DeckLand: Korean Folklore Roguelite Enters Early Access March 23
DeckLand, a unique deck-building roguelite that combines traditional Korean board game elements with card-based combat, will launch its early access version on March 23, 2026. Developed by JellySnow and published by CFK, the game has already gained recognition through multiple indie game events including PlayX4 2024 Indie Arcade selection and IndieCraft TOP50. Following a successful Steam Next Fest participation from February 23 to March 3, the game has generated significant interest among global players. The early access launch represents two years of development work that began after the project achieved 823% funding on the Tumblbug crowdfunding platform.
Unlike traditional deck-building games that focus primarily on numerical card values, DeckLand introduces spatial positioning as a core strategic element. Players move one space at a time using cards while avoiding enemy attacks, creating a hybrid experience that blends board game movement with card combat. According to developer Kim Tae-hoon of JellySnow, the game allows players to physically dodge attacks or leap over enemies based on their deck composition. This “position is strategy” concept emerged from the team’s desire to create a game where spatial decisions determine combat outcomes rather than just numerical superiority.
The game draws inspiration from Korean folktales and legends, expanding to include various Asian mythological creatures and stories. Originally focused solely on Korean yokai and shaman-like NPCs, the development team broadened the scope to encompass Asian mythology after discovering interesting parallels across different cultures during their research. Players will encounter characters and monsters inspired by Eastern mythology, including bosses like Chiyou from Chinese mythology and the Korean mythological monster Kanchori. The narrative follows protagonist Ran and helper Release through four chapters of wuxia-inspired adventure.
The early access version will feature approximately 1,000 cards, a significant expansion from the demo’s 100-card showcase. Core systems include card fusion mechanics where players combine multiple cards to create more powerful combinations, and the ability to deploy collected monsters as familiars to build custom formations. During early access, the developers plan to collect user feedback for refinement before the full release, with planned updates including multiple endings, branching fates, additional monsters, and animation language optimization. Following the PC early access launch, DeckLand is scheduled to expand to Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PlayStation 5 consoles. With its innovative blend of board game positioning and deck-building strategy, DeckLand offers a fresh take on the roguelite genre that should appeal to fans looking for something beyond traditional card combat.
