A new game called Fogpiercer is drawing attention. It's a type of game where players build a deck of cards to fight enemies. In this game, the player controls a train. The train acts like the deck of cards. Players must use their train carriages, which have unique cards, to battle enemies. These enemies are described as road bandits in a harsh world. The goal is to move the train forward and defeat these bandits.
Game Premise and Core Mechanics
Fogpiercer places players in control of a train that functions as their "deck" in a deckbuilding roguelike. The game's setting is a grim, frozen wasteland populated by Mad Max-style road bandits.
The train itself is the central game element, with each carriage holding a unique set of cards.
Players build and upgrade their train throughout a game session, adding new carriages and consequently, new cards to their deck.
The choice of carriages and upgrades directly determines the player's final deck and tactical options.
Gameplay occurs on a square grid, where players maneuver their train and use card-based abilities.
Strategic Combat and Artillery Use
A key aspect of Fogpiercer is its emphasis on tactical positioning and the creative use of artillery. The game mechanics encourage players to think beyond direct damage.
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Players can use their train's abilities to move enemies, causing them to collide with each other or with environmental hazards.
One notable mechanic allows a single artillery shell to cause a chain reaction, impacting multiple enemy vehicles.
There is also a crane carriage that can lift and reposition units on the battlefield.
This focus on environmental interaction and enemy manipulation is highlighted as a core joy of the game's artillery.
Gameplay Progression and Roguelike Elements
Fogpiercer incorporates roguelike elements, meaning each playthrough offers a unique experience with permadeath and procedural generation.

The game features runs, where players progress through encounters, building their train and deck.
Players can visit stations to heal their train, buy new carriages, or make other strategic decisions to improve their chances of survival.
The final deck composition is a direct result of player decisions made during a run.
The game promises high replayability due to its dynamic tactical grid and the variety of card and module combinations.
Development and Availability
Fogpiercer is being developed by Mad Cookies Studio, an independent game studio based in Slovakia.
The game has made a public build available through a demo on Steam.
This demo allows players to experience the core mechanics with a limited selection of train parts and cards.
The demo includes one driver, one locomotive, and three carriages, featuring over 47 unique cards and 18 modules.
The game has been showcased in events like the Convergence Games Showcase 2025.
Player Interaction and Environmental Factors
The game world presents challenges that require players to adapt their strategies.
Players navigate a frozen wasteland with environmental dangers such as canyons and cliffs.
These environmental features can be used to the player's advantage in combat.
Encounters often come with unique modifiers that further alter gameplay.
Expert Analysis
The game's approach to artillery and deckbuilding has been noted by observers.
"Fogpiercer is a tactical game that recognises the true joy of artillery is using it to give your enemies a little shove."— Article 1 Summary
"Each carriage holds a unique set of cards, and new cards are added to the deck through upgrades and extra carriages."— Article 2 Summary
"Your train is your deck, each carriage holds unique cards and as your upgrade them, new cards get added to your deck ready to be used."— Article 3 Summary
Conclusion and Implications
Fogpiercer presents itself as an innovative take on the deckbuilding roguelike genre, blending train-based combat with tactical card play and environmental interaction. The game's core loop involves upgrading a train, which directly expands the player's card options, leading to diverse strategic possibilities in each playthrough. The emphasis on using artillery for repositioning and causing chain reactions, rather than just direct damage, suggests a unique approach to combat. The availability of a demo on Steam allows players to directly engage with these mechanics.
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Sources:
Rockpapershotgun: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/fogpiercer-is-a-tactical-game-that-recognises-the-true-joy-of-artillery-is-using-it-to-give-your-enemies-a-little-shove
IGN (Gameplay Trailer): https://www.ign.com/videos/fogpiercer-official-gameplay-trailer-convergence-games-showcase-2025
Turn Based Lovers: https://turnbasedlovers.com/overview/tactical-roguelite-fogpiercer-announcement-overview/
GamesPress: https://www.gamespress.com/FOGPIERCER-LAUNCHES-DEMO-ON-STEAM
Game Truth: https://www.gametruth.com/news/fogpiercer-steam-rolls-out-innovative-train-roguelite-demo/