Dead Weight

The Ancient Gods have risen from their eternal slumber, and the skies aren’t safe anymore. Somewhere out there, floating islands hold the loot, secrets, and answers you need, but reaching them means keeping your ship fuelled, your crew alive, and your wits sharp enough to survive whatever’s waiting on the other side of the clouds.

Dead Weight is a roguelite RPG from developer Klukva Games, set in a steampunk world of flying pirate ships and forgotten gods. Boarding your ship, stocking up on fuel, and hiring a crew, you’ll explore dangerous islands, unlock new skills, and face the Ancient Gods in tense turn-based combat where every step across a tiny battlefield can decide the outcome of a fight.

What Makes It Different?

• Sail a flying pirate ship across a steampunk world full of danger
• Manage fuel and supplies as you chart a course between floating islands
• Fight the Ancient Gods and their followers in turn-based tactical combat
• Battle across tiny, tightly designed battlefields where positioning is everything
• Choose from 4 characters, each with their own unique playstyle
• Grow stronger through an extensive skill tree and upgradable equipment
• Explore ancient ruins and uncharted islands scattered throughout the world

Small Battlefields, Big Consequences

Combat in Dead Weight takes place on deliberately small grids, and that lack of space is exactly what makes every decision matter. With so little room to manoeuvre, a single misplaced step can put your crew directly in harm’s way, while the right positioning can set up a devastating counterattack. Facing down the Ancient Gods and the forces guarding them demands careful, considered play rather than brute force, and thinking several moves ahead becomes second nature the further into the world you travel.

Build a Crew Worth Trusting

Choosing between 4 distinct characters gives every expedition its own starting identity, and growing that crew through an extensive skill tree lets their strengths develop in different directions over time. Combining various pieces of equipment adds another layer of customization on top of that, letting you shape a build suited to your preferred approach before setting sail for the next stretch of unexplored sky.

How Long Does a Run Take?

A single average run in Dead Weight spans roughly 5 to 7 hours, with some faster, highly optimized runs taking around 3 hours. Full playthroughs usually require significant time due to the exploration and tactical combat mechanics involved. Individual runs can end far sooner under certain circumstances, though. Mismanaging fuel or losing key party members early on can bring a run to an end within 15 to 30 minutes, while players who skip optional islands, minimize exploration, or think quickly during tactical combat can push a successful full run down closer to the 3 hour mark.

The 5 to 7 hour average reflects a complete, successful playthrough across the full game map, where every tactical move is carefully calculated and every island node is fully explored.

Controller Support

No information provided for controller support.

Good If You Like…

Into the Breach, FTL: Faster Than Light, Darkest Dungeon, and Brutal Orchestra are all worth a look too.