Roguelike meets monster taming in The Root Studios’ colourful debut—play solo or co-op, fall in love with your monsters, and get strategic
Shard Squad has officially landed on Steam today, and it’s coming in hot—with full voice acting, local co-op, and a chunky launch discount. Developed by The Root Studios and published by Nuntius Games, this roguelike-survivor-meets-monster-tamer is launching with special regional pricing and an extra 15% off for a limited time. Not bad for a game packed with charm, strategy, and over 20 hours of content just to clear the story mode.
A console release is on the way too—just no date yet.
Monster Taming Meets Roguelike Runs
Here’s the pitch: build your squad of creatures (called Shards), mix elemental combos, unlock synergies, and dive into run after run of strategic chaos. Each playthrough is different, and every monster you collect adds depth to your strategy—and your emotional attachment, apparently.
The devs want you to care about the characters as much as their abilities. These aren’t just walking attacks with cute faces—they’ve got backstories, personalities, and tangled relationships that unfold as you play.
What’s in the Box?
- 20 playable Shards
- 8 handcrafted stages
- 59 unique bosses
- 99 relics
- 19 NPCs
- Over 20 unique events
- Full metaprogression
- A bestiary for lore lovers
- Local co-op with shared chaos and monster bonding
All wrapped up with vibrant visuals, plenty of heart, and voice acting in English, Portuguese, Chinese, and Japanese.
A Game with Soul (and Silly Ideas That Somehow Worked)
Lead developer Rennan Costa calls Shard Squad “the materialisation of a dream.” According to him, fun was the core design principle. If a feature made the team laugh, they built it in. The result? A joyful, strategic experience where action meets affection.
“We want players to love the characters—not just what they can do in combat,” Costa says. “This is for people who truly love games. The kind that make you smile without realising it.”
Try the Free Demo Now
Curious? You can download the free demo on Steam and get a taste of the action before committing. With its colourful charm, co-op chaos, and surprisingly deep lore, Shard Squad is built for those who want something light, fun, and layered with heart.