Rabid is a single-player dark fantasy tactical RPG that blends turn-based combat with blackjack mechanics and deckbuilding on PC. Players lead a team of five unique animal heroes through a gritty, comic-book-inspired world filled with mutations and experiments. The core loop revolves around managing risk in every battle while building and upgrading decks to handle increasingly tough encounters in a sinister laboratory setting.
Gameplay
Turn-based combat forms the foundation, where each action ties directly to blackjack. Players draw cards to build a total toward 21, and that final number powers abilities for attacks, defenses, or special effects. Pushing for a higher total risks going bust and losing the turn, forcing decisions between aggressive plays and safer stands. Deckbuilding adds layers of strategy, as custom decks improve consistency and unlock stronger combinations over time. Loot collection and character upgrades allow progression across the five animal heroes, each bringing distinct abilities and playstyles that reward experimentation with team setups. The 15 handcrafted encounters include dangerous bosses, emphasizing tactical positioning and resource management in a world where animal mutations drive the narrative.
Game Modes
The game operates entirely in single-player mode. All content unfolds through a linear campaign structure focused on sequential battles and story progression. There are no separate modes such as multiplayer, roguelike runs, or endless challenges confirmed in the available details. The experience centers on completing the full sequence of encounters while uncovering laboratory secrets through repeated team customization and deck refinement.
Key Mechanics and Progression
Blackjack serves as the central risk-reward system, directly influencing combat outcomes rather than acting as a side element. Deck customization lets players refine card draws for better control, while loot and upgrades enhance hero stats and unlock new synergies. The five animal heroes offer varied tactical roles, encouraging players to test different compositions against specific threats. Story elements tie into the laboratory theme, with mutations and experiments providing context for the battles without requiring external knowledge. System requirements remain modest, supporting play on standard Windows hardware with keyboard and mouse controls.
Visuals and Themes
The presentation uses a comic-book art style that suits the dark fantasy tone. Stylized violence appears through melee attacks, explosions, and poison effects, all presented without realistic gore. Dark themes of animal experimentation and mutation set the atmosphere, aligning with the gritty world where players fight to survive and reveal hidden truths. Generative AI tools assisted in creating some visual assets during development, though the final integration remains under developer control.
Is It Worth Playing?
Rabid targets fans of tactical RPGs who enjoy unique twists on combat systems. The integration of blackjack with turn-based battles and deckbuilding creates a distinctive loop that rewards careful risk assessment and strategic planning. With a planned release in December 2026 and no user reviews available yet, the game remains untested in the wild. Those drawn to single-player experiences with animal protagonists, handcrafted encounters, and progression through upgrades will find the described systems appealing. Availability is limited to PC at launch, and the modest system requirements lower the barrier for entry. Potential players should monitor updates closer to release for any changes in scope or additional confirmed features.
