Griftlands

In short: Griftlands is a strategy game released in 2021 by Klei Entertainment, available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo. Our score: 8.5/10 (highly recommended). Lowest price we found right now: $5.99.

Griftlands

A turn-based tactical strategy game where players control a squad of mercenaries in a harsh post-apocalyptic world. It combines squad management, challenging combat, and a deep narrative.

Griftlands is a unique rogue-like deck-building game with a heavy emphasis on narrative and character interaction. Developed by Klei Entertainment, known for titles like Don't Starve and Oxygen Not Included, Griftlands brings their signature art style and intricate systems to a turn-based strategy format. Players navigate a lawless, sci-fi world as one of three distinct characters, each with their own story campaigns, unique abilities, and motivations. The game masterfully blends card-based combat with negotiation, offering two distinct decks for each encounter: one for traditional combat and another for persuasion. The core gameplay loop involves undertaking various jobs, interacting with a colorful cast of NPCs, and making choices that significantly impact the unfolding narrative. Griftlands excels in its open-ended approach to problem-solving; players can often achieve their objectives through brute force or cunning diplomacy, leading to diverse playthroughs. The deck-building mechanics are deep and rewarding, requiring players to carefully curate their combat and negotiation decks to adapt to different challenges. Each run presents new events, opportunities, and dangers, ensuring high replayability. Beyond the strategic card battles, Griftlands shines in its world-building and character development. The post-apocalyptic setting is rich with lore, factions, and memorable personalities. Decisions made throughout a campaign can lead to lasting consequences, affecting relati…

Game details

Our review

Griftlands stands out as a fresh and intelligent take on the deck-building rogue-like. Klei Entertainment has crafted a world rich with character and consequence, where every decision feels meaningful. The dual-deck system for combat and negotiation is brilliant, offering strategic depth rarely seen in the genre. While the learning curve can be steep for newcomers, the rewarding gameplay loop and engaging narrative make it a worthwhile investment for strategy and RPG fans. The hand-drawn art style is fantastic, and the witty dialogue keeps the experience consistently entertaining. A truly excellent game.

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Cons

FAQ

Is Griftlands purely a card game?
While card-based combat and negotiation are central, Griftlands also incorporates strong RPG elements, branching narratives, and character progression, making it much more than just a card game.
How many characters are there to play?
There are three main characters, Sal, Rook, and Kashio, each with their own unique story campaigns, abilities, and starting decks. Playing through all of them reveals more about the world.
Is there a multiplayer mode?
No, Griftlands is a single-player experience focusing on its rich narrative and strategic depth.
How long does a typical run take?
A single campaign can take anywhere from 5-10 hours, depending on your playstyle and how much you explore. With three characters and high replayability, the total playtime is extensive.
Is the game difficult?
Griftlands can be quite challenging, especially at first. Success relies on smart deck-building, strategic decision-making, and adapting to unexpected events. It's a game that rewards perseverance and learning from mistakes.

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Last updated: 04/04/2026