Vertical Kingdom

Vertical Kingdom

Released Apr 2024

There's nowhere to go but up! Vertical Kingdom is a card-based city builder roguelite with a twist - you can only build vertically, literally reaching for the sky with each city. Lead expeditions to gather resources, construct metropolises, and build ever upwards!

78% positive · 137 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
Medium confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
Medium confidence

Where to buy

Prices in USD, as listed by each store.
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Evaluation

Vertical Kingdom launched on April 15, 2024 and received consistent post-launch updates from the solo developer (David). The update history shows one major content release — the Dynamic Card System / Deck Boost Update on August 19, 2024 — along with several feature patches adding Steam Deck support, Xbox controller support, achievements, difficulty options, and other improvements. The most recent developer communication was a bug fix post on January 10, 2025. Since January 10, 2025, there have been no further developer posts of any kind. The August 2024 major update mentioned that "more cards" would be added over time, but that statement was tied to and plausibly fulfilled by the update itself, and no specific future content has been announced or listed as unreleased. There is no roadmap, no announced DLC, and no unreleased content in the store listing. With only one identifiable major content release post-launch and no further developer communication since January 10, 2025 — now over 17 months ago — there is no sustained update cadence to indicate ongoing development. The game appears to have reached its final state as a complete, self-contained product.
Evidence
Major update adding a Dynamic Card System with 6 new building cards and a roguelite deck boost feature. Developer noted more cards would be added over time.
news post · Aug 19, 2024 source content shipped
high
Bug fix patch (update #16) — the most recent developer communication. No mention of future content or upcoming updates.
news post · Jan 10, 2025 source ambiguous
medium

Media

Details

Publisher
indie.io
Achievements
10
Platform
Windows
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Verified
Players
Single-player

About this game

Vertical Kingdom is set in a world devastated by a war that lasted for an entire generation. The once great Empire is in shambles and it's up to the Great Architect to rebuild toward its former glory brick by brick. Travel the land, embark on randomized, roguelite-style expeditions, and build new cities with a fresh card-based building system combined with an intricate resource economy.

Rebuild an Empire, not through force of arms or devious politics, but brick and mortar!

Raise towering cities using a card-based system. Pick five decks each turn, then play the cards to build upwards. Manage resources like food, water, bricks, wood, stone, and metal, all needed to ensure the city has room to grow and play new cards.

As the Great Architect, it's your job to rebuild the Empire, one building and one region at a time. Undertake great expeditions to raise new cities in the Emperor's name and deal with the challenges of each region: Treacherous terrain, resource shortages, and ever-limited building space.

Take ownership of every decision and every card played as all buildings are permanent, no redos. Plan around and synergize with imperial citizen’s homes and workshops. Produce more taxes, resources, and maintain loyalty to the Empire - and just maybe the locals will help you with the great evil that lurks among the ruins...

Last evaluated Jun 22, 2026
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