Axe Descent

Axe Descent is a roguelite, turn-based command RPG. You build a deck from randomly presented skills and equipment, then choose how to use your changing resources and combinations as you fight through the Rift. Each run brings different challenges and choices.

Build your deck

The game has over 600 skills. After defeating enemies, you choose one skill from a random selection to add to your deck. The skills available differ each run, so you can adapt your strategy to what you find or strengthen the build you have already started.

In battle, your skills move through three stages called Chains, in order: Chain 1, Chain 2 and Chain 3. Each turn, skills advance to the next Chain; after Chain 3, they go to the discard pile. When your draw pile runs out, the discard pile is shuffled back into it. You can chain three skills together and activate them in succession, making it important to work with the combinations currently available. Quick Skills are kept separately and can be used without consuming a turn.

Equip and upgrade

Leveling up improves your base stats. You can also equip Weapons, Wills and Potions, which combine with skills to create different synergies. Each equipment type has its own Facility for upgrades, but resources are limited, so you decide where to invest and how to complement your deck.

Explore the Rift

The Rift is a dungeon whose contents change with each run. The skills enemies provide, equipment in treasure chests, NPCs you meet and Facilities available along the way can all differ. Choices may take your build in new directions, while conquering Rifts rewards special items that unlock features and stages.

Before entering, you can use the Preparation Base to customize elements such as your starting deck and equipment. You can prepare around a specific strategy or begin with a versatile setup and adapt to what you encounter.

Meet companions and modify skills

Rift encounters include battles, trades and events. Some NPCs can be recruited as Companions, whose abilities are randomized; encounters can change the course of a run.

As you progress, you unlock Skill Modification, which lets you add effects found during a journey directly to skills in your deck. The same skill can work differently depending on its added effects. Further progress unlocks Custom Skills, where you set properties such as power and number of attacks, then add effects that trigger when the skill is activated. The activation cost is calculated from the chosen effects and values, with more powerful effects requiring a higher cost.

Fight large enemies

Powerful Large Enemies have destructible parts. You can target and destroy those parts to weaken them, or focus your attacks on the main body; the best choice depends on your build.