Time moves forward only when you do in the dungeons of WazHack. Think your way out of problems instead of just spamming 'attack' and 'drink healing potion'.
The game presents a procedurally-generated dungeon for players to explore, with each playthrough offering a unique layout of rooms, corridors, enemies, and loot. Navigating this ever-changing environment requires carefully managing resources and making strategic decisions to progress deeper into the depths. This ensures high replayability, as no two runs are exactly the same.
A unique aspect of the gameplay is the time-based mechanics. Time only moves forward when the player takes an action, such as moving, attacking, or using an item. This allows players to carefully plan their moves and think through problems, rather than simply spamming attacks or healing potions. It creates a more thoughtful, deliberate pacing that is well-suited to the roguelike genre.
One of the core challenges is dealing with unidentified items. Potions, scrolls, wands, and many other objects start the game with obscured or randomized effects. Players must experiment, take risks, and learn through trial and error to understand how these items function. This leads to a wealth of emergent gameplay, as players discover creative ways to use these mysterious items to their advantage, often in unexpected ways.
The game offers 16 unique character classes, each with their own starting equipment, stats, and playstyle. From the spell-casting Sorcerer to the melee-focused Knight, the diverse class options encourage different approaches to the dungeon delving. Players can experiment with various class combinations and strategies to find the one that best suits their preferences and the challenges they face.
As a true roguelike, the game features permanent death. When a character dies, the player must start a new run from the beginning. This high-stakes element adds significant tension and weight to each decision, as players know that a single mistake could lead to the permanent loss of their character. However, the procedural nature of the game and the variety of classes ensure that each new run feels fresh and engaging, driving players to continue exploring the depths of the dungeon.
The game is widely recognized for its high difficulty and uncompromising nature. It does not hold the player's hand, and players must learn from their mistakes to progress. Cursed items, unexpected enemy behaviors, and the ever-present threat of permadeath create a challenging, punishing experience. However, many players find the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in overcoming these obstacles to be highly rewarding.
While the game may lack a traditional narrative, its emphasis on exploration, item discovery, and problem-solving leads to a unique form of emergent storytelling. Players piece together the game's mysteries and secrets through their own experiences, creating a personal narrative that is deeply engaging and memorable. The sense of discovery and the thrill of uncovering new interactions or strategies are often cited as key reasons for players' enjoyment of the game.