Shardbound Launches Open Beta on Steam and Epic Games

Shardbound, the popular Ethereum-based strategy card game, will launch an open beta on October 9th.

Developed by Bazooka Tango and built on Ethereum’s Layer-2 Immutable zkEVM network, the game will be available on both Steam and the Epic Games Store. This public beta phase will focus on gathering feedback to fine-tune gameplay ahead of full release, but a beta end date has not yet been confirmed.

With the upcoming beta version, the developers hope to improve the core elements while introducing blockchain integration, but some features will be limited by platform limitations.

What is Shardbound?

Shardbound is a turn-based strategy game that mixes deck-building elements with tactical combat elements, where players create decks full of unique cards that they use to command units on a grid-based battlefield. The game offers a variety of ways to win, including direct military engagement or using economic strategies to outlast your opponents.

Originally developed by Spiritwalk Games, Shardbound was released into Early Access in 2017 after a successful crowdfunding campaign, but was never fully completed.

Bazooka Tango has been working to integrate web3 elements since acquiring the game in 2023, particularly using NFTs to represent in-game cards.

What can you expect from the open beta?

Starting October 9th, the open beta will be available on both Steam and the Epic Games Store.

One notable feature is that viewers can join in mid-game, providing a more interactive experience. Bazooka Tango will use feedback from the community during this phase to improve and fine-tune the game mechanics. The beta will be open for an uncertain period of time and ongoing adjustments will be made based on player feedback.

Although the game is integrated with blockchain technology, some features are restricted on Steam due to platform restrictions for NFT-enabled games. Players can still earn NFTs representing in-game cards through Immutable’s zkEVM network, but must request them via an email code or Immutable’s wallet system.

More details about future NFT integrations and long-term plans will be shared in the coming weeks.