TUSSLE WORKS is a free-to-play auto-battler strategy game developed for PC that centers on building teams of mechanical contraptions. Players draft and customize scrap-built machines during shop phases before sending them into automated combat against opposing lineups. The Frostwork Pack expands the available roster by introducing twelve new machines that enter the shop pool across supported run modes once purchased.
Gameplay
Each run begins with a shop phase where players earn cogs to purchase machines from a rotating selection. Three identical machines merge into a higher level version, while excess copies or unwanted units sell for resources. Freezing options preserve desirable cards for future turns, and parts can attach to customize individual machines. Combat unfolds automatically once lineups lock in, with each contraption following its programmed abilities such as dealing damage on attack, applying debuffs, granting shields, or summoning tokens.
The Frostwork Pack contributes machines like Frost Bellows, which removes one Spark from the front enemy at battle start, and Icicle Chime, which drops a spike for one damage when an ally ahead attacks. Higher rarity options include The Deep Freeze, an epic machine that triggers a cold snap removing one Spark from all enemies, and The Solstice, which grants all allies plus one attack and health at turn end. These additions integrate directly into the existing drafting pool without altering core rules or economy.
Workshop conditions rotate each turn to modify available actions or rewards, encouraging adaptation. An optional Overwind system allows spending cogs for temporary stat boosts at the risk of machine strain after repeated use. Machines span multiple tiers and rarities, with abilities focused on positioning effects, resource generation, and team-wide buffs or debuffs.
Game Modes
Solo mode requires winning ten successive tussles against ghost teams. Tag Tussle supports two-player cooperative relay battles where participants alternate control. The Gauntlet offers endless runs with progressively scaling difficulty. Boss Rush pits players against five fixed, authored encounters. Mirror Match creates a stronger duplicate of the player's own team for self-testing. Real-time Ranked uses an ELO ladder for competitive matchmaking.
The Frostwork Pack machines appear in the shop for solo, tag team, and ranked modes immediately after unlock. Daily Tussle events grant temporary access to the full roster including pack content for all players. Ownership ties to the account and carries over to the web version of the game.
Collection and Progression
A total of 210 hand-drawn machines form the base roster, organized across six tiers and seven rarities with two rare mythic entries that provide unique team-altering effects. Completing the collection unlocks a golden workshop theme and contributes to achievement tracking. Stats screens record run history, win rates, and machine performance across modes.
Async ghost battles allow lineups to compete against other players' teams while offline, with optional named accounts enabling personal visibility on the ladder. No purchase raises overall power limits, as all machines require cogs to acquire and follow identical combat rules.
Is It Worth Playing?
TUSSLE WORKS suits players who enjoy drafting and economy management in an auto-battler format with short, repeatable runs. The free core experience includes all base machines and multiple modes, while the Frostwork Pack provides targeted variety for those seeking new synergies in solo or competitive play. With only a handful of early reviews available shortly after launch, reception remains limited, yet the hand-crafted pixel art, optional async elements, and consistent update potential through additional packs support ongoing engagement for fans of the genre. Those preferring deep collection goals or ranked competition will find the most direct value in the full roster expansions.
