Hydra Slayer

Hydra Slayer is a roguelike built around tactical puzzles and weapon planning. You face hydras whose heads change in number according to the weapon you use: a flaming longsword cuts five heads, while a larger hydra regrows two; a storm scythe cuts seven, but makes ten grow back if the hydra survives. You must work out how to defeat each enemy, then build a set of weapons that can handle the challenges ahead.

Combat and strategy

Each hydra presents a distinct tactical problem, and attacking it with a weapon without planning will rarely work. You also need to manage a limited inventory and construct effective combinations of weapons for later levels. The early levels can teach arithmetic and tactical planning, while assembling a weapon set for the late game challenges even expert number theorists.

The game includes a tutorial and five player character races, each with distinct characteristics. Its enemies include 28 types: 10 common hydras, each in two varieties, and eight special enemies. There are 28 equipment types, including rare artifact weapons with special properties, along with 15 weapon materials and 18 types of magical items to aid your quests. Equipment counts do not include variations in material and size.

Levels and endings

You can choose from three game geometries. The game also has 11 level generators and, on very deep levels, eight level topologies, including the Möbius strip and Klein bottle. There are two endings: a smaller victory for quick challenges and more casual play, and a bigger victory for players seeking a greater challenge.

Challenge mode

Challenge mode offers short games that are more unpredictable than normal play. The game also includes traps for leading hydras and Orbs, which provide a powder or potion effect at the cost of a weapon slot. Online achievements and leaderboards are available.