Quick introduction
DOG WITCH is a polished PC card game from indie developer Heckmouse that blends deckbuilding with roguelike progression. You control a whimsical dog-witch on a quest across strange lands, confronting oddball foes while expanding a personal arsenal of spells and abilities.
What the gameplay feels like
The core experience is turn-based combat that leans on card draws and dice rolls. Every encounter requires tactical deck management: draw cards, play them to attack or defend, and rely on dice outcomes to resolve damage, mana gains, and other on-field effects. That dice element adds volatility, so matches can swing wildly from one moment to the next.
Progression and customization
You begin each run with a modest set of tools and a few starter spells, then discover many ways to alter your playstyle as you progress.
- Unlockable equipment and artifacts: more than 150 magical items can be found to create diverse character builds.
- Changeable hats: swapping witch hats grants distinct modifiers that meaningfully shift how you approach fights.
- Summoned allies and weapons: call quirky companions into battle and equip different offensive tools to broaden tactical options.
How it compares and how to try it
If you enjoy titles such as Slay the Spire or Decktamer, DOG WITCH will feel familiar in its card-driven strategy and run-based loop. A free demo is available for players who want a preview before committing to the full release.
Strengths and caveats
Pros:
- Charming, offbeat aesthetic and character design.
- Deep build variety thanks to artifacts, hats, and summons.
- Tactical, thoughtful combat when the dice cooperate.
Cons:
- Heavy reliance on RNG; dice rolls can produce rewarding moments but also frustrating ones.
- The unpredictable nature of runs means some losses can feel unfair rather than challenging.
Final thoughts
DOG WITCH is a quirky, imaginative roguelike deckbuilder that offers lots of replay value and inventive combinations. If you enjoy experimenting with builds and can tolerate a high degree of randomness, it’s worth checking out—start with the demo to see if its capriciousness sits well with you.
Technical
- Windows
- Mac
- English
- Spanish
- German
- French
- Italian
- Russian
- Portuguese
- Polish
- Chinese (Simplified)
- Korean
- Japanese
- Full