Tabulo
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About Tabulo
Tabulo is a turn-based strategy game blending chess-like positioning with roguelike progression. Released on January 15, 2026, it’s developed by Noah Games and available on PC, Linux, and Mac. The single-player game tasks you with placing pieces on a cramped board to maximize scores while managing limited space. Each move matters: enhance units, buy abilities, and tackle optional challenges for bonuses. It’s a cerebral, grid-based puzzle with permadeath stakes and escalating difficulty. The core loop focuses on resource management and tactical foresight, appealing to fans of methodical gameplay over action.
Gameplay
Every session starts with a fresh 5x5 grid where you strategically deploy units, each with unique abilities and upgrade paths. Turns are spent moving pieces, activating powers, or completing challenges that grant multipliers. The board’s tight space forces trade-offs, blocking enemy units or sacrificing weaker pieces to free room. Combat is automatic but outcome-dependent, with your choices dictating damage and positioning. Between runs, you unlock permanent upgrades and new abilities. Controls are simple, with a mouse-driven interface for placing and managing units. The game’s rhythm balances quick bursts of strategy with long-term planning, as each decision impacts your score and survival.
What Players Think
PlayPile players rate Tabulo 4.3/5, with 95% completing the base game. Average playtime is 8.5 hours, but 30% log over 20. Community moods: 70% "Cerebral," 20% "Addictive," 10% "Frustrating." Reviewers praise its "tight feedback loop" and "depth without complexity," though some call its difficulty curve "harsh." Achievements total 132, with 78% earned by most players. Critics highlight its "genius use of constraints" (88/100 on Aggregate), while one user warns, "You’ll rage-quit… but keep coming back." The game’s 91% completion rate suggests it’s beatable but demands patience.
PlayPile's Take
Tabulo is a must-play for strategy fans who enjoy calculated risks and grid-based puzzles. At $29.99, it offers solid value with 132 achievements and repeatable challenge modes. The learning curve is steep, but the reward system is satisfying once mastered. Skip if you dislike slow-paced, punishing design. For those who thrive on optimizing every move, it’s a rewarding, bite-sized experience. The $5 discount on Steam bundles makes it even more appealing.
Game Modes
Single player
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