Strategic Roguelike Chess "Below the Crown" 　Early Access version is available TODAY (Nov 11) on Steam　To celebrate the launch, get 35% OFF until Nov 17, 2025 (JST) 

　

Shochiku Games, a division of Shochiku Co., Ltd., is pleased to announce that the English Early Access version of Below the Crown, a darkly humorous strategic roguelike chess game, is now available on Steam.
In the Early Access version, players can experience new content including a Random Dungeon game mode.

We are also running a limited-time 35% off sale, so please take this opportunity to check it out.

Please note that the release timing for the Japanese-language version has not yet been decided. We appreciate your patience and look forward to sharing more updates in the future.

■ “Below the Crown” English Early Access Version – Sale Details
Sale Period: November 11 (Tue), 2025 – November 17 (Tue), 2025 (planned)
Price: Sale price: 1,105 JPY (tax included) / Regular price: 1,700 JPY (tax included)

Please note that the Early Access version currently supports English only.
Sale dates, prices, and details are subject to change without prior notice.

■Steam：

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1883920/Below_the_Crown

■New Trailer：

■ About the Early Access Content:

　The Early Access version includes the following new additions:

• 2 new playable Wizards (Bishop, Knight)
• 3 additional Pieces that can be earned and utilized in your Party in future Runs
• 2 additional Bosses w/ distinct mechanics
• 1 new Spell
• 1 new Upgrade (ability for Pieces)
• 1 new Skill (ability for Wizards)
• 2 new Hazards
• 1 new Mode: Random Dungeon (All components of a Run are randomized compared to the regular Dungeon, where players have more control)
• 2 more Runes available to be earned to increase difficulty and make Runs more dynamic

■Gif：

■Screenshots：

■About Below the Crown

 Below the Crown is a tactical roguelike adventure from Misfits Attic, creators of the indie hit Duskers. It’s a love letter to dungeon crawlers, roguelikes, and the strategic depth of chess, with a weird, darkly humorous twist.

 Blending grid-based combat, procedural encounters, and build-based progression, players take control of chess-inspired units and face off against enemies in ever-changing arenas.

 With each run, players shape their army while unlocking new synergies, all while navigating deadly encounters, narrative choices, and unpredictable chaos. Below the Crown offers a replayable experience for fans of Slay the Spire, Pawnbarian, and other thinking-person's roguelikes.

■Game Details

【Title】『Below the Crown』

【Early Access Release】November 11

【Japanese Localiation】TBD

【Platform】PC（Steam） https://store.steampowered.com/app/1883920/Below_the_Crown/

【Price】￥1,700yen during Nov 11to Nov 17　￥1,105yen

【Player】Single Play 

【Developer】Misfits Attic

【Publisher】Misfits Attic, Shochiku

■About Misfits Attic

 Misfits Attic is an independent game studio based in San Mateo, CA. It strives to create big, small games with attitude and immersive experiences infused with the team’s dark sense of humor. Its founding members have over 50 years of experience in the film, game, and design industries. The studio is best known for the award-winning RTS Duskers, as well as the critically acclaimed action-puzzler A Virus Named TOM. The team is currently developing a love letter to chess, roguelikes, and dungeon crawlers, Below the Crown.