Hoplite

Rate it

A turn-based roguelike of movement and positioning, with a daily challenge in Challenge mode.

Play Hoplite

on magmafortress.com

A Hoplite level at depth 7: the hoplite among demons on a hex map of stone and lava, with hearts and spear below

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

Hoplite at depth 18: demons and archers across a hex map as fire bursts along a line of tiles

Hoplite at depth 5: the hoplite on a hex map with lava pools, a footman and a wizard nearby

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.