Drop Duchy Complete Edition set for April 21 release on PlayStation 5

On April 21, the Drop Duchy Complete Edition will be available on PlayStation 5. This strategy game involves kingdom building, making difficult decisions, and at times, witnessing everything crumble. JB, the game director, shares the journey of how this project evolved from a small concept into a fully developed game.

The initial idea emerged from JB’s fondness for tile-laying board games and the lack of video games utilizing such mechanics. The concept was simple: imagine placing a forest tile, and by adding a “Lumber camp” tile adjacent to it, you acquire wood, which can then be used to build on another tile. This formed the foundation of Drop Duchy.

With the basic concept in place, JB envisioned numerous buildings and terrains, but it also raised several questions. Answering these required many iterations in the early stages. A medieval theme was chosen due to JB’s interest in the period, which brought the challenge of incorporating combat. Various ideas were tested before finalizing a design that included players placing enemy tiles and strategizing to negate their effects.

Further questions arose regarding game structure: how to win or lose, when it ends, and what ensures each game is different. These were addressed by introducing roguelite elements, such as procedural runs and drafting buildings from a random selection, which created varied runs requiring new strategies each time. The risk of losing progress if defeated added stakes to every decision.

Externally, Drop Duchy appeared complex, prompting extensive playtesting to ensure mechanics were intuitive and seamlessly integrated. The validation came when friends played the prototype for hours, indicating a promising game.

After pitching to and signing with The Arcade Crew, JB brought on artists Gautier and Tom to craft the game’s charming atmosphere while maintaining gameplay clarity. Their notable decision to use 2D trees contributed to a diorama-like feel.

Throughout production, the team focused on adding content, including new buildings, game modes, and bosses, while ensuring balance through ongoing playtesting. Significant effort went into designing factions, which players select before starting a run, each offering unique gameplay twists. The Republic, for instance, excels in building sprawling cities, while The Order recruits crusaders for expeditions.

The Complete Edition for PS5 includes two additional factions: the Tribe’s druids and the Vikings of The North. Both factions offer unique strategies, turning perceived weaknesses into strengths.

PlayStation players will access all post-launch additions, including new bosses, a challenging ascension mode, endless runs, and quality-of-life improvements based on player feedback, such as an undo button for accidental moves.

Reflecting on the journey from a simple prototype, JB expresses pride in the team’s accomplishments and eagerly anticipates players’ experiences on PS5. Drop Duchy Complete Edition launches on April 21, offering strategy enthusiasts a game that rewards experimentation and smart decision-making.