This week Epic Games store is giving away Backpack Hero. It is a fresh take on the roguelike genre, blending inventory management with strategic combat and town-building elements. This indie gem has captured players’ attention with its innovative mechanics and charming pixel art. It is available on platforms like Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and more.
At its heart, Backpack Hero redefines the deck-building roguelike by replacing cards with a grid-based backpack system, inspired by games like Resident Evil 4. Players control characters like Purse, a rat hero, and others such as Tote, CR-8, Satchel, and Pochette, each with unique playstyles. The goal? Collect over 800 items, from weapons to armor, and arrange them in your limited backpack space to maximize their power.
Item Placement is the Key
Item placement is key. Some items gain bonuses when placed next to others, while some trigger special effects based on their position. For example, a sword might deal more damage if placed near a sharpening stone. This puzzle-like mechanic makes every pickup a strategic decision, forcing players to balance space, synergy, and utility. Combat is turn-based, with enemies telegraphing their moves, allowing you to plan your actions carefully. However, some players find the combat repetitive, with the real thrill coming from perfecting your backpack layout.
Exploring Dungeons and Building a Town
Backpack Hero offers two main modes: Story Mode and Quick Game. In Story Mode, you explore procedurally generated dungeons filled with over 100 enemies, from deadly foes to quirky bosses. Each run presents random layouts, events, and loot, keeping the experience fresh. Between runs, you return to Haversack Hill, a village you rebuild using resources gathered in dungeons. This town-building aspect lets you construct farms, shops, and homes to unlock new heroes, quests, and items. While some players find this meta-progression slow or disconnected, it adds a cozy layer to the game, rewarding long-term planning.
Quick Game mode skips the town and throws you straight into the dungeon for fast-paced runs. It’s perfect for players who want to focus on crafting game-breaking item combos without the narrative. However, some updates, like new curses and relics, have made Quick Game challenging, with mixed feedback on balance.
Conclusion
Backpack Hero is a must-try for roguelike fans and puzzle enthusiasts alike. Its unique inventory management, combined with deep strategic gameplay and charming aesthetics, makes it a standout indie title. While it has some rough edges, like a weak story and occasional bugs, its innovative mechanics and replayability make every run a delightful challenge.
Claim the Giveaway
In order to claim the giveaway game, you can visit Epic Games store webpage https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/backpack-hero-449c5e, login to your Epic Games account and then click on the Get button. You will have to use Epic Games Launcher in order to download and install it.