in Decay offers robust value for tactical RPG fans. Its deckbuilding and unit progression systems create a satisfying loop, though the first 10 hours test patience. The 75% average achievement rate suggests most players get hooked eventually. Not ideal for casual gamers due to complexity, but rewarding for those who enjoy methodical planning. The 50 achievements, including 10 hidden ones, add replayability. If you thrive on optimizing strategies and don’t mind grinding for upgrades, it’s worth the investment. Skip if you prefer action or instant gratification.
Game Modes
Single player
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