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The soulslike deck builder Death Howl has revealed a December 9 release date at this year's Golden Joysticks. It's also released an update to the recent Next Fest demo, if you want to deal a hand from this challenging mix of myths, combat and cards. You can wishlist the game now and try out the new demo at the same time.
Death Howl sees you playing as a mother called Ro, who travels to the realm of spirits after the death of her son, to try and bring him back to the world of the living. To do that Ro must fight through 13 different biomes, like the Forest of Howling Shadows or Meadows of Delusion, filled with Scandi inspired folklore and fantastical creatures. All while honing her skills to survive longer and explore deeper into this strange land.
As a soulslike, deck building card game, this takes on the challenges of both genres as you deal with respawning enemies, tough boss fights and non-linear exploration and progression. All while building the tools you need to stay alive. That includes using over 150 cards you can find, craft and win, to cast a variety of melee and ranged spells to balance offensive and defensive skills. All while gathering ability enhancing shamanic totems.
You're free to explore the world however you want, uncovered side quests, allies and more. However, the turn based combat takes places on a grid, giving you a strategic layer to use your cards, combining them, or stacking abilities, as well using the environment tactically, to gain the advantage.
Death Howl releases on PV via Steam and GOG on December 9, and PS5, Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch in early 2026.
