Publisher Daedalic Entertainment and developer Black Deer Games have announced Hordeguard: Winds of the North, Viking action tower defense game, for PC via Steam. No release date has been set. The announcement came with a new trailer and doubles as a publishing partnership reveal, and a further look is planned for Daedalic Days: Late at Night, a showcase airing August 13 at 9 p.m. CEST on Twitch, YouTube, and Steam.
Hordeguard revolves around wave cycles, with waves of enemies constantly attacking, leaving just enough downtime to expand a settlement, gather materials, and patch up recent damage. The tension stems from the risk of exploration. Bringing back supplies guarantees fortified walls and a strategic advantage, but time continues to tick down during scavenging runs, and the enemy hordes are relentless. Engaging in combat awards experience points that unlock various upgrade cards. These cards allow players to create a hero into one of three distinct roles: a heavy hitter, an expert builder, or a resilient tank. To further bolster the defensive line, a recruited warband can also be deployed into battle.
The game supports two-player local co-op, a setup the studio notes is ideal for friends and family. This mode thrives on dividing up the workload. One player can scavenge for resources while the other builds up defenses, or one can hold off the enemy advance while the partner repairs the damage. Currently confirmed roles include a shield-bearing fighter equipped with an axe and a bow-focused archer.
The team behind the project is a small operation. Based in Prešov, Slovakia, Black Deer Games was originally founded in 2015 as a solo studio by designer and programmer Peter Jurkovský. The company later expanded by bringing on Dávid Jankes, a veteran artist with more than 25 games under his belt. The duo previously released the 2021 Steam action-adventure title Juro Janosik, which is based on legendary Slovak folk hero. They are also currently developing an upcoming action roguelite titled Wendigo Hunter.
Hordeguard: Winds of the North is available to wishlist now on Steam.