A Challenging Ascent Begins

After four years of dedicated development, indie developer Horien Studio is ready to unveil Phantom Tower. This high-octane action RPG roguelite is scheduled to launch on Steam Early Access on July 13, offering players a blend of intense hack-and-slash mechanics and relentless dungeon exploration.

The game’s premise draws from classic high-fantasy tropes: a daunting, mysterious spire attracts countless adventurers seeking fame and power, yet none have successfully reached its summit. The tower serves as a brutal adversary, deploying waves of enemies designed to test a player's combat prowess and tactical decision-making until they either succumb to the pressure or manage to overcome the spire’s defenses.


Elemental Combat Dynamics

At the core of Phantom Tower lies a flexible elemental combat system based on four distinct forces: IGNIS, AQUA, TERRA, and VENTI. Players are encouraged to switch these elements on the fly during heated battles. Mastering these combinations allows for one of 16 unique reactions. According to the developers, these synergies include tactical options such as:

  • Freezing entire groups of enemies in place.
  • Utilizing the 'Erode' effect to melt foes from within, spreading damage to adjacent targets.
  • Unleashing chain shockwaves that ripple through the arena to maximize impact.

Deep Customization and Progression

The game offers significant depth for those who enjoy theory-crafting their builds. Players can choose from over 200 pieces of equipment, including 128 different weapons spread across six distinct categories. The Soulbinder system allows users to lock preferred stats onto their gear permanently, enabling them to specialize their character by pushing a single attribute up to level 99.

Furthermore, as players ascend, they can collect 47 unique 'Tower Blessings' that fundamentally alter gameplay. As one example of these modifiers, Artemis Descent triggers a flurry of arrows against the healthiest enemy whenever the player dodges, while Chain Quake creates lingering damage between adversaries.


Modes, Classes, and Availability

Upon its Early Access debut, the title will feature two primary gameplay modes:

«Climb Mode acts as the main campaign, where incremental progress is saved as you conquer each floor. In contrast, Survival Mode removes all safety nets, challenging you to face endless waves of enemies with permanent death consequences.»

With eight playable classes—each featuring unique skill trees and elemental affinities—there is significant replay value for those looking to experiment with different playstyles. Phantom Tower will be available on Steam for $12.99, featuring a 24 percent discount during its initial two weeks. A playable demo is currently available for those eager to experience the ascent ahead of the official release.