The roguelike strategy RPG Backpack Hero is currently free for Windows — 100% free to keep — in a limited-time Epic Store’s giveaway offer! Don’t miss this opportunity, as the game normally costs US$19.99!
Backpack Hero is an indie strategy and RPG game with roguelike elements, centered around how well the player organizes their backpack, which uses a grid-based system similar to the briefcase in Resident Evil 4. It was developed by Jaspel and originally released on November 14, 2023.
The game takes place in a fantasy world inhabited by anthropomorphic animals and features a charming retro pixel art style — reminiscent of 16-bit classics, with item designs that could be straight out of Minecraft. Its upbeat and catchy soundtrack helps reinforce the game’s lighthearted tone.
Published by IndieArk, Different Tales, and Jaspel himself, Backpack Hero is available for Windows, Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and even HTML5. It has been generally well-received, currently holding thousands of Very Positive reviews on Steam and a 4.5/5 rating on GOG, as of this writing.
You can get the game here! There’s also a free online version here!
Trailer
Gameplay
Backpack Hero blends roguelite progression, turn-based combat, inventory management, and deck-building mechanics. In a typical run, the player starts with a limited backpack containing only basic equipment. As they level up, the backpack expands, allowing more items to be added — many of which have effects that depend on their position and arrangement, making space management a key part of the strategy. While it doesn’t follow the typical structure of tactical RPGs, the game still offers tactical challenges when it comes to spatial decisions and combat planning.
The “face” of the game and first playable character is Purse, an adventurous rat. There are five playable characters, each with their own unique combat style and inventory mechanics. Resources gathered in dungeons can be spent in the overworld village to upgrade buildings and unlock new characters.
After each battle, players are offered new items, requiring them to reorganize their inventory creatively to make room for the best gear. The variety of available items is huge, enabling plenty of customization and experimentation across different builds and characters.
In addition to the standard roguelike mode, Backpack Hero also includes a Story Mode, which features a slower and more gradual progression — great for newcomers. This mode involves rebuilding the village and unlocking content through challenges. However, most progression in Story Mode depends on the main character, which can limit the other characters’ usefulness early on.
The game also offers an endless mode unlocked after defeating the final boss, where difficulty ramps up continuously. There is also native mod support, allowing the community to expand the experience much like in Slay the Spire. Since launch, Backpack Hero has continued to receive regular updates focused on bug fixes, balance tweaks, and occasional new content.
About the game
The inventory management roguelike! Collect rare items, organize your backpack, and vanquish your foes!
Backpack Hero is a twist on your standard deck-building roguelike. It isn’t just about what you carry, but how you organize the items within your bag! Their placement has a huge impact on their performance. Find them the right spot in your backpack to increase their power! Explore ancient dungeons, caves, swamps, and more! Meet colorful friends and fight deadly foes! Don’t get lost!
Story mode
When you aren’t putting your life in danger, you can make good use of the resources you have gathered and rebuild your hometown of Haversack Hill! Turn it into a charming and efficient hamlet to attract new residents. Buy and sell items, conduct research, and unlock heroes, challenges, and quests. By organizing the perfect village, you will restore the world of Orderia and rescue the animals who live there!
Features
- Experiment with your strategy and create game-breaking solutions.
- Collect 800+ distinct items, with ingenious powers and synergies to harness.
- Battle with over 100+ enemies. Learn their attack patterns and vanquish your foes.
- Dive into the endless dungeons! Start every run with randomly generated levels and discover unpredictable items, unique layouts, events, and challenges.
- Explore 5 unique play styles by selecting different heroes.
- Play standalone runs or experience the full adventure and meta progression in Story Mode.
- Rebuild Haversack Hill and help its inhabitants.
- Turn the village into an appealing and efficient hamlet to attract new residents. Buy and sell items, conduct research, and unlock heroes, challenges, and quests.
- Play with full controller support.
Screenshots
More info and RPG
Overview
- GET Backpack Hero HERE - Download link(s) or store's listing.
- Size: 180 MB
- License: Commercial
- Operational systems: Windows, Linux and Mac
- Developer(s) and/or publisher(s): Jaspel, Different Tales, IndieArk
- Categories: Online games, RPG, Strategy
- Views: 4
- Added by: Valewson