Stray Kite Studios, a Dallas, Texas-based developer founded in 2018, has announced their latest project, *Wartorn*. Comprising approximately 30 employees as of 2025, the studio includes industry veterans who have worked on renowned titles such as BioShock, Borderlands, and Age of Empires. Known for creating the standalone version of Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep: A Wonderlands One-Shot Adventure and various Creative maps for Fortnite, Stray Kite Studios is now venturing into original game development with *Wartorn*.
*Wartorn* is a real-time strategy roguelite set to launch in early access on both Steam and the Epic Games Store in spring 2025. The game follows the journey of two elven sisters striving to reunite with their family amidst a fantasy world engulfed in chaos. The narrative promises to immerse players in a deeply divided setting, challenging them with difficult combat scenarios and morally complex decisions. The game's environment is not just a backdrop but an interactive element, featuring physics-driven destructibility that ensures unique encounters each time.
The chaotic nature of *Wartorn* extends beyond its setting. The game emphasizes themes of finding purpose amidst chaos, urging players to contemplate sacrifice, survival, and the bonds that unite us. "We’ve poured our hearts into creating a game that not only entertains but also makes players think deeply about sacrifice, survival, and the bonds that unite us," stated Paul Hellquist, co-founder and creative director at Stray Kite Studios.
Between battles, players of *Wartorn* will face tough choices, such as deciding which character to feed or who to rescue from certain death. These decisions contribute to the game's story-driven roguelite experience, ensuring that each playthrough is unique. Combat offers similar freedom, featuring a dynamic magic system where players can combine elemental forces like fire, water, and lightning. These spells interact with each other and the environment, offering strategic advantages like setting fire to tar-covered enemies or using lightning in water.
As a roguelite, *Wartorn* includes a progression system where upgrades carry over between runs, making subsequent attempts progressively easier. The game's visuals aim for a painterly aesthetic that enhances the drama of its setting. To ensure accessible gameplay, *Wartorn* also includes the ability to slow down action to give precise commands amidst the chaos. This highly anticipated title is set to launch in early access in spring 2025, available on both Steam and the Epic Games Store.