Ex Sanguis is an upcoming turn-based tactical roguelite RPG being developed by Lightbulb Crew, the studio known for the critically acclaimed Othercide. The game is set for a PC release (via Steam Early Access) around Q1 2026, and it maintains the developer’s signature style: a visually striking world characterized by a stark monochrome-plus-red aesthetic.
The world of Ex Sanguis is currently being consumed by a force known as Stasis, an agent of perfection and stillness that is draining the world of its life and color, an event referred to as the “Purge.” Players are tasked with commanding the Stillae, elite warriors who are born from the Mater, a dying divinity. Your mission involves fighting the agents of Stasis and restoring the flow of life, with blood itself serving as the vibrant symbol of defiance and rebellion against this pale, colorless threat.
The gameplay revolves around dynamic, turn-based combat on grid-based maps, which is deeply enriched by roguelite progression and high-risk decision-making. The combat utilizes a visible Timeline-Based Combat system, borrowing heavily from Othercide. This system allows players to strategically manipulate turn order using Timeline Effects—speeding up, delaying, or swapping unit positions—to outsmart enemies and set up devastating chain reactions.
Furthermore, the battlefield encourages Environmental Interaction; the map is designed to be a tactical tool. Players can leverage exploding objects, sight-blocking elements, and props that ignite enemies to effectively control the arena and create tactical advantages. Success hinges on mastering Spatial Effects and Synergies such as knockbacks, forced facings, and flanking bonuses. The roguelite structure ensures that skill drops are randomized, compelling players to find new and powerful synergies by combining these acquired skills with their characters’ unique loadouts. Between missions, the Roguelite Progression system mandates that players navigate a node-based map, choosing their own path and difficulty. One can opt for high-risk, high-reward missions directly leading to boss encounters, or take detours to gather essential resources. Importantly, even failed runs offer some form of gradual, permanent progress, rewarding persistent play.
Lightbulb Crew has partnered with Firesquid as the publisher. The game is currently in active development, with several Steam playtests having been conducted to gather community feedback on various features, including procedural generation, new biomes (such as the City and Desert), and team management tools. The development team is committed to involving the community in shaping the game’s final polished experience.
