Skystone Games and Thing Trunk have launched the public Steam playtest for HELLCARD II, a cooperative roguelike deckbuilder for up to four players, offering early access to new features and tactical card battles ahead of release
Skystone Games and developer Thing Trunk have officially launched the public Steam playtest for HELLCARD II, giving PC players the opportunity to experience the upcoming cooperative roguelike deckbuilder before its full release. The playtest is now accessible via the game's Steam page, where interested players can request entry and, once admitted, invite friends to join their party for online co-op sessions. Access is being granted in waves, and participation is free for all selected users.
How the Playtest Works
The HELLCARD II playtest is available exclusively on PC through Steam. To join, players must visit the HELLCARD II Steam store page and request access to the playtest programme. Entry is not immediate for all applicants, as players are admitted in batches. Once inside, participants can invite friends to form a party of up to four, enabling both solo and cooperative runs. The playtest supports both single-player and online co-op modes, with no cost to participate.
Gameplay and New Features
HELLLCARD II builds on the original's paper-dungeon setting, expanding the world with new biomes and storylines. The game is designed for one to four players, allowing solo adventurers or groups to descend into tactical card battles against a range of enemies, including dragons. Notable additions in this sequel include a persistent equipment system that alters both the appearance and abilities of heroes, as well as a combat system where enemy positioning directly affects strategy and combo potential. Each run generates a unique narrative, with gear and party composition influencing the unfolding story.
Development Context and Studio Background
HELLCARD II is developed by Thing Trunk, known for the Return 2 Games series, and published by Skystone Games, a company co-founded by Diablo creator David Brevik. The playtest is intended to gather community feedback on visuals, combat, and RPG elements ahead of the game's official launch. This approach mirrors recent trends in the industry, where public betas and playtests are used to refine gameplay and balance, as seen in other multiplayer releases such as the Modern Warfare 4 beta, which distributed early access codes to players across platforms through community initiatives like MP1st's recent giveaway.
At present, the playtest is limited to PC via Steam, with no confirmation of additional platforms or a final release date. The test is free to join, and players can expect to encounter both familiar and new mechanics as the developers seek feedback on the evolving design. Media assets, including trailers and press materials, are available for those seeking a closer look at the current build.
Persistent equipment systems, such as the one introduced in HELLCARD II, add a layer of long-term progression to deckbuilders by allowing players to unlock and equip gear that modifies both appearance and gameplay. This approach encourages experimentation and replayability, as different combinations can significantly alter strategy and outcomes across multiple runs.
