Onward! Autobattles is a single-player strategy game that blends roguelike progression with autobattler mechanics on PC. Players build and position armies ahead of combat, then watch automated battles unfold based on those pre-set choices. The focus stays on planning synergies and formations rather than real-time control, with each run presenting fresh combinations of units, events, and rewards to adapt to on the fly.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on army construction before any fighting starts. Players select units and artifacts from procedurally generated options, then arrange them on a board where exact placement determines outcomes. One unit shifted by a single square can activate or break key synergies, turning average lineups into dominant forces. Battles run automatically once set, letting abilities trigger, units grow over time, or support structures enhance nearby allies without further input.
Units number over 100 and come with varied traits. Some gain power from adjacency to specific allies or board features, while others need distance or open space to function. Artifacts, totaling more than 50, alter army behavior by boosting certain styles, modifying stats, or enabling entirely new combinations. Potions add further layers during runs. Commanders provide starting differences through unique stats, appearances, and personalized boards that shift how the same units perform across playthroughs.
Fame earned in runs expands options. Higher levels grant extra unit slots on the battlefield and access to stronger units and artifacts. Between runs, victories and achievements expand the overall pool available for future attempts, encouraging repeated play to discover deeper interactions that only emerge after experimentation.
Game Modes
Play revolves around individual runs that generate unique enemy sets, shops, events, and rewards each time. No fixed campaign exists; instead, the experience builds through successive attempts where choices adapt to what appears. New adventures unlock as more difficult run variants after progress, increasing challenge while drawing from the growing collection of units, artifacts, and commanders.
Single-player focus keeps all decisions internal, with no competitive or cooperative elements confirmed. The structure rewards long-term collection and adaptation over short matches, as each run feeds into permanent unlocks that alter future strategies.
Progression Systems
Unlocks happen steadily through repeated runs. Commanders, units, artifacts, and potions accumulate, allowing more complex builds as the roster grows. Achievements tied to victories further expand availability, turning early simple lineups into layered strategies that combine multiple synergies at once. Defeats highlight weak points in planning, while successes open harder variants that test refined approaches.
Is It Worth Playing?
This title suits players who prefer deliberate strategy and roguelike variety over fast reflexes or direct combat control. The emphasis on positioning and pre-battle planning creates depth for those who enjoy experimenting with combinations and adapting to random elements. With a 2026 release date and no reviews available yet, interest depends on whether the described mechanics match a preference for thoughtful army building in a single-player format. Those drawn to similar autobattler experiences may find value in the commander variety and unlock-driven progression once it launches.
