Steam game combines elements of Civilization and Slay the Spire in a 4X deck-building experience

Hexarchy: A Unique 4X Deck Builder Coming to Steam in October

Take Civilization 6, with its strategic city building and decision making as you expand your empire across a hex-based map while outsmarting your rival factions. Add Slay the Spire, with its card-based tactics, asking you to build a deck capable of consistently delivering the tools you need to secure victory. Now shake those up and pour over ice, and you get Hexarchy, a cool 4X deck builder coming to Steam in October. Ahead of its release, PCGamesN spoke to developer Main Tank Software at WASD to find out what makes it tick.

Fast-Paced Matches with Weighty Decisions

Hexarchy aims to capture the “weighty decisions” of the best 4X games and inject them into fast-paced matches that last just 45 minutes to an hour. You’ll use your deck of cards to build your cities, armies, wonders, and improvements, as well as use special actions to impact your opponents. You’ll research technologies and adopt civics to unlock new cards, and can even strategically destroy your own cards to tailor your deck to the needs of the match.

Unique Features and Gameplay

• Your military units can capture any hex they reach, keeping the game moving at a fast pace.
• Customize your military units’ abilities as they earn promotions.
• Engage in global market trading for resources, allowing you to strike deals for the goods you need.
• Choose from ten civilizations, each with their own unique abilities, adding depth to the gameplay.
• Experience single-player challenge modes that put you in specific scenarios or demand victory under certain conditions.
• Participate in daily and weekly challenges with unique victory conditions, testing your adaptability and strategic thinking.

Multiplayer Experience and Approachability

Hexarchy supports up to six players online, offering a fun and challenging multiplayer experience. The game’s design ensures that even if you’re not winning, you can still have fun by interacting with other players. The multiplayer aspect includes a fog of war, adding an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability. For single-player mode, actions are executed immediately, providing a snappy and engaging experience.

Approachability and Strategy

Hexarchy takes into consideration the complexity of both 4X games and deck building games and strives to be approachable for all players. The tutorial has been meticulously reworked to provide a smooth learning curve. The shorter game length allows players to learn from their mistakes and improve their understanding of the game mechanics with each playthrough. The tech tree and resource management have also been redesigned to be more intuitive and meaningful.

Balance and Strategy Diversity

The development team is committed to maintaining balance in the game and avoiding overpowered strategies. They encourage players to develop unique strategies while ensuring that the gameplay remains fair and enjoyable for all. As more players get their hands on the game, the strategies being discovered continue to grow and expand, adding depth and excitement to the gameplay.

Release Date and Anticipation

The highly anticipated release of Hexarchy is scheduled for October 19, 2023, on Steam. Players can already wishlist the game on the Steam store and have the option to sign up for playtests. With its unique blend of 4X gameplay and deck building mechanics, Hexarchy promises to offer a captivating and innovative gaming experience that will challenge players to think strategically and adapt to changing circumstances.

Conclusion

Hexarchy is set to revolutionize the 4X genre with its fast-paced matches, weighty decisions, and unique blend of strategic gameplay and deck building mechanics. The game’s shorter playtime and approachable design make it accessible to both newcomers and seasoned players. With its release just around the corner, gamers are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to dive into the world of Hexarchy and discover the endless possibilities for victory.

Interview conducted by Nat Smith at WASD.