In Bloodgrounds, you’re raising up a team of gladiators to exact revenge against the mad Emperor for killing your father and taking away your freedom. You recruit your team, battle them in tournaments, level them up, and bring in money that you can use to build and upgrade your city. However, make sure your tactics are razor-sharp, as anyone in your unit that dies is gone forever.

The story is somewhat reminiscent of the movie Gladiator, but the gameplay looks like it takes after Fire Emblem with permadeath and recruiting your party. You can use Deity abilities in battle as well, or choose to make deals with crime lords to handicap your opponent before the battle begins. Use your burgeoning city to rest and recuperate your party members, trade items to outfit them, or construct a monument to honor your fallen warriors.

Bloodgrounds is releasing for PC sometime in 2025 and there’s a playable demo right now on Steam. Check out the demo trailer below:

BLOODGROUNDS

Lead your team of Gladiators in turn-based arena battles, recruiting, training, and sometimes sacrificing them for glory. But remember, your Gladiators are mortal – If they fall in battle, they are lost forever… though their legacy will live on.

As a noble heir, you’ll manage your city by unlocking, constructing, and upgrading buildings that provide new services and mechanics to aid you on your bloody quest for vengeance.

STORY

You fought tooth and nail for survival, driven by a burning hatred and a thirst for justice. Now, as a wealthy patron and a gladiator trainer, you plot your revenge against the tyrannical Emperor who stole your freedom and murdered your father. But the path to redemption is fraught with peril, and you must navigate a treacherous world filled with deception and danger.

Recruit new allies and expand your gladiator team to climb the ranks of the brutal tournaments. Each victory brings you closer to the grand Capitol, where your ultimate target – the Emperor, lost in his madness – awaits on his throne.

BATTLE PREPARATION

Before each battle, assemble a team of gladiators from various classes: physical, ranged, or magical. Will you pay gold, duel them, or show mercy in the arena to recruit them?

Level them up, increase their stats, and learn new abilities to ensure they’re battle-ready. Don’t forget to address any negative statuses or traumas, and equip them with shiny new weapons, armor, and consumables.

Use powerful Deity abilities to aid your Gladiators in battle, or make a shady deal with a local crime lord to sabotage your enemies before the battle even begins.

ARENA BATTLES

Combat unfolds in turn-based battles on a grid, where units act in order of initiative. Strategically move your gladiators, attack, and position them to outsmart and outmaneuver your opponents.

Use your action points wisely – unleash powerful weapon or class abilities, make use of items like potions and magical scrolls, or set traps on the ground to catch enemies off guard.

Win the favor of the audience by fulfilling their bloodthirsty wishes and reap rewards after each battle. But beware – permadeath is on. If a gladiator falls, they and their equipment are lost forever, adding high stakes to every decision.

MANAGEMENT

You’ve inherited an estate overlooking the desolate coastal city of Marevento, and the city’s future now rests in your hands.

Between battles, use your hard-earned gold to build and upgrade city buildings, unlocking new tools and services to aid you in your quest for vengeance. From the infirmary, where your gladiators can recover, to the bustling market for trading items, and even a grand monument to honor fallen gladiators.

Defeat each region’s Arena Champion to advance the age and access powerful new buildings and items.

Are you ready to rise to the challenge and carve your name into history?

[Steam]