Deal | No head-scratching required: Accessible turn-based strategy game for under $1 on Steam

In Braveland, players take on the role of a young warrior who sets out to track down those responsible for an attack on his home village. The hero does not personally enter the fray, however. Instead, he gradually assembles his own army, improves his abilities and leads his troops through a colorful, hand-drawn fantasy world. The strategy RPG from Tortuga Team is 90% off on Steam until August 24, bringing the price down to $0.99 from $9.99. According to SteamDB, this matches its previous all-time low, last reached during the Summer Sale.

In terms of gameplay, Braveland feels like a simplified take on classics such as Heroes of Might and Magic or King’s Bounty. Battles take place in turns on small hex-based maps, where players position their melee and ranged units, use special abilities and support their troops with combat spells. Level-ups, equipment and artifacts add a touch of RPG flavor. Gold earned along the way can be spent on new troops or replacing fallen units. Braveland completely does away with city building and complex resource management, making it considerably easier to get into than its major inspirations.

The campaign consists of three chapters and around 50 battles, connected in a largely linear fashion across a world map. Smaller branches lead to merchants, new recruits and permanent upgrades, among other things. Outside the campaign, there is also a survival mode. Players should not expect a particularly lengthy experience, however: According to HowLongToBeat, the fun is already over after around five hours.

Steam players particularly praise Braveland for its easy-to-understand turn-based tactics, charming comic-book visuals and straightforward gameplay. Experienced strategy players should temper their expectations, however. The most common criticisms include the short campaign, low difficulty and limited tactical depth. Battles also become repetitive over time, while the linear world map offers little freedom of choice.

Overall, the strategy RPG has an 81% positive rating based on more than 3,200 user reviews. Braveland will probably be a little too simple for tactics veterans. However, those simply looking for a few relaxing rounds here and there probably can't go too far wrong for less than a dollar – especially since the game is also well suited to playing on the go. Braveland is rated as “Verified” on the Steam Deck and should therefore run without any issues.

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