Battle Axe

Battle Axe

Released Apr 2021

A classic arcade hack and slash brought to life with stunning pixel art and a heroic soundtrack. Choose your champion and battle through waves of enemies to stop a dark sorceress from plunging Mercia into eternal darkness.

60% positive · 156 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence

Where to buy

Steam $29.99
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Evaluation

Battle Axe launched on April 29, 2021 as a complete arcade hack-and-slash game. The developer shipped one post-launch update on December 22, 2022 — version 1.1 — which added a Casual difficulty mode, auto-fire functionality, an improved CRT shader, and various balance tweaks. That is the only recorded developer communication after launch, and it dates back to December 22, 2022. There are no unreleased DLC listings, no announced future content, no roadmap, and no developer statements about plans for additional updates. The store description presents the game as a finished product with no language suggesting ongoing development. The game appears to have launched as a self-contained experience and received one quality-of-life patch before going quiet.
Evidence
Version 1.1 shipped with a new Casual difficulty mode, auto-fire, improved CRT shader, and balance changes. No mention of future updates or planned content.
news post · Dec 22, 2022 source content shipped
medium
Store description presents Battle Axe as a complete, self-contained arcade game with no mention of DLC, future updates, or ongoing development.
description source ambiguous
low

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
Numskull Games
Achievements
28
Platform
Windows, macOS, Linux
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Verified
Players
Single-player · Multiplayer · Co-op · Local/Split Screen

About this game

A Kingdom in Peril

For generations, the people of Mercia have suffered under the rule of the dark sorceress Etheldred. Every seven years, her armies sweep across the land to abduct the innocent, never to be seen again. Now, the call for heroes has gone out one last time.

Arcade Action Returns

Battle Axe is a top-down hack and slash adventure inspired by the golden age of arcade games. Featuring detailed pixel art by industry veteran Henk Nieborg and a rousing soundtrack from Manami Matsumae, this is a true tribute to classic gaming.

Choose Your Champion

Pick from three fearless heroes, each with unique abilities and weapons.

  • Fae the swift elven warrior fights with twin blades and throwing daggers

  • Iolo the bearded druid lashes enemies and casts deadly fireballs

  • Rooney the marauder crushes foes up close or fires cannonballs from afar

Fight your way through hordes of monsters and take down powerful bosses to reach Etheldred's stronghold in the North.

Classic Combat with a Modern Touch

Attack in eight directions with a mix of melee strikes and ranged projectiles. Collect gold, find powerful scrolls and potions, and visit the mysterious merchant Ælfwyn to upgrade your gear between battles.

This is where you come in, brave champion…help us save the kingdom of Mercia!

Features

  • Fast-paced hack and slash gameplay with a retro arcade feel

  • Single-player and local co-op for heroic team play

  • Gorgeous handcrafted pixel art across four unique regions

  • Soundtrack by legendary composer Manami Matsumae

  • Challenging boss fights and satisfying enemy waves

Last evaluated Jun 24, 2026
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