Into the Restless Ruins is an anticipated indie game that blends fast-paced action with strategic deck-building in a roguelike format. This single-player fantasy game is inspired by Scottish folklore and developed by a small, experienced team. A demo version of Into the Restless Ruins was released on 5 August 2024, and it has garnered many positive reviews since. This unique dungeon-crawling experience challenges players to build the world as they explore it – and survive the dangers within. So, is Into the Restless Ruins the next indie roguelike hit?
What is Into the Restless Ruins?
Into the Restless Ruins is an action roguelike deck-building indie game where players create the dungeon as they play. Each night, you use cards to expand a mysterious ruin – laying down rooms, corridors, and paths, before battling through your creation to collect a magical essence called Glimour from cursed spirits before your torch burns out.
Set in a world inspired by Scottish Highlands folklore, the story follows the legend of the Harvest Maiden – a figure who grants your heart’s deepest wish, but only if you help her reap Glimour from the restless dead. To win her favor, you must earn powerful relics, trade with strange folk like the Hen Wife and Wulver, and strengthen your deck to survive the ever-changing ruins.
Each run is different, offering new layouts, enemies, cards, and strategies. With auto-battling combat and clever deck upgrades, Into the Restless Ruins emphasizes smart building, fast adaptation, and testing your limits before facing The Warden – the terrifying final challenge standing between you and your wish.
Into the Restless Ruins Features
- Build the Dungeon: In this action roguelike indie game, you create the dungeon as you explore it. Use cards to place rooms, corridors, and traps. Upgrade your deck by earning the Maiden’s favor or meeting strange characters inside the ruins.
- Smart Synergies: Rooms aren’t just scenery, they’re strategy. Campfires heal, libraries boost your hand, and portals open new paths. Place them wisely to unlock powerful effects.
- Always a New Run: Every run is different. Procedural layouts, shifting challenges, and evolving strategies keep the game fresh. Unlock new cards, modifiers, and secrets each time you play.
- A World of Folklore: Inspired by Scottish and Celtic myths, the game is filled with faeries, witches, and the haunting Maiden.
- Evolving Challenges: Face unpredictable threats, deadly enemies, and powerful artifacts that force you to adapt and think quickly in every run.
- Find Hidden Treasures: Discover rare weapons, magical charms, and lore fragments that shape your journey and reveal the secrets of the Restless Ruins.
Into the Restless Ruins Release Date and Platforms
Almost a year after the demo’s release, the new indie game finally received a release date, announced in March. It is set to launch on 15 May 2025. The 2D single-player strategy game developed by Ant Workshop was already announced for the Switch in early February. Additionally, the game will be available on the following platforms:
- PlayStation
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC
- Nintendo Switch
Summary
Into the Restless Ruins is surely a game to anticipate. This game is perfect for anyone who enjoys strategic and minimalist games, and even if you don’t, it’s worth a try. Additionally, you can build the dungeon, discover places, rooms, corridors, traps, cards, and more. Create a strategy, complete a milestone, and showcase your skills.
Will you try this new indie game? Tell us in the comments, and for more gaming news, guides, tips, and more, check out our blog.
