Mantis Games Launches 'Nightmares and Scythes' Update for Deck of Haunts

Mantis Games, an indie development studio based in Belgium, has announced the launch of a significant update titled "Nightmares and Scythes" for their horror deckbuilder roguelike game, Deck of Haunts. This update, set to release on June 13, 2025, coincides with the infamous Friday the 13th, a date synonymous with superstition and horror. The update introduces a new game mode, Nightmare Mode, alongside a suite of new cards, traits, and gameplay mechanics designed to challenge even the most seasoned players.

The announcement was made official through a press release dated June 15, 2025. According to the release, the update aims to elevate the gaming experience by offering players a series of increasingly difficult challenges. "Nightmare Mode" presents players with 13 sequential Nightmares, each consisting of 13 cursed nights. This structure not only raises the stakes but also integrates unique modifiers and curated groups of humans with special traits, amplifying the gameplay's complexity.

Dr. Emily Roberts, a game design expert from the University of Southern California, commented on the innovative gameplay mechanics introduced in this update. "By integrating a progression system that rewards players with the ability to summon the Grim Reaper and access new cards, Mantis Games is enhancing player engagement significantly," she stated. This new feature allows players to earn souls through in-game actions, which can be used to summon the Grim Reaper to harvest a human character, adding layers of strategy to the game.

In addition to the Nightmare Mode, the update includes a new Trap Starter Deck. Players will unlock this deck upon reaching experience level 12, enabling them to employ various traps to ambush opponents. New cards such as 'Leaking Rust' and 'Improvised Snare' will provide players with fresh tactical options. CEO of Mantis Games, Lucas Verhoeven, elaborated on the design philosophy behind these new features, stating, "We are committed to creating a captivating environment where players can explore their strategic creativity while experiencing the thrill of horror."

The update also features an increase in the achievement level cap to 12, along with several gameplay tweaks. Notably, it will remove dead human portraits and introduce a counter for turns on humans possessing the 'Helpline' trait.

The decision to launch this update on a date associated with horror, such as Friday the 13th, was strategic. According to a report by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) published in 2023, themed releases often perform better in sales and player engagement, particularly in niche genres like horror gaming.

Furthermore, the game will be offered at a 20% discount from June 13-16, 2025, as part of its launch promotion, making it an appealing option for both new and returning players. This promotional strategy aligns with industry best practices observed by market analysts such as John Carter, Senior Analyst at NPD Group, who noted that promotional discounts can significantly boost initial sales figures for new content.

As the gaming industry evolves, Deck of Haunts exemplifies the growing trend of integrating complex gameplay mechanics with thematic elements that resonate with players. The upcoming update not only enhances the game's appeal but also showcases Mantis Games' commitment to delivering quality content in an increasingly competitive market. With the successful integration of these new features, the studio positions itself as a significant player in the indie gaming landscape.

In conclusion, the "Nightmares and Scythes" update for Deck of Haunts is poised to enrich the gaming experience for players seeking both challenge and entertainment. As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build, reflecting the enduring popularity of horror-themed gaming and the innovative approaches taken by indie developers like Mantis Games.