Hoplite
A turn-based roguelike of movement and positioning, with a daily challenge in Challenge mode.
Every day: A daily challenge in Challenge mode: one set challenge a day for every player, on top of the fixed challenges at two difficulty levels. New puzzle: Once a day; the developer does not state the time.
Hoplite is a turn-based tactics roguelike for phones in which you fight demons on small hex maps by moving rather than by trading blows. Its Challenge mode adds a daily challenge, plus fixed challenges at two difficulty levels, for players who have mastered the main quest.
About Hoplite
Hoplite is a turn-based strategy game about tactical movement on small hexagonal maps. You play a lone hoplite descending into the underworld, and most of your attacks come from where you move: stepping between enemies, leaping, throwing your spear and bashing with your shield. The developer's aim was to avoid bump-to-attack combat and make every move count, and enemy behaviour is predictable once learned, so a loss always feels like your own mistake.
The main Quest mode has procedurally generated levels and a choice of upgrades at each altar as you go deeper. Challenge mode was added in 2015 for players who have mastered it: it has predetermined challenges at two difficulty levels and a daily challenge, a new set challenge each day.
Hoplite began as an entry in the 2013 Seven Day Roguelike Challenge, where it came fourth, and grew into a full mobile game by Doug Cowley at Magma Fortress, with graphics by ShroomArts. It is still updated on both stores. On Android the base game is free and a one-time Premium purchase unlocks extra choices and Challenge mode, daily challenge included; on iOS it is a paid app.
It suits players who like short, fair, deterministic tactics puzzles, and the daily challenge gives a reason to open it every day.
How to play Hoplite
- Install Hoplite and, on Android, buy Premium to unlock Challenge mode.
- Open Challenge mode and choose the daily challenge.
- Move your hoplite around the hex map, attacking by stepping between, beside or past demons.
- Use your leap, spear throw and shield bash to control where enemies stand.
- Reach the exit alive to beat the day's challenge.
Screenshots
Tips
- You do not have to kill every demon; keeping some alive can block archers and wizards for you.
- Archers cannot shoot through other demons, and wizards will not fire if the beam would hit a demon behind you.
- Demolitionists will not throw bombs into tiles next to other demons, so stand close to one.
- Damage from demons is predictable: check where each one can attack before you move.
Questions
Does Hoplite have a daily challenge?
Yes, in Challenge mode, alongside fixed challenges at two difficulty levels.
Is Hoplite free?
On Android the base game is free, but Challenge mode, with the daily challenge, needs the one-time Premium purchase. On iOS it is a paid app.
Who made Hoplite?
Doug Cowley at Magma Fortress, with graphics by ShroomArts. It started as a 2013 Seven Day Roguelike entry.
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