Banners of Ruin (v1.4.64 & ALL DLC)

Dawn’s Point is a grimy animal-run city where a failed insurgency turns into a desperate campaign of revenge. Banners of Ruin combines roguelike deckbuilding with a party-based tactical RPG structure, casting players as agents of House Blackfoot attempting to break the power of the ruthless House Ender. Its illustrated rats, wolves, bears, beavers, and weasels give the world an unusual storybook look, but the tone stays harsh: every alleyway brings another ambush, compromise, or costly gamble. Death is expected, and each collapsed rebellion becomes groundwork for the next attempt.

Runs begin by assembling a small crew and steering them through a branching route across the city. Combat unfolds through cards, character positions, status effects, equipment, and carefully timed abilities; a strong deck alone is not enough when enemies punish weak formations or exploit exposed party members. Recruits bring individual cards and racial traits, while levelling unlocks talents that can reshape a character into a defender, damage dealer, support specialist, or disruptive control unit. Looted weapons and armour add further effects, and event choices can offer valuable rewards while demanding coin, health, allies, or a piece of the Blackfoots’ moral standing.

The six-character party limit gives Banners of Ruin more tactical texture than a typical solo deckbuilder, especially once different races and builds begin to interact. Dynamic encounters and enemy behaviours keep routes from feeling entirely predictable, while persistent tokens gradually unlock new cards and passive options after failed runs. Its campaign is less about a single perfect build than adapting a warband to imperfect draws, injuries, and difficult decisions. Players who enjoy Slay the Spire’s incremental deck crafting but want the positioning and squad management of a tactical RPG find plenty to dig into, though newcomers should expect a demanding learning curve and frequent setbacks.