Stray Path Preview

I got the chance to check out the Stray Path playtest. Being developed by chx games and published by Yogscast Games, this pixel-style card battler aims to combine FreeCell mechanics with roguelite elements. After actually looking up what the heck FreeCell is (it’s solitaire, by the way), this might be a refreshing take on the genre after playing way too many games that are based on Slay the Spire.

The game is fairly easy to understand. Upon starting a new run, you’ll be faced with five stacks of cards. You need to search through stacks to find the exit to the next level, finding items and relics that will help you and encountering monsters that will hinder you along the way. You can save two item cards for later use or sell them for some quick cash. That’s pretty much the entire system, but it presents some really interesting gameplay.

Because of how everything is set up, you have to really think through your moves with each card that comes up. You don’t have to interact with everything, but doing so might end your run prematurely. Should you fight that tough monster on the top of several cards, risking your run in hopes of better rewards or should you take the easy exit, hoping for easier encounters but leaving you less powerful than you should be? Although luck plays a good factor in determining if you’ll win or lose, it’ll be on you to mitigate those risks as much as possible.

From what little that was available to play, I find myself eager to see the full version of Stray Path, where it’ll actually include multiple characters, random events, boss fights, and upgrades that will permanently increase your stats. Stray Path is coming out in 2025 so if you’re interested, try out the demo and add it to your wishlist.