Ricpau Studios and Japanese publisher HYPER REAL have announced Helcast, a physics-based merge-puzzle roguelite deckbuilder inspired by Norse mythology. The game is scheduled to launch on PC via Steam Early Access in Q1 2027.
Players take on the role of Modgunn, the bridgekeeper between life and death, as she travels from Helheim to Asgard after the dishonorable dead escape the Underworld and threaten the realm of the gods. Odin has declared war on the Underworld, leaving Modgunn to fight her way through the realms of the dead and the gods.
Helcast combines combat, physics-based mechanics, and merge puzzles. Players can drop weapons onto shifting platforms to merge them together, creating more powerful weapons that can deal increased damage. The game’s physics system also takes mass, velocity, and ricochets into account, allowing players to create chain reactions and multi-hit combos.
Positioning is also important during battles, as Modgunn attacks whatever is positioned above the merge. Players will therefore need to carefully plan each move to avoid wasting a potentially powerful combination.
The game features multiple classes with their own combat mechanics. The Shieldmaiden focuses on defence, building up armor through merge combos, while the Huntress attacks enemies from a distance with piercing arrows. Her attacks can also be enhanced with effects such as Burn, Chill, and Life-Steal.
Spells and Totems provide additional ways to manipulate the battlefield. The Eagle Totem summons a bird of prey that attacks all enemies when struck, while the Oath Ring provides additional damage after each merge. The Pulse Stone can also send objects flying in different directions, potentially opening new opportunities for otherwise unreachable merges.
A playable demo of Helcast will be available at gamescom 2026 as part of the Indie Arena Booth in Hall 10.2, giving attendees an opportunity to experience the game’s opening realm.
The Steam Early Access version will feature four realms and the game’s first boss battle. According to the developers, the full version will eventually allow players to continue their journey toward Odin.
“It’s cliché to say no run is ever the same, but with physics-based merge mechanics, we can say that literally every turn within Helcast’s gameplay is unique,” said Rickard Paulsson, lead developer at Ricpau Studios. “HYPER REAL has taken our original vision for Helcast to new heights, and we look forward to gamescom attendees taking the first look at gameplay at the end of the month.”
Helcast is scheduled to launch on PC via Steam Early Access in Q1 2027. The game will support English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, French, Spanish, and German.