Secret Door and Dreamhaven have opened the doors to a public playtest for their new game, Shadowstone. This tactics roguelike, a spin-off set in the Sunderfolk universe, is currently inviting players to experience its run-based gameplay before its planned early access debut in 2026. The game, which diverges from Sunderfolk's smartphone-controlled interface by adopting a more traditional mouse-and-keyboard approach, challenges players to navigate randomized ruins, strategically utilizing skill cards, diverse equipment, and adaptive power-ups.
Shadowstone Public Playtest Kicks Off Ahead of 2026 Early Access
In a recent announcement at the Future Games Show Spring Showcase, Secret Door unveiled a surprise public playtest for "Shadowstone." This new tactical roguelike, developed by Secret Door and Dreamhaven, is a fresh take on the universe established by "Sunderfolk." Unlike its predecessor, which utilized smartphones as controllers, "Shadowstone" embraces traditional PC controls, focusing on a "run-based experience" where players must escape procedurally generated ruins. The playtest, which began on an unspecified date following the announcement, will continue until the game officially enters early access. Players can engage in solo adventures or team up with up to three companions. While progress from the playtest will not carry over to the final release, participants are encouraged to freely discuss and even stream their gameplay sessions, fostering a vibrant community around the title. Dreamhaven has emphasized the game's strategic depth, stating that each run demands a unique approach, leveraging an evolving pool of skill cards, versatile equipment, and adaptive power-ups. Interested players can sign up for the playtest on Steam, with selections based on various factors, including early registration. The early access release is anticipated sometime in 2026.
This early public access offers a valuable opportunity for the development team to gather community feedback and refine the gameplay experience, ensuring a robust launch. For players, it's a chance to get a sneak peek at a promising new roguelike and contribute to its evolution, even without retaining in-game progress. The openness to streaming and discussion also hints at a developer team keen on transparency and community engagement, which bodes well for the game's future.