“Below the Crown: A Unique Roguelike Chess Adventure Launches on Steam”
Below the Crown: A Strategic Adventure Unveiled in 1.0 Release
SAN MATEO, Calif. – April 21, 2026 – Today marks a significant milestone for gamers and chess enthusiasts alike as Below the Crown, the latest creation from indie developer Misfits Attic, officially launches its 1.0 version on PC via Steam. This unique blend of chess, roguelikes, and dungeon crawling invites players to embark on a thrilling journey through its intricately designed dungeons, all while commanding a party of powerful chess pieces.
In celebration of its launch, Below the Crown is featured in several enticing bundles, including collaborations with other notable chess roguelikes such as Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate and The Ouroboros King. Additionally, the first-ever Misfits Attic Anthology showcases the studio’s previous hits, Duskers and A Virus Named TOM.
Players will navigate a roguelike reimagining of the classic tabletop game, stepping into the shoes of a spellbinding Wizard. Starting with Rooks and Knights, players will soon master Mad Queens and Mimics, strategizing to outwit formidable opponents and bosses lurking in the depths of each dungeon chamber. The game not only challenges players’ tactical skills but also poses psychological inquiries that encourage introspection.
“It’s been amazing getting feedback from the community; the game has come so far during Early Access,” said Tim Keenan, Founder of Misfits Attic. “I think we’ve made a game that appeals to both chess and non-chess folk alike. Excited to see where it goes from 1.0!”
The 1.0 release introduces a host of new content, including the powerful Queen Wizard piece, three distinct narrative endings, and the ultimate showdown against the Emperor in the final boss battle. Players can also experiment with additional runes, upgrades, spells, and skills, enhancing their strategic options. Quality of life updates, such as new music, Steam cloud saves, and achievements, further enrich the gaming experience.
Below the Crown invites players to explore its retro dungeons, crafted by a team of industry veterans from acclaimed titles like Diablo, God of War, and Call of Duty, as well as beloved DreamWorks films like Shrek 2 and How to Train Your Dragon.
For just $14.99 USD, with a 35% launch discount available for the first 14 days, players can dive into this enchanting world. The game supports English language and is optimized for Steam Deck compatibility.
To stay updated on Below the Crown and connect with the Misfits Attic community, players can follow the studio on platforms like Bluesky, X/Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. They can also join discussions on Discord and Reddit, sharing strategies and experiences with fellow Wizards.
As the gaming community eagerly embraces this innovative title, Below the Crown promises to deliver a captivating blend of strategy, storytelling, and psychological exploration, ensuring that every run is a unique adventure.
For more information, visit the official website.