Lightbulb Crew has announced that Ex Sanguis, a tactical roguelite RPG from the creators of Othercide, will launch in Steam Early Access on September 10, 2026. Alongside the new release date, the studio has released a new gameplay trailer and brought the game’s demo back online as part of Six One Indie Demo Days, giving players another chance to experience its strategic combat system.
Set in a dying world where blood has become a symbol of rebellion, Ex Sanguis combines turn-based tactical battles with roguelite progression and a distinctive black-and-white visual style transformed by vivid crimson effects.
Ex Sanguis Brings Tactical Combat to a Dying World
In Ex Sanguis, players take control of the Stillae, elite warriors created from the Sanguis of the Mater. Their mission is to fight against the forces of Stasis and restore life to a world damaged by the Purge.
The game presents a world where blood represents resistance and survival. As battles unfold, players transform the colorless environment through powerful blood-based abilities, creating a visual contrast between darkness and bursts of red.
The experience combines strategic decision-making with intense combat scenarios, requiring players to carefully plan each move.
Manipulate Time With Timeline Effects
Turn-Based Combat With Strategic Flexibility
The newly released trailer highlights the game’s dynamic turn-based combat system, where players can influence the flow of battle through Timeline Effects.
These abilities allow players to:
- Speed up turns
- Delay enemy actions
- Swap positions in the turn order
By controlling the timeline, players can create powerful combinations and set up carefully planned attacks against challenging opponents.
Use the Environment to Gain an Advantage
Similar to tactical strategy games such as XCOM, Ex Sanguis allows players to use the battlefield itself as a weapon.
Players can interact with their surroundings by:
- Destroying explosive objects
- Setting enemies on fire
- Blocking enemy movement routes
- Creating tactical advantages through positioning
Additional combat mechanics include knock-backs, forced enemy facing, flanking bonuses, and damage-over-time effects, giving players multiple ways to approach each encounter.
A Tactical Roguelite Experience From the Creators of Othercide
Lightbulb Crew brings its experience with turn-based strategy games into Ex Sanguis, focusing on deep combat systems and replayability.
Each playthrough allows players to improve their abilities, unlock new powers, and adapt their strategies. The roguelite structure encourages experimentation, with every victory and defeat contributing to future runs.
Players can choose their own path across the map, deciding whether to:
- Take on high-risk, high-reward missions
- Challenge bosses early
- Gather additional resources before advancing
As players move farther toward the outer regions of the map, standard missions become increasingly difficult.
Customize and Strengthen the Stillae
Players can restore memories and customize their Stillae warriors before each new run. Equipment loadouts and character names can be adjusted to prepare the team for upcoming battles.
The ability to modify and improve warriors adds another layer of strategy, allowing players to develop squads suited to their preferred playstyle.
Key Features of Ex Sanguis
Unique Visual Style
A black-and-white world becomes a battlefield of crimson as players use blood-powered abilities and fight enemies.
Timeline-Based Strategy
Manipulate time order during battles to create tactical opportunities and defeat opponents.
Environmental Combat
Use objects and surroundings to influence fights through explosions, fire, and positioning tactics.
Advanced Tactical Mechanics
Apply flanking bonuses, knock-backs, forced facing, and damage effects to control encounters.
Roguelite Progression
Build strength through repeated runs, unlock abilities, and explore increasingly dangerous areas.
Warrior Customization
Equip and prepare Stillae fighters with different abilities and loadouts for future missions.
Ex Sanguis Arrives on Steam Early Access in September
Ex Sanguis will launch in Steam Early Access on September 10, 2026. Players interested in trying the game ahead of release can access the returning demo during Six One Indie Demo Days.
The Early Access release will give Lightbulb Crew an opportunity to continue refining combat systems while gathering feedback from the tactical strategy community.
Conclusion
With its time-manipulation mechanics, strategic combat, and dark visual identity, Ex Sanguis aims to offer a distinctive take on the tactical roguelite genre. The upcoming Steam Early Access launch will introduce players to a world where every battle decision can determine the survival of a dying civilization.
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