ONE TO WATCH: Siegecaster

Hold the line, cast your fate

Release Date: 6 May 2025
Developer: Half Human Games
Publisher: Boss Corridor
Played on: PC

There’s a point, about 30 minutes into Siegecaster, where something clicks. What starts off as an overwhelming wave of pixelated chaos gradually transforms into a finely tuned symphony of defence, timing, and calculated aggression. Developed by Half Human Games and published by Boss Corridor, Siegecaster is an upcoming indie title that mixes tower defence with action strategy, encouraging active engagement in every moment of survival. It’s part siege simulator, part horde survival — and once it sinks its teeth in, it doesn’t let go.

At its core, Siegecaster is a fast-paced, skill-based defence game where players must survive increasingly intense waves of enemies while protecting their citadel. You begin each level stationed at a central stronghold, arming yourself with three main weapon types: archers, cannons, and the satisfyingly destructive bomblistas. Each weapon excels against different enemy types, forcing you to adapt your setup and positioning constantly as new threats emerge.

Unlike traditional tower defence games where you build your base and sit back to watch, Siegecaster demands active participation. Aiming, firing, and managing resources is hands-on, and as the chaos mounts, every decision feels like it could be the one that breaks your defence — or turns the tide.

The game’s build mode provides a slight but crucial breather. Time slows down rather than pausing outright, giving just enough room to consider your next wall placement or weapon upgrade without losing the tension of the oncoming threat. It’s a smart decision that keeps the game flowing without sacrificing strategic depth.

One of Siegecaster’s more compelling mechanics is the inclusion of runespires — ancient, glowing towers scattered around the battlefield that, when encircled with walls or defences, boost your weapons’ capabilities. The same goes for additional citadels you can fortify; the more you protect, the more gold you earn per wave. This creates a satisfying loop of risk and reward, where expanding your territory offers greater resources but also spreads your defences thinner.

A major highlight from my playtest was how quickly the game shifted from overwhelming to addictive. After four or five failed attempts, what initially seemed like insurmountable enemy waves began to make sense. I found myself learning patterns, refining my placement strategy, and making faster — and better — decisions. The progression felt organic, and the “one more try” itch quickly took hold.

Resource management plays a key role throughout. Every round, you’re weighing the benefits of adding another weapon versus reinforcing a vulnerable wall. Do you risk saving gold for a future cannon, or shore up your defences now to survive just one more wave? The tension these decisions create makes even brief sessions feel meaningful.

Not everything in the build was flawless. During one level, I was convinced I’d hit a bug when the game failed to register the completion of a wave. Frustrated and about to abandon my progress, I noticed a single orc awkwardly hidden behind a UI element in the corner of the screen. One swift shot later and the level ended, reminding me that vigilance in Siegecaster is always rewarded.

While my preview was limited to early-level content, Siegecaster left a strong impression. The action-strategy blend is tight, the core loop is satisfying, and the pacing strikes a rare balance between pressure and planning. With more levels, enemies, and upgrades teased for launch, there’s reason to believe this game will only get more compelling as it expands.

If you’re a fan of tower defence with a twist — or simply crave a challenge that rewards persistence — keep your eye on Siegecaster when it launches on Steam this May 6th. This is one siege well worth casting your lot with.