Deal | Under $8 on Steam: City builder with an unusual twist hits new all-time low

Dawnmaker takes players to the fictional continent of Heksiga, once home to a thriving civilization. However, little of it remains. Toxic smog has engulfed the land, destroyed cities and rendered vast areas uninhabitable. The last hope lies in ancient magical lighthouses capable of pushing back the fog. Players must relight them, reclaim lost territory and gradually rebuild the fallen civilization.

In terms of gameplay, Dawnmaker combines classic city building with deckbuilding and resource management. Instead of sprawling metropolises with complex transportation networks, players build relatively small settlements in limited spaces. Which buildings can be constructed and which resources are available depends on the cards drawn. The placement of individual buildings is particularly important. When the right structures are placed next to each other, they can boost one another or generate additional resources.

However, rebuilding is far from a relaxing experience. The toxic smog constantly threatens settlements, while building space and resources are scarce. Anyone looking to expand into new territory must upgrade their lighthouses and gather the necessary materials in time. The card deck also needs to be optimized regularly. Overall, Dawnmaker feels less like a traditional city-building simulation and more like a strategic solo board game.

On Steam, 90% of more than 160 user reviews are positive. The combination of city building and deckbuilding is particularly well received. Many players also enjoy experimenting with different building combinations, while the attractive visuals and relaxed pace create a pleasant atmosphere. However, Dawnmaker seems to lose some of its appeal over time. Buildings and missions sometimes differ very little, and once players discover a successful strategy, it often remains effective for much of the game. Other criticisms include the relatively limited amount of content and an element of randomness that can occasionally be frustrating.

Dawnmaker is 50% off on Steam until October 15, bringing the price down to $7.49 from just under $15. According to SteamDB, the previous maximum discount was 46%, making the current offer a new all-time low. The strategy game from Arpentor Studio is rated as “Playable” on Steam Deck.

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