Goodly Trials is a turn-based strategy game set in Early Access on PC. Players assemble companies of knights, sell-swords, merchants, and magic users, then guide them through resource management and tactical decisions on a perilous journey home.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around careful preparation and observation rather than rapid inputs. Each turn involves visiting shops to acquire recruits and equipment, positioning units on the field, outfitting them with gear that carries innate attributes and variable traits, engaging in combat, and then reviewing outcomes to adjust plans for the next cycle. Units and items feature rolled traits that alter their roles, so an unremarkable hire can become central to a formation through clever combinations. Battles unfold automatically once lines are set, with success depending on factors such as range, movement, adjacency, and the overall shape of opposing forces. Formations expand over the course of a run, turning early skirmishes into larger engagements where positioning matters more than individual unit power.
Progression ties directly to performance. Deeds earned during runs unlock additional recruits, gear options, traits, boss encounters, and access to new factions. The artistic presentation remains entirely hand-drawn, covering every element from interface icons to large boss weapons, which supports a consistent visual identity without reliance on procedural generation for assets.
Game Modes
Single-player focuses on a structured journey where a leader and defining trait are drafted at the start. Players work with three lives to secure twelve victories across increasing difficulty levels. Harder trials introduce stronger enemies, and successful runs grant permanent unlocks that expand available options for future attempts. The loop of shop, placement, equipping, battle, and planning repeats until the journey concludes or lives are exhausted.
Multiplayer supports two to six participants in shared tournaments. All players compete for the same pool of recruits and equipment through bidding, then arrange their companies before facing rivals in turn-based matches. Sessions can incorporate friends or fill remaining slots with AI-controlled armies. Wagering on featured matches adds another layer to group play.
Ranked play matches armies against those created by other players. A rating system tracks results and pairs participants with opponents of comparable skill. Consistent wins improve the rating and grant access to rare rewards, emphasizing long-term strategy over short sessions.
Progression and Factions
Unlocks accumulate across play sessions and affect all modes. New factions such as the persistent Bone Host and the treasure-focused Below Born become available through accumulated deeds. Each faction brings distinct units and strategic emphases that encourage experimentation with different company compositions. The system supports roughly 40 hours of content through character, equipment, and modifier unlocks before repeats become common.
Traits and attributes on units create meaningful variety. No two market offerings are identical, which rewards players who identify unexpected synergies rather than chasing only high-stat options. This design keeps decision-making fresh even after multiple runs.
Is It Worth Playing?
Goodly Trials suits players who prefer deliberate, turn-based strategy over fast-paced action or competitive grinding. The absence of pay-to-win elements and the emphasis on thoughtful drafting and positioning align with preferences for accessible yet deep systems. Early Access launches with core single-player, multiplayer, and ranked features fully functional, including matchmaking and lobby support. Additional factions are planned during the 60-day Early Access period, and community input through Discord channels will influence balance updates. Those drawn to auto-battler mechanics combined with persistent progression and hand-crafted visuals will find the experience rewarding from the outset, particularly if they value games that reward planning over mechanical speed.
