OrangePixel‘s time-looping roguelike Space Grunts: Chrono Shard is live on Steam, turning persistent progression into the game’s defining mechanic rather than a bonus feature. The sequel takes everything the original Space Grunts created and amps it up.
That pesky Ooze is out there in the universe and it’s up to you to stop it. If you die, your gear stays behind bolstering your future self when the timeloop resets. Developer OrangePixel’s drop and loop syste is not merely a roguelike quality-of-life feature. It’s the entire strategic foundation. Every death becomes intelligence gathering, every item placement a bet on your future self’s survival.
The mechanical pitch combines high-speed turn-based combat with a procedurally generated space station setting where you’re dispatched to seal HyperGates against a spreading cosmic infection called the Ooze. Combat rewards kinetic thinking, letting you use explosive shockwaves and weapon spread patterns to physically manipulate enemy positions. Publisher HandyGames markets this as arcade-paced tactical depth, a blend meant to pull players who want both speed and consequence.
roguelike – Save 20% on Space Grunts: Chrono Shard on Steam
Announcement from Orangepixel
Save 20% on Space Grunts: Chrono Shard on Steam
Master time. Stop the Ooze. Outsmart a galactic infection in this high-speed, turn-based roguelike. Use your Chrono Shard to loop the timeline, leaving gear and upgrades for your future self. Craft your arsenal, evolve your skills into elite sub-classes, and turn every death into an advantage.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3403540/Space_Grunts_Chrono_Shard/
Skill progression feeds into that design through three core trees that unlock nine specialized sub-classes, from Sniper to Engineer to Veteran. You craft and disassemble loot at stations scattered through missions, building toward a loadout that defines your playstyle across loops. Every map layout is different. Every run generates new sector layouts and hazards.
The game has officially launched as of June 22, 2026, and carries 15 Steam Achievements alongside support for 16 languages. If you’re on the fence on this one there is a free demo so you can give it a shot, or if you’re short on time, stay tuned for our review!