Hellslave II: Dark Fantasy Tactical RPG Announced for 2026 Release

ByKhris Brayton

Hellslave II: Judgment of the Archon is the follow-up to the original Hellslave, and brings even darker, more brutal energy than ever before. This dark fantasy dungeon crawler brings tactical-based RPG combat and mechanics to a demon war that has lasted thousands of years. The world has been torn apart, and the never-ending war has caused the Heavens to set in motion a plan to destroy everything. Can you stop the wars before everything and everyone perishes? That is the only key to survival.

Hellslave II Brings Brutal Dungeon Crawling Tactical Action

Hellslave II
Image of Hellslave II, courtesy of
Dear Villagers.

Hellslave is a game originally published in 2022 for PC, where players had to make a deal with the devil (literally) to have him help the protagonist fight back against a demon invasion. Hellslave II picks up after the first, but things have gotten far, far worse. The world is in complete ruins thanks to the endless wars between the six demon lords vying for power. The heavens are sick of hoping the war will end and have taken drastic measures to curb the fighting by sending down an all-powerful force that will assuredly destroy the entire world. The only way to save it is to kill all six demon lords in time.

The official Steam page delivers a deeper dive into the features to expect in Hellslave II.

Thousands of years of demonic warfare have torn the world to shreds. Six demon lords, locked in an endless war, have brought ruin to all. Tired of this infernal chaos, the heavens have unleashed the Archon of Judgment, an unstoppable force set to destroy everything.

But before annihilation can begin, you’re given a final chance at salvation: destroy all the demons yourself or perish with the rest of the world and creation.

Welcome to HellSlave II: Judgment of the Archon, a dark fantasy dungeon crawler RPG where you’re humanity’s last twisted chance. As the spiritual successor to the critically acclaimed Hellslave, this sequel takes everything fans loved, gritty lore, comic book style hand-drawn art, and tactical combat that raises the bar to hell.

Customize Your Damnation

Start as a Warrior or Sorcerer and specialize in six deadly classes from spectral assassins to plague-bearing mages. Mix and match powers in a flexible talent tree and forge your path through fire and fury.

Turn-Based Combat with a Time Twist

Plan every move carefully with a unique time-based combat system. Each skill takes real-time seconds to execute, forcing you to balance aggression and survival in every brutal fight.

Explore a World on the Brink

Walk inside the map to travel an immersive overworld and explore cursed dungeons, ruined villages, and sanctuaries. Every location filled with lore, secrets, and characters clinging to the last threads of hope.

Fight or Be Forgotten

Face hordes of monstrous enemies and hellish bosses. Use active powers and passive talents to unleash devastating combos and ride the edge between light and complete corruption.

What is great about this indie dungeon crawler is that the developers really worked to take what made Hellslave great and made it even better. They took player and fan advice and applied it to the new, updated Hellslave II. The solo-dev wanted to create an experience that players love. One that is darker and heavier, with more complex depth than ever before. Developer Ars Goetia highlights the similarities and differences from the two excitingly dark RPGs.

What’s New in HellSlave II?

• Randomized Loot System: Find, forge, and fine-tune gear with an overhauled crafting system

• Flexible Build Paths: All powers are accessible, but your class defines your journey.

• First-Person Combat View: Feel the impact. Get closer to the carnage.

• Time Management in Combat: Every second counts in this real-time/turn-based hybrid.

What Returns from the First Game?

• Dark, handcrafted universe and visuals that ooze style and sorrow.

• Deep character customization and class synergy.

• Strategic, turn-based battles with layered enemy design.

• A world soaked in lore, with haunting quests and rich storytelling/narration.

A full release trailer can be found below.

Final Thoughts

Indie games continue to carry the horror genre, as time and time again exciting new entries are being released while horror and dark fantasy fans continue to wait years between each AAA release. Passionate indie developers are able to spill their full heart into their ideas, and have more of a communication line with players as well, something that was well utilized for Hellslave IIAs part of the reveal of the sequel game, the original Hellslave is available for free on Steam until June 16. Meanwhile, the sequel can be wishlisted on Steam now and is slated for release in 2026.

Khris is the Gaming Site Manager for Total Apex Media, and a contributor to multiple other pages. He gives insight across many genres, particularly Gaming, Entertainment, News, and Sports. He is an avid gamer and serves as a moderator for online gaming servers. He has previously written as a fan for sports blogs on SBNation, including Over The Monster and McCovey Chronicles, giving his proposals and opinions on the direction of the teams. He is also a contributor at FanSided's Surviving Tribal, where he considers himself a reality TV superfan, and at Stadium Rant, specialising in the MLB. In his spare time, Khris enjoys camping and hiking in nature, taking nature photography, playing board games and video games, and both playing and watching sports; he also considers himself an ace mini-golfer.

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