Ruina
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About Ruina
Ruina is an indie strategy game from Broken Down Software, released November 17, 2025, on PC and Mac. It blends rogue-lite progression with match-3 mechanics, letting you customize tools, scrolls, and relics to shape each run. The goal is to match radiant gems while managing resources and adapting to changing challenges. With no multiplayer options, it’s all about solo experimentation. Think of it as a tactical puzzle game where your choices in upgrades and strategies define your path to victory. Best for players who enjoy planning ahead and tweaking builds to overcome procedural obstacles.
Gameplay
Each session starts with a blank grid of gems, scrolls, and tools. You match three or more gems to clear them, using scrolls to alter the board or boost power. The twist is managing a limited inventory of tools and relics, which you upgrade between runs. You’ll spend early matches learning how different combos interact, like linking fire gems with explosive scrolls for chain reactions. Later, you balance risk/reward by choosing boons that might backfire. Controls are click-based, with quick menus for inventory management. Runs last 15, 30 minutes, and permadeath keeps tension high. The challenge isn’t just in matching but in adapting to new layouts and enemy mechanics each time.
What Players Think
PlayPile users rate Ruina 4.3/5, with 72% completing the base story. Average playtime is 22 hours, and 43% of players have unlocked the 100-hour achievement. Community moods lean toward "Determined" and "Proud," though 18% of reviews call it "frustratingly opaque." One user wrote, "The learning curve is steep, but once you crack the systems, it’s deeply satisfying." Critics praise its innovation, with Eurogamer giving it a 9/10 for "rewarding experimentation." However, 25% of players abandon it after the first few hours, citing unclear goals. The game’s 320 achievements keep hardcore players engaged, but casuals might find it punishing.
PlayPile's Take
Ruina is a high-risk, high-reward game for strategy fans who don’t mind grinding through failures. With a $29.99 price tag, it’s a mid-tier buy if you enjoy deep customization and rogue-lite loops. The 320 achievements add long-term value, but the steep difficulty might turn off newcomers. Skip it if you prefer casual puzzle games or dislike permadeath. For those who love tinkering with builds and embracing tough challenges, it’s a solid investment. Just be ready to restart often.
Game Modes
Single player
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