Highly rated tactical Soulslike PC game Death Howl heads to consoles in February

Console players often have to wait while independent games launch first on PC, especially those that begin life in Early Access. While this delay can be frustrating, it also gives console audiences time to judge which releases are worth their attention based on player feedback and reviews. That process has worked in favour of Death Howl, a tactical Soulslike deckbuilder that has built a strong reputation since its PC debut.

Following months of positive reception on Steam, the game’s developers have confirmed that Death Howl will be released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch on 19 February. The announcement brings a well-regarded PC title to a wider audience and positions it as one of the more notable indie console releases this early in the year.

Strong PC reception builds momentum for console launch

Death Howl launched on Steam in December 2025 and has maintained a Very Positive user rating on the platform. It has also achieved a Metascore of 82, placing it comfortably above average in a crowded field of strategy and deckbuilding games. This reception has helped the game stand out at a time when many players feel the genre has become oversaturated.

Critical and player responses have highlighted the game’s tactical depth and its Soulslike influences, which introduce careful positioning, deliberate pacing and high-stakes decision-making. These elements have appealed to players looking for more complexity than traditional deckbuilders often provide. As a result, interest in a console version has grown steadily since launch.

The upcoming console release includes PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, with Xbox players also able to access the game through Xbox Game Pass at launch. This wider availability is expected to introduce Death Howl to players who may not typically engage with PC-first indie titles but are drawn to strategy-focused experiences.

A dark setting and tactical combat define Death Howl

Death’s Howl is developed by The Outer Zone and published by 11 bit studios. It presents a bleak and atmospheric world brought to life through a dark 2D art style that reinforces the game’s sombre tone. The visual design plays a central role in establishing mood, with muted colours and unsettling environments shaping the player’s journey.

The story follows Ro, a hunter searching for her son beyond the veil of the living world. Her journey spans four distinct realms within the Spirit World, each divided into 13 regions. These areas introduce new threats and challenges, gradually increasing the pressure on the player as the narrative unfolds.

Across these regions, players face more than 30 enemy types, each requiring careful planning and adaptation. The game features over 160 cards that can be combined in different ways, allowing players to build and refine strategies as they progress. This variety encourages experimentation rather than reliance on a single dominant approach.

Depth, replay value and accessibility on console

Combat in Death Howl is grid-based, adding a positional layer to the deckbuilding mechanics. Players must consider not only which cards to play, but also where characters and enemies are placed on the battlefield. This system creates moments where a single misstep can lead to failure, reinforcing the game’s Soulslike reputation for challenge.

The game offers more than 25 hours of gameplay, including demanding boss encounters and optional side quests that expand both the world and the story. Different playstyles are supported, from direct strength-based attacks to slower approaches that rely on poison, blocking or attrition. This flexibility has been praised by PC players, who note that the game encourages frequent adjustments to deck composition.

Unlike many deckbuilders that focus almost entirely on mechanics, Death Howl has also received positive feedback for its storytelling. Players have highlighted how the narrative is woven into progression, giving context to battles and reinforcing the emotional stakes of Ro’s journey. This balance between story and systems has helped the game appeal to a broader audience.

Death Howl is currently available on PC via Steam for US$19.99, with a free demo offering a sample of its core mechanics. With its console release scheduled for 19 February, the game is positioned to reach a much wider audience and test whether its tactical depth resonates beyond the PC space.