9 Kings

9 Kings

Early access since May 2025

A fast-paced roguelike kingdom builder. Grow your empire and fight massive battles against powerful rival kings. Break the game with thousands of insane builds to become the King of Kings.

92% positive · 24K reviews
Not yet
In early access, content still planned
High confidence
Content Planned
Not yet
In early access, content still planned
High confidence
Content Planned

Where to buy

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Evaluation

9 Kings is currently in Steam Early Access, having launched on May 23, 2025. Developer Sad Socket has maintained a relentless update cadence throughout Early Access, with major content drops including the King of Nomads (August 1, 2025), Quest Mode (November 21, 2025), and the full Async Multiplayer PVP mode (May 25, 2026), alongside dozens of feature patches and balance updates. On September 16, 2026, the developer announced that 9 Kings will officially leave Early Access and launch as version 1.0 on November 12, 2026. That 1.0 release is described in detail: a brand-new Joker custom game mode, 130+ cards, 140+ decrees, 110+ perks, 80+ quests, 140+ vanity items, improved animations, sound effects, and performance improvements across all four game modes. The announcement closes with "We can't wait to start the 1.0 journey with you. This is just the beginning" — indicating the team views the 1.0 launch as a starting point for post-launch support, not a conclusion. Active development has continued right up to today's date. On October 7, 2026 — the same day as this assessment — the developer shipped Patch #31 (version 0.9.8), explicitly framing it as setting "the stage for 1.0 next month," with balance changes, QoL improvements, and new multiplayer features including a rotating decree pool. The developer notes that 30+ new decrees and additional content are still coming with 1.0. The 1.0 launch on November 12, 2026 is the next concrete content milestone, and it has not yet occurred as of today.
Evidence
Patch #31 (version 0.9.8) shipped on the same day as this assessment, explicitly framing itself as preparation for 1.0 'next month' and noting that 30+ new decrees and additional decree pool changes are still coming in 1.0.
news post · Oct 7, 2026 source content planned
high
Developer announced 9 Kings will leave Early Access and launch as version 1.0 on November 12, 2026, with a new Joker custom game mode, 130+ cards, 140+ decrees, 110+ perks, 80+ quests, 140+ vanity items, and gameplay improvements. The post states 'this is just the beginning.'
news post · Sep 16, 2026 source content planned
high

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
Hooded Horse
Achievements
54
Platform
Windows, macOS
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Verified
Players
Single-player · Multiplayer · PvP

About this game

Build your city into the most powerful of all kingdoms through endless combinations of buildings, units, spells, and positioning. Take advantage of chaotic combos and powerful perks to break the game and become overpowered. Grow your kingdom in strategic ways, prepare for dozens of unique events, and show the world your kingdom can outlast all others in both single and async multiplayer.

From humble village to massive citadel, your capital recruits your units and grows their power. Expand your kingdom strategically over time and build it to survive decades of war and strife.

From sturdy knights and warlocks, to glass cannon wizards and bombers, to hordes of fiendish imps and sentient mushrooms, there are dozens of units to lead and fight. Stockpile gold to hire thousands of mercenaries to your cause, use dark magic to raise the dead, and harness nature itself to bring down your enemies!

Each of the kings has a different starting deck of buildings, troops, and spells, but you can loot the rival kings who attack your lands to access cards from their unique decks. Make peace with those whose units don’t fit your playstyle, and declare war against kings with the powers and units you covet, deploying the tools acquired from your enemy to unlock countless combinations of stacking buffs and modifiers to build an invincible army.

Async multiplayer mode pits you against eight rival kings to see whose kingdom survives the longest. Climb the ranks and prove yourself to truly be the king of kings, complete with cosmetic customization using rewards you’ve unlocked through daily challenges and medals earned along the way.

Quest Mode introduces unique mechanics-bending challenges as you travel the known world and face off against its kings to collect their crowns for yourself.

Endless Mode has you choose a king and face endless attacks from enemy kings and their most powerful warriors – how long can you survive the onslaught?

Combine your cards in endless ways – try out insane builds and watch massive armies fight for your crown, survive as long as you can against increasingly powerful enemies, or break the game and watch all challengers crumble before you.

Last evaluated Oct 7, 2026
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