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Pawnbarian

Pawnbarian is a quick-playing, turn-based puzzle roguelike. Play cards to move your hero like a chess piece, and conquer challenging dungeons full of cunning monsters!

Steam Page
Developer
Publisher
Unknown
Release
September 24, 2021
4 years and 313 days ago
Steam Reviews
Very Positive889 reviews89.1%

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Notes
Latest Contributor: IGF TeamEdit notes
Updated: Jul 14, 2026Developer scaleThe operating scale of the game's developer.
Updated: Jul 14, 2026Publisher scaleThe operating scale of the game's publisher.
Updated: Jul 14, 2026Publisher statusHow the game's publishing relationship is classified.
Search Google: How is Pawnbarian and j4nw funded?FundingThe known source of funding behind the game.
Search Google: Who controls the creative direction and IP for Pawnbarian and j4nw?Creative controlWho appears to retain creative control of the game.
Updated: Jul 14, 2026Release statusWhether and how the game has been released.

Media

7 items

About the Game

Pawnbarian is a turn-based puzzle roguelike with bite-sized, but challenging sessions. Play cards to control your hero like a chess piece on a tiny dungeon board, outmaneuver enemies with their assortment of tricky abilities, and become the mightiest warrior of the Chesslands!

Features

  • Use a deck of chess pieces to hack and slash through hordes of monsters.
  • Pick up the basics instantly if you're familiar with chess, or learn in minutes if you aren't.
  • Carefully plan your moves to navigate challenging, emergent tactical situations.
  • Spend treasure to upgrade your cards with additional powers.
  • Blitz through quick 15-30 minute runs - or die trying.
  • Take on the infinite post-run Gauntlet to see how long you can survive.
  • Pick from 6 characters to conquer 3 dungeons, all requiring an unique approach.
  • Progress through Chains, a series of extra difficulty modifiers.

Not Features

  • No permanent upgrades, and not much that needs unlocking. The progress and satisfaction come from your growing mastery of the game's elegant systems!
  • No complex and varied builds. The shops provide a few key decisions, but the bulk of the roguelike depth lies in how you approach the emergent combat puzzles!