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Duelyst II

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2022

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Quick resume

Choose your faction, construct your deck and put your strategy to the test in the evolution of the ultimate collectible tactics game.

Global score

74/100

Genres

Indie, Strategy, Free To Play, Card & Board Game

Pros

  • Unique blend of tactical board and card game mechanics
  • High skill ceiling and strategic depth
  • Beautiful pixel art and animations
  • Fair free-to-play progression
  • Active and friendly community with developer support

Cons

  • Small player base causing matchmaking issues
  • Slow content updates and development progress
  • Steep learning curve challenging for new players
  • Some balance issues among factions and cards
  • Monetization model can feel grindy or pay-to-win

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to build decks, choose factions, and make tactical decisions on a grid-based board, indicating high control over actions."

  • Competence
    5

    "The game demands skillful deckbuilding, positioning, and tactical play with a steep learning curve and high skill ceiling."

  • Competition
    4

    "Strong focus on ranked ladder, competitive matches, and skill-based matchmaking with leaderboards and tournaments."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Players invest hundreds of hours, but the small player base and slow content updates may limit long-term habitual play for some."

  • Cooperation
    -3

    "Gameplay is primarily 1v1 competitive; limited evidence of cooperative or team-based modes."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Extensive deckbuilding and strategic positioning allow creative expression in playstyle and tactics."

  • Domination
    -2

    "Competitive but community described as friendly and supportive; no strong evidence of dominance or toxic behavior."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Players use the game as a relaxing and engaging distraction, with some reviews noting stress relief and immersion."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment rather than obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players explore different decks, factions, and strategies, with ongoing balance changes encouraging experimentation."

  • Exploration
    1

    "Some discovery in deckbuilding and tactical options, but limited exploration of new areas or secrets."

  • Expression
    2

    "Customization mainly through deck choices and some cosmetic options; generals have limited unique abilities."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Strong fantasy elements with factions, lore, pixel art characters, and imaginative tactical combat."

  • Fellowship
    2

    "Active but small community with Discord engagement and social interaction, though gameplay is mostly solo."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop skills in strategy, deckbuilding, and tactical play; learning curve is steep but rewarding."

  • Health
    -5

    "No evidence of physical activity or health-related gameplay; typical sedentary gaming."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and strategic thinking; not designed for idle or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Social interactions are mostly surface-level competitive matches; limited evidence of close relationships."

  • Leadership
    -3

    "No evidence of leadership roles; players participate individually without managing groups."

  • Progression
    4

    "Strong progression through card collection, deck building, leveling factions, and unlocking content."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Some players find the game relaxing and enjoyable despite its strategic depth and occasional frustration."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Enjoyable pixel art, animations, and sound design provide sensory stimulation and emotional engagement."

  • Status
    3

    "Competitive ladder and rankings provide social recognition and status among players."

  • Story
    2

    "Some lore and faction backstory exist, but narrative is not a primary focus of gameplay."

  • Strategy
    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around deep strategic thinking, planning, and tactical problem solving."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Competitive matches create suspense and excitement, though pace is moderate and not overly tense."

  • Value
    2

    "Free-to-play friendly with reasonable progression; some complaints about monetization but generally fair."

  • Violence
    1

    "Combat involves fantasy battles and destruction, but stylized and not graphic; focus on tactical combat."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players must avoid defeat by managing resources and positioning, emphasizing survival of the general."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026