Netherguild is a turn-based roguelite dungeon-crawler on a grid, where you command expeditions below the earth in a desperate attempt to cure a strange plague. Explore, camp, and fight as far as you can before heading back to resupply. What will you discover underground?
Players praise the tactical turn-based combat system, which is grid-based and relies on player skill rather than random chance. The combat requires carefully considering each move and ability usage to overcome enemies, adding tension and a focus on strategy.
The game offers a variety of playable character classes, each with unique abilities and playstyles. As these characters level up, they gain new skills, allowing players to experiment with different party compositions and combat approaches. This diverse set of class options and upgradeable abilities provides significant depth and replayability.
The tactical combat seamlessly integrates with dungeon exploration. Players must navigate procedurally generated levels, searching for loot, encountering random events, and progressing deeper underground. This exploration phase demands careful resource management, as players must balance the risk of venturing further with the need to resupply at the surface. The combination of exploration and combat creates an engaging gameplay loop.
Managing the party's limited resources, such as food, firewood, and equipment, is a crucial aspect of the gameplay. Players must thoughtfully decide how to spend these resources to keep their expedition going as long as possible. This added layer of strategy enhances the overall experience.
The game features a permadeath system, where fallen characters are permanently lost. However, players can keep their surviving characters and gear between runs, allowing for long-term progression. This balance of permanent loss and persistent advancement is praised by players, creating a sense of investment and challenge.