Shardpunk

Shardpunk is a turn-based tactics and survival game set in a destroyed steampunk city. An army of mutated rats has overrun the capital. You lead survivors through the ruins, fight on grid maps and try to get as many group members as possible to the next bunker.

The game combines positional battles with limited supplies. Every detour to get ammo or healing items costs time, while the enemies move closer.

Shardpunk was released on PC on April 13, 2023. Standalone versions for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch followed on March 26, 2026.

The release on Switch does not mean a separate version for Switch 2. The console versions expand the platform selection without representing a second game or a new story.

Shardpunk is natively available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch. The Xbox Store lists Smart Delivery and a version optimized for Xbox Series. The PlayStation Store explicitly lists PS4 and PS5 versions.

The Switch version supports TV, tabletop and handheld mode. On Switch 2, the Switch version can be played via compatibility. A separate native Switch 2 version is not part of the confirmed offer.

In Shardpunk you switch between exploration, turn-based battles and recovery phases in safe shelters. On the maps you search for medical supplies, ammo and technical components while rat hordes increasingly pressure the area.

You decide which paths your group risks and when it is better to move on to the next shelter. Combat and supply management are interlinked: a won fight helps little if no equipment is left for the next stage.

For the PC version, a digital soundtrack and a digital compendium are available separately. The Digital Deluxe Edition on Steam bundles the main game with both companion products. It is not a standalone additional campaign.

Steam also offers the free Blood Pack and Rat Pack. These extras are to be distinguished from the playable console versions and the standalone sequel Shardpunk 2.

On Steam, Shardpunk lists an Intel Core i5-4690K, 8 GB RAM, Intel HD Graphics 4600 and 3 GB free storage as minimum hardware. The game requirements list DirectX 9.0.

The original system list names Windows 7, 8 and 10. Today's Steam client, however, requires at least Windows 10. The store lists a GeForce GTX 460 or a comparable card as the recommended graphics solution.

Shardpunk is set in a city whose defense against the rat horde has already failed. The escape leads through three districts. With each stage the enemies become more dangerous and supplies harder to get.

Instead of retaking an army, the story focuses on a small group fighting for every remaining shelter.

Combat takes place on grid maps and requires careful positioning. You use cover, abilities and the equipment of different characters to keep paths open for your group.

Rat swarms can force you to flee. The question is therefore not only whether a fight can be won, but also whether the group still has enough ammo and energy for the way back.

Each character brings their own abilities, equipment, perks and weaknesses. This creates different roles in combat and conflicts over the distribution of scarce goods.

If a group member is wounded or important supplies run out, that changes your tactical options on the next stage. So you put together a team that is not only powerful but can also be supplied in the long term.

Fusion core-powered bunkers serve as safe stops. There you organize supplies, upgrade equipment and decide who gets the scarce healing items or rations.

Such decisions affect the next expedition. A detour to loot can bring valuable components, but can also trigger dangerous fights.

Shardpunk's weapons and devices need to be maintained and cooled. Neglecting them can become a problem in battle. Alongside using the weapons, keeping them in working order is therefore also part of preparation.

Materials you find can be used for equipment and upgrades. The combination of repairs, crafting and consumables adds an extra survival element to combat.

Shardpunk is a single-player game. Steam lists Steam Cloud and achievements for the PC version. On Nintendo Switch it can be played in handheld, tabletop and TV mode.

English and Polish are offered as on-screen languages. A German localization is not listed in the official stores. The game uses detailed pixel art in a Victorian-styled game world.