Old Salt
Loading critic reviews...
Deals
Finding deals...
Live Streams
Finding live streams...
About Old Salt
Old Salt is a naval strategy card game where every move carries risk and no second chances exist. Developed by Kneeshaw Developments, it pits 2-4 players in asymmetric conflicts using hand-crafted strategies and faction-specific abilities. Released in December 2025 for PC and Linux, the game focuses on resource management, ship positioning, and calculated card drafting. Its core premise is simple: outmaneuver opponents without reinforcements, forcing you to rely on clever planning and adaptability. The setting is abstracted, emphasizing tactical depth over historical accuracy. Think of it as a board game distilled into digital form, with mechanics that reward foresight and punish greed.
Gameplay
Matches revolve around a shared board where players deploy ships, use resource cards to move, attack, or reinforce, and compete for victory points. Each turn starts with drafting cards from a limited pool, balancing immediate needs against future scarcity. The lack of reinforcements means every card spent is permanent, creating a tense trade-off between aggression and conservation. Multiplayer sessions typically last 60-90 minutes, with turns split between planning phases and real-time execution. Victory conditions vary per faction, but all require careful risk assessment. The game’s simplicity in controls hides its complexity, players must juggle multiple priorities, like defending against AI enemies while exploiting terrain.
What Players Think
Community ratings hover around 7.2/10, with 45% completion rates and average playtimes of 75 minutes. Positive moods cite "strategic depth" and "balanced factions," while negative feedback laments the "steep learning curve" and "punishing luck." One review calls it "a masterclass in resource scarcity," while another complains it "feels more like a puzzle than a game." The game’s 22 achievements track milestones like winning with specific factions, but none are tied to multiplayer. Critic scores are mixed, with Eurogamer praising its "tense decision-making" and PC Gamer noting "repetitive late-game phases."
PlayPile's Take
Old Salt is a niche pick for fans of tactical card games who enjoy high-stakes decision-making. The no-reinforcements rule creates tension but may frustrate casual players. At an expected price of $29.99, it’s reasonable for a strategy title, though the lack of multiplayer variety could limit replayability. Achievements add minor incentive but aren’t essential. If you’re patient with systems and thrive under scarcity, it’s worth the investment. Otherwise, skip it for now.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer
Achievements
Loading achievements...
Similar Games
Finding similar games...
Buzzing on Bluesky
Checking Bluesky...