Wretch: Divine Ascent

Wretch: Divine Ascent

Released Nov 2025

A 1v1 tactical auto battler game with elements of roguelike mechanics and backpack management in a dark medieval art style. It was inspired by Backpack Battles and developed with Unreal Engine. Create your own unique attack combos by arranging items in your backpack to connect moves.

75% positive · 1,132 reviews
Not yet
Released, but content still planned
High confidence
Content Planned
Not yet
Released, but content still planned
High confidence
Content Planned

Where to buy

Steam $14.99
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Evaluation

Wretch: Divine Ascent launched on November 19, 2025 and has maintained a rapid and consistent cadence of major content updates ever since. Post-launch major releases include: the Pirate character pack (January 7, 2026), a major "Reforged" systems overhaul (February 2026), the Gladiator character plus a complete Skill System Rework (April 28, 2026), and the Executioner character alongside the new Season Mode "Elemental Surge" (June 9–11, 2026). This represents significant new content arriving roughly every 4–8 weeks since launch. The developer is now deep in production on a version 2.0 update, which they publicly committed to in an updated roadmap on April 28, 2026 for release in the second half of 2026. The 2.0 update encompasses a brand-new PvE mode featuring a 3D turn-based exploration map, loot extraction mechanics, boss enemies (such as the "Prison Gate Overlord" previewed on August 12, 2026), and a new enchantment meta-progression system. At least two new characters are planned for 2.0: one ("Executioner") has already shipped, and a new female character whose concept art was finalized on July 22, 2026 with animations still being refined. The developer also noted in July 2026 that patch updates may slow temporarily while the team focuses on 2.0 development. Developer communication has been highly active and transparent, with dedicated 2.0 preview posts published on July 1, July 10, July 22, August 12, and September 9, 2026 — the most recent being just two days before this assessment. The September 9, 2026 post details a new Enchanting System coming in 2.0, confirming active development is still underway. There is no indication the developer has paused, cancelled, or otherwise deprioritized the 2.0 update.
Evidence
2.0 Reveal #6 introduces the new Enchanting System for PvE, confirming active development continues as of two days before this assessment.
news post · Sep 9, 2026 source content planned
high
2.0 Reveal #5 introduces the 'Prison Gate Overlord' boss character, including lore and appearance. Developer is continuing to actively preview new content.
news post · Aug 12, 2026 source content planned
high

Content

4 of 4 released · no outstanding content

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
SapStaR Games
Achievements
120
Platform
Windows
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player · Multiplayer · PvP

About this game

Wretch: Divine Ascent is a 1v1 tactical auto battler game in a dark medieval style that was inspired by Backpack Battles and developed with Unreal Engine. Mix and match items in your backpack to create powerful combos. Purchase a variety of helpful items such as equipment, accessories, and moves from the shop, and fuse them to obtain special items that cannot be bought. Be careful—some moves can counter each other! Getting the right combination of moves and equipment will be your key to victory.

A New Challenger Steps onto the Ascent — The Executioner

Wielding a massive hammer, the Executioner channels raw power through charged strikes, bringing the heaviest despair upon their opponents.

You dive into backpack management right from the first match. Purchase moves, items, and equipment from the shop and formulate your best strategy. Your items can be combined to give powerful effects, and you can even fuse items to gain unique creations that no shop can provide off the rack. Choose your combinations carefully to give yourself the sharpest edge in your battles!

In the game, multiple characters are available for you to choose from: Knight, Plague Doctor, Ronin, Wujiang, and the latest to ascend the Long Stairs—Pirate.

The characters have distinct features and cool styles that are further emphasized in the strategies and moves employed in battle. Use your backpack items to give your attacks unique buffs such as critical hits, speed boosts, and block enhancements. Connecting moves well will be crucial for victory—avoid moves that might counter each other, and build combos to allow you to quickly launch follow-up attacks after breaking through your opponent's guard.

You undergo up to 10 battles per game, each against real players. Slash and slice your opponents in a bloody 1v1 fight to the finish. Players can battle at any time with no need to wait for an opponent to be online. After you win 10 battles in a game, you gain the chance to challenge the best players on the global leaderboard. The current demo version includes a 10-Win Honor leaderboard, where you can keep an eye on the enemy and make plans to rise to the top in Divine Ascent. Stay sharp—they're watching too.

About the Version

Currently, there are 5 playable classes available, along with nearly 300 diverse items, gear, and attacks to choose from and combine.. We will continue improving and updating it as we progress in our game development.

Last evaluated Sep 11, 2026
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