The sand is stained, the crowd is roaring, and the Emperor is waiting. After a successful run in Early Access, the brutal gladiator simulation Bloodgrounds is officially ready for its full-scale debut.

Developed by the Zagreb-based team at Exordium Games and published by Daedalic Entertainment, Bloodgrounds will launch into Version 1.0 on Steam on March 12, 2026.

Blending the tactical precision of XCOM with the unforgiving management of Darkest Dungeon, this roguelite strategy title has spent months being sharpened by community feedback. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to step into the arena, the gates are finally swinging wide.

The Path to Vengeance

In Bloodgrounds, you don’t just fight for survival—you fight for a legacy. You play as a once-enslaved gladiator who has risen to become a wealthy patron. Your goal? Navigate the political web of the coastal city of Marevento and assemble a squad capable of toppling the tyrannical Emperor who destroyed your family.

The 1.0 release brings the culmination of this journey, expanding on the core pillars that made the Early Access version a “Very Positive” hit:

Tactical Grid Combat: Every move counts in turn-based battles where positioning, traps, and divine intervention are the difference between glory and a shallow grave.

Hardcore Permadeath: When a gladiator falls, they are gone forever. You’ll lose their gear, their progress, and the bond you’ve built, forcing you to reshape your strategy on the fly.

Estate Management: Between bloodbaths, you’ll upgrade your estate, research new crafting recipes, and manage the psychological trauma of your fighters.

Crowd Dynamics: The arena isn’t just about killing; it’s about performing. Win over the audience for mid-battle buffs or manipulate the underworld to sabotage your rivals before the first blow is struck.

What’s New in Version 1.0?

The transition from Early Access to full release isn’t just a label change. Exordium Games has packed the 1.0 update with significant content additions following their major “Masters of the Arena” and “Trials of the Gladiator” updates.

Are You Ready to Enter the Pit?

Whether you’re a fan of Battle Brothers or Into the Breach, Bloodgrounds offers a “crunchy” tactical experience that respects your intelligence while punishing your mistakes. With its gritty pixel-art aesthetic and deep RPG progression, it is set to be one of the standout strategy releases of the year.

The game also offers a Supporter Pack for those who want to dive deeper into the world of Marevento, featuring a digital artbook, the original soundtrack, and exclusive in-game cosmetics.

Sharpen your steel and prepare your tactics. Bloodgrounds 1.0 arrives on Steam this Thursday, March 12.

Find out more here – https://bloodgrounds.com/

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