Warbuddies is a strategy indie RPG that combines team building, skirmish wargaming, and card-driven combat on a hex-based battlefield. Players take the role of a trainer from one of two factions, assembling and leading a team of fantastical creatures known as buddies through tactical matches that reward careful planning and real-time adaptation.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on selecting a trainer and building a team of six buddies drawn from a roster of 15 available creatures. Matches unfold on a hex grid where movement, positioning, and objective control determine the outcome. Buddies advance across the field to capture points or eliminate opposing forces while trainers deploy faction-specific command cards to alter the flow of battle. Physical dice add an element of chance to clashes, and players strengthen bonds with individual buddies over time to unlock new abilities. Faction-locked cards provide additional tools for swaying engagements, encouraging different approaches depending on whether a player aligns with the Nomads or the Duchy.
Hex movement requires players to consider terrain and line of sight when maneuvering their small teams. Drafting buddies before each match adds a layer of preparation, letting trainers tailor compositions to counter expected opponent strategies. The system emphasizes adaptation because card effects and dice rolls can shift momentum quickly, forcing adjustments mid-match rather than rigid pre-planned sequences.
Game Modes
Matches follow a best-of-three format and support both online 1v1 play and versus AI opponents. Two primary modes are available in the current build: Capture, which focuses on seizing and holding objectives across the hex field, and Deathmatch, which centers on eliminating the opposing team. These options run on a single battlefield with the two confirmed factions, Nomads and Duchy, each bringing distinct card pools and play styles.
Online matches use Epic Online Services for connectivity, while AI opponents provide a consistent single-player experience for practice or solo sessions. The best-of-three structure rewards consistent performance across multiple games rather than a single decisive round.
Current Development State
Warbuddies is scheduled to enter Early Access in Q1 2027 under developer Didactricks. The Early Access version already contains complete tactical matches between the two factions, including the full drafting system, hex movement, objective play, dice resolution, and 26 active card designs. A solo developer is using the period to refine artwork, add 3D models for every buddy, expand the roster, introduce two additional factions for a total of four, create card artwork, and add more arenas. The planned Early Access duration is six months or less, with community feedback guiding balance, accessibility, and online stability improvements.
Is It Worth Playing?
Warbuddies targets players who enjoy deliberate tactical strategy games that blend wargaming positioning with card-based decision making. The emphasis on team composition, bond progression, and faction-specific tools creates depth for those who like experimenting with different buddy lineups and adapting to opponent cards. Because the game remains in pre-release development with no user reviews available yet, prospective players should consider their interest in hex-grid skirmishes and card-driven adaptation rather than expecting a polished final product immediately upon launch.
Those drawn to indie strategy titles that reward planning over reflexes will find the current feature set aligned with the described systems. The best-of-three format and options for both online and AI play provide flexibility for different session lengths and skill levels. Expansion plans for additional factions and arenas suggest the experience will grow over time, making it a candidate for players comfortable with Early Access titles that evolve based on feedback.
