Bloodgrounds

Bloodgrounds

Released Mar 2026

Bloodgrounds merges tactical turn-based combat with strategic management, RPG and roguelite elements. Forged in the pits of the arena, you fought your way out and now as a wealthy patron you recruit, train, and command your team of hardened Gladiators to glory - or death.

77% positive · 615 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
Medium confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
Medium confidence

Where to buy

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Evaluation

Bloodgrounds launched into Early Access on November 5, 2025 and received two substantial content updates during that phase: "Masters of the Arena" on December 18, 2025 (difficulty modes, arena variation, new camera system) and "Trials of the Gladiator" on January 22, 2026 (expeditions, new class abilities). The game graduated to its full 1.0 release on March 12, 2026, with that update adding item crafting, a gambling minigame, the Audience Entertainment System, new enemies, and expanded weapon abilities. Following 1.0, the developer shipped a balancing hotfix on March 13, a balancing and feature patch on March 19, and a quality-of-life patch on March 26 — after which all developer communication stopped. As of today, September 10, 2026, the last developer post was on March 26, 2026 — nearly six months ago. During Early Access the developer was posting multiple times per month, so this extended silence is a meaningful departure from their prior pattern. Both DLC items (soundtrack and supporter pack) are already released. No roadmap, named DLC, or announcement of future content exists for the post-1.0 period. The 1.0 launch post said "our journey is far from over," but this reads as a general expression of enthusiasm at launch — it was not a specific commitment to named future content, and no such content has materialized or been announced in the six months since. The "Within Recently Launched Window" field for this evaluation is marked No, meaning the game is outside the 180-day recently-launched threshold. Given that the post-1.0 update cadence consisted of three maintenance patches within the first two weeks after launch with nothing since, there is no sustained post-1.0 content cadence to point to. The developer has not announced future content, and the silence since March 26, 2026 — combined with the absence of any roadmap or DLC commitments — indicates the game shipped as a complete product and development has wound down.
Evidence
Quality-of-life and settings patch released, adding several new options and one bug fix. This is the last developer communication on record as of September 10, 2026 — nearly six months ago.
news post · Mar 26, 2026 source development ending
high
Bloodgrounds 1.0 launched, graduating from Early Access. The post added item crafting, gambling, Audience Entertainment System, new enemies, and weapon abilities. Developer noted 'our journey is far from over' but made no specific commitment to named future content.
news post · Mar 12, 2026 source ambiguous
medium

Content

2 of 2 released · no outstanding content

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
Daedalic Entertainment
Achievements
100
Platform
Windows, macOS
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player

About this game

Lead your team of Gladiators in turn-based arena battles, recruiting, training, and sometimes sacrificing them for glory. But remember, your Gladiators are mortal - If they fall in battle, they are lost forever... though their legacy will live on.

As a noble heir, you'll manage your city by unlocking, constructing, and upgrading buildings that provide new services and mechanics to aid you on your bloody quest for vengeance.

You fought tooth and nail for survival, driven by a burning hatred and a thirst for justice. Now, as a wealthy patron and a gladiator trainer, you plot your revenge against the tyrannical Emperor who stole your freedom and murdered your father. But the path to redemption is fraught with peril, and you must navigate a treacherous world filled with deception and danger.

Recruit new allies and expand your gladiator team to climb the ranks of the brutal tournaments. Each victory brings you closer to the grand Capitol, where your ultimate target - the Emperor, lost in his madness - awaits on his throne.

Before each battle, assemble a team of gladiators from various classes: physical, ranged, or magical. Will you pay gold, duel them, or show mercy in the arena to recruit them?

Level them up, increase their stats, and learn new abilities to ensure they're battle-ready. Don't forget to address any negative statuses or traumas, and equip them with shiny new weapons, armor, and consumables.

Use powerful Deity abilities to aid your Gladiators in battle, or make a shady deal with a local crime lord to sabotage your enemies before the battle even begins.

Combat unfolds in turn-based battles on a grid, where units act in order of initiative. Strategically move your gladiators, attack, and position them to outsmart and outmaneuver your opponents.

Use your action points wisely - unleash powerful weapon or class abilities, make use of items like potions and magical scrolls, or set traps on the ground to catch enemies off guard.

Win the favor of the audience by fulfilling their bloodthirsty wishes and reap rewards after each battle. But beware - permadeath is on. If a gladiator falls, they and their equipment are lost forever, adding high stakes to every decision.

You’ve inherited an estate overlooking the desolate coastal city of Marevento, and the city’s future now rests in your hands.

Between battles, use your hard-earned gold to build and upgrade city buildings, unlocking new tools and services to aid you in your quest for vengeance. From the infirmary, where your gladiators can recover, to the bustling market for trading items, and even a grand monument to honor fallen gladiators.

Defeat each region’s Arena Champion to advance the age and access powerful new buildings and items.

Are you ready to rise to the challenge and carve your name into history?

Last evaluated Sep 10, 2026
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