DOG WITCH, the turn-based roguelike deckbuilder that combines strategic dice-rolling with absurd, high-energy chaos, is officially launching on Steam on November 5, 2025. Developed by Heckmouse and published by Mystic Forge—with production support from acclaimed designer Rami Ismail—this game promises a unique blend of strategic depth and surreal humor.
Forget passive dice mechanics; in DOG WITCH, every roll fuels your spells and unlocks powerful synergy chains. Playing as the legendary Dog Witch—a powerful, customizable magical mutt—players must embark on a bite-sized, endlessly replayable mission to overthrow the Mad Master Wizard.
The Master of Dice and Strategy
The core of DOG WITCH lies in its deceptively deep strategic layering, designed for quick, satisfying runs. The combat system marries the item synergy and discovery loop of games like Slay the Spire with the unpredictability of dice-driven roguelikes such as Dicey Dungeons.
Players will craft evolving strategies by combining over 150 unique items, relics, and their “corrupted” counterparts, rewarding bold experimentation and clever builds. Each run is a chance to unlock new combos and master the tension between luck and planning, echoing developer Andy Runyon’s goal of capturing the feeling of mastering a deep strategy game and distilling it into an approachable arcade experience.
A World of Whimsy and Bizarre Foes
DOG WITCH leans heavily into its ludicrous fantasy aesthetic. The Dog Witch’s journey takes players through a surreal world where the enemies are as bizarre as they are aggressive. Get ready to face off against:
- Gun-wielding Russian Dolls
- Vengeful Cat Ladies
- Questionable Vending Machines
Need backup against such chaos? You can summon an unpredictable, yet effective, menagerie of allies, including Laser Ponies, gun-toting rats, and skeletal sidekicks. Pairing these minions with specific relics and spells triggers chain reactions that can turn the tide of even the wildest battles.
The atmosphere is carried along by dreamy trip-hop tunes and whimsical visuals, aiming to guide players into a flow state where the daily grind dissolves and only strategic mastery remains.
Shaped by a ‘Caveman-Level-Gamer’
One of the most fascinating aspects of the development team is its unique QA process. According to developer Andy Runyon, the game was primarily playtested by his mother’s retired husband, a chess and bridge player with absolutely no prior video game experience.
This seemingly unconventional choice ensured that the game’s core mechanics were accessible and rewarding, proving that DOG WITCH is fundamentally about mastery and strategy, regardless of one’s gaming background. If a pure strategist with “caveman-level-gamer” instincts could shape it, it promises to be both deep for veterans and approachable for newcomers.
Get Ready to Roll
DOG WITCH encourages players to fully customize their magical mutt, letting them choose fur, hat, bark, and even their “chonk level.” The game is built for endless replayability, with different Dog Witch hats offering unique twists and challenges.
The game launches on Steam on November 5, 2025. Fans of strategy and roguelikes can check out the free demo now to get a taste of the dice-driven mayhem before launch.
