Torch of Shadows
Acthera Studios · 2026 · Roguelite, Action Roguelike, Top-Down Shooter, Hack and Slash, Arena Shooter
PC
Positive92% · 13
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About Torch of Shadows
A fast, skill-based roguelite where the wrong choice doesn’t just slow you down, it kills your run. Fight through relentless waves, react instantly, and build around two opposing forces that must be used together. Ignore one side, and the other overwhelms you.Torch of Shadows is the debut game from Acthera Studios, a two-person indie team. Every pixel is hand-drawn. Every system has been rebuilt more times than we want to admit.--Using the wrong form deals zero damage while enemies continue to pressure you from all sides. The battlefield constantly mixes both enemy types, forcing fast reactions, target prioritization, and rapid form switching under pressure. All attack skills fire automatically, but survival depends on movement, positioning, upgrade choices, and using the correct form at the right moment. 50 Pylons tied to 10 maps (5 for each map)
Opposites Must Collide
- Switch between Light and Dark forms instantly during combat.
- Dark enemies can only be damaged by Light attacks.
- Light enemies can only be damaged by Dark attacks.
Core Features
- 15-minute high-intensity survival runs leading to the final boss fight
- Dual Light & Dark combat system with 10 unlockable attack skills
- Randomized build-defining upgrades every level
- 3 rerolls per run to adapt your build
- Boss fights at critical milestones (upcoming soon: new mini-boss enemies)
- Continuous enemy pressure with elite, fast, bomber, and tank enemy types
- Dynamic maps with optional Pylon and Soul systems
- Leaderboard support for fastest clears and competitive runs
Build, Adapt, Survive
- Defeat enemies to collect Sun Particles and Moon Fragments, used for permanent progression across both Light and Dark paths.
- During runs, level up to receive randomized upgrades that can increase attack speed, damage, survivability, and form efficiency.
- Specializing too heavily in one side, you may struggle against the opposite form later in the run.
- Enemies spawn continuously, not in isolated waves. Surviving means constantly adapting your build while managing the increasing pressure from enemies.
10 Corrupted Realms
- 10 handcrafted maps
- 10 unique bosses with distinct mechanics (5 light & 5 dark boss)
- Each boss rewards a different skill and relic that can be equipped for permanent buffs
- "Pylon Rush": Restore 5 pylons in a run to jump into the boss arena early (for speedrunners in leaderboard)
Pylon & Soul Minigames
- Pylons are optional risk-reward objectives tied to each map. (grant you temporary buffs or debuffs if you fail)
- 20+ Pylon minigames (timing, mechanics, reaction)
- Souls grant you an extra attack power for both forms and protect you from 2 hits. Get hit 2 times, and it is gone.
- 20+ Soul challenges (offensive & defensive rewards)
Roguelite Structure
- Randomized upgrade paths every run
- Light / Dark synergy-focused builds
- Escalating enemy intensity and late-game pressure
- Permanent progression across both forms
- Higher difficulties for players seeking mastery and faster clears
The Endgame
Defeat all bosses. Restore all maps. Then something else awakens.--WARNING: This game contains flashing lights and intense visual effects in some mini-games.What Steam players say
Recent verbatim reviews from Steam — separate from playze.io community reviews below.
Actually, this game is fun. The balance mechanics really got me. Honestly, I enjoyed the “kill the dudes and complete objectives” idea. I recommend this game to Vampire Survivors or Hades lovers. Even though it’s a solo-developed game, it manages to create a smooth and engaging experience that keeps you hooked. Because of that, I’d like to congratulate the developer. I’ll be following along and would love to see future updates and new projects.4 found this helpful
The main hook for me is the Light/Dark mechanic. You have to switch forms constantly: Light kills Dark, and Dark kills Light. It’s not just mindless, you actually have to use your brain mid-fight to survive. The wave density gets intense fast, so it's definitely not for the faint of heart. The progression feels a lot like Dead Cells. You collect currency to buy permanent skill upgrades, which makes the "just one more run" loop really addictive. Really looking forward to unlocking all ths skills. I also liked the mini-games scattered in the levels—they’re high risk/reward because you have to decide if it's worth stopping to do them while bunch of enemies are closing in on you. Visuals are great if you're into pixel art. The contrast between the light and dark themes looks awesome and makes it easy to see what's going on. The biggest letdown for me was the sound. The weapon sound effects are just a repetitive "pew pew pew" that actually made me feel sleepy. Maybe by unlocking other abilities this will change. Also, the difficulty spike might be a bit too much at start without getting your upgrades if you aren't used to these kinds of games. Finally I can say it’s a strategic, cha…4 found this helpful
Can be slightly annoying switching between light and shadow stances, and the choice bloating when adding new skills becomes a bit much with only 3 choices per level, but overall a great game.3 found this helpful
I love these kinds of games…super chill but weirdly addictive in the best way. The story really matters to me, and when it lines up perfectly with the soundtrack, thats it, Im sold. Honestly, I might be a little too obsessed with the soundtrack!!!! 😄 Well done! It would be AMAZING if a multiplayer option were added too. I can already see that Acthera Studios has real soul when it comes to this type of games...and Im fully invested!!!!3 found this helpful
The game is really addictive and keeps you hooked the whole time. Every run makes you want to try again and push further. The progression feels rewarding, and the gameplay loop is very satisfying. At the same time, it can also be very chill if you just want to relax and enjoy. Definitely recommended!3 found this helpful
A clean and engaging roguelite experience. The light and dark mechanics add a strategic layer beyond simple combat, making each run feel different. Gameplay is smooth, fast-paced, and satisfying. While the content is still growing, the core mechanics are solid and promising. Definitely worth your time.2 found this helpful
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