BannerRush is a tactical real-time card game with deckbuilding progression, developed by HexLeaf Studio. Players command armies on an isometric battlefield across multiple rounds per match. Between rounds, a tactical intermission screen lets players choose new cards and unlock Skillcards with XP. It combines the strategic depth of chess with roguelike deckbuilding inspired by Slay the Spire and real-time combat.

What genre is BannerRush?

BannerRush is a tactical real-time card game that blends elements from multiple genres: real-time strategy (RTS), deckbuilding card games, roguelike progression, and tactical combat. Players who enjoy games like Slay the Spire, Into the Breach, Clash Royale, or Fire Emblem will find familiar mechanics combined in a unique way on an isometric battlefield.

What platforms will BannerRush be available on?

BannerRush is being developed for PC and will be available on Steam. The Steam store page is already live and you can add it to your wishlist. A Nintendo console version is also planned.

Does BannerRush have multiplayer?

Yes. BannerRush supports local splitscreen multiplayer for couch battles with friends, as well as online multiplayer powered by Photon for competitive matches against opponents worldwide. A singleplayer campaign with multiple chapters and AI opponents is also available.

How does the card system work in BannerRush?

BannerRush features six card types: melee units, ranged units, hybrid units, buildings, spells, and Skillcards. Each unit tier is a standalone card — from cheap Peasants for swarming to expensive Paladins as elite fighters. There are 12 unit cards total. The deck pool starts small and grows each round as players choose new cards. With XP earned in combat, players can unlock Skillcards — passive bonus cards that provide permanent buffs like increased damage, extra HP, or faster movement. Players manage three resource types — Craft, Magic, and Combat.

What are Skillcards in BannerRush?

Skillcards are passive bonus cards unlocked with XP during the tactical intermission between rounds. They provide permanent buffs like increased melee damage, extra HP, faster movement speed, or reduced spell costs. Skillcards have a rarity system — Common, Rare, Epic, and Legendary — with Legendary Skillcards offering game-changing effects. The system is inspired by roguelike deckbuilders like Slay the Spire, creating different builds each match.

How do matches work in BannerRush?

Each match consists of several short rounds, taking only a few minutes total including tactical intermissions. Between rounds, players choose new cards and unlock Skillcards with earned XP. Points accumulate across all rounds with an escalating multiplier in the final rounds. The deck pool grows from round to round, with the experience escalating from fast and chaotic to epic and strategic.

What is the crate system in BannerRush?

During rounds, color-coded crates spawn on the battlefield as dynamic objectives. Green crates contain booster effects, blue crates provide bonus resources, red crates offer offensive power-ups, and rare golden crates contain Skillcards or extra card choices. Crates always spawn as mirrored pairs for fairness, with the golden crate appearing exactly in the center of the battlefield.

Does BannerRush have a singleplayer campaign?

Yes. BannerRush features a multi-chapter singleplayer campaign where you fight your way from nobody to ruler. Each chapter brings new challenges, stronger enemies, and more powerful cards. The campaign offers ascension levels for replayability, with randomized card and Skillcard offers creating different builds each playthrough.

What is the banner system in BannerRush?

In BannerRush, players can create and customize their own banners with icons, colors, and frames. These banners appear visually in gameplay on the battlefield, giving each player a unique identity. The banner customization system includes multiple icon shapes, color options, and customizable frames.

When will BannerRush be released?

BannerRush is currently in active development at HexLeaf Studio. Playtesting phases are planned for the coming months. Follow development on the Steam Community Hub, IndieDB, and X/Twitter (@banner_rush). Add BannerRush to your Steam wishlist to be notified of the Early Access launch.

Who develops BannerRush?

BannerRush is developed by Tommy at HexLeaf Studio, an independent solo game development studio based in Germany. The game is built in Unity 3D with a focus on thoughtful gameplay, balanced systems, and a distinctive visual style.

Is BannerRush similar to Clash Royale or Slay the Spire?

Imagine playing Clash Royale on a tactical isometric battlefield where positioning truly matters. Between rounds, a Slay-the-Spire-style tactical screen lets you expand your deck and unlock Skillcards that reshape your entire strategy. That is BannerRush: real-time action meets strategic deckbuilding, and every match feels different because your build is never the same twice.

Our Games

We Develop Games with Creative Gameplay and Immersive Stories

In Development
Strategie