The grim war for Mantaria is about to reach its most decisive stage—Shields of Loyalty, the dark fantasy, hex-based strategy game from indie studio Mosaic Mask Studio and publisher indie.io, is officially leaving Early Access and launching version 1.0 on August 12, 2025.
If you’ve been waiting for a modern turn-based strategy title that channels the spirit of tabletop wargames and classic PC tactics games, Shields of Loyalty might just be the strategic deep dive you’ve been craving.
Where the Dead Don’t Stay Dead…
Set in a bleak fantasy world where the dead rise and ancient evil spreads like rot, Shields of Loyalty tasks players with leading an army across a cursed land full of moral decay and military decisions. From haunted forests to frozen wastelands, every battlefield is a puzzle of terrain, unit placement, and faction synergy.
What began as a passion project in Germany has grown into a refined strategy experience with over 160 unique units, faction-based warfare, and dynamic commanders that shape every campaign.
Tactical Depth Meets Dark Fantasy
At its core, Shields of Loyalty is all about strategy with soul. Inspired by classics like Tactics Ogre and Kriegsspiel, it layers in modern twists with faction asymmetry, elemental combat, morale systems, and passive abilities that reward high-level planning.
Whether you prefer the disciplined formation play of the Empire, the bloodthirsty assaults of the Warlords, or the mystic power of the Highpriests of Nâr, every faction plays differently—and mastering their units requires real tactical commitment.
Some units soar across the battlefield to break lines, others lurk in the shadows to assassinate key targets. From golems and naga to knights and berserkers, Shields of Loyalty constantly invites you to experiment and optimize.
New in 1.0: Commanders, Biomes, and a Whole New Faction
With the full release, Shields of Loyalty introduces major new content:
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New Commander: Sargon I, the mysterious High Priest of Nâr, joins the roster—bringing arcane warfare and a unique strategic flavor.
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New Faction: The desert-dwelling mystics of Nâr arrive, complete with magical summons like Djinn and Lava Golems.
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New Biome: The Lava Desert, a brutal environment with fiery hazards and terrain modifiers, adds an extra layer of challenge.
Each campaign path is shaped by the commander you choose. From the noble precision of Aglovan to the merciless brutality of Warlord Karnoth, your leadership determines how your story plays out across Mantaria.
More Than Just a Tactical Throwback
Since entering Early Access, Shields of Loyalty has built a “Very Positive” rating on Steam and fostered a strong community of tacticians, lore lovers, and hex-grid veterans. Developer Mosaic Mask Studio has continuously expanded and polished the game through fan feedback, lore drops, and detailed developer diaries.
With version 1.0, everything comes together—refined mechanics, expanded content, and a compelling dark fantasy world begging for conquest.
Ready to lead your army into the undead maw of Mantaria?
Shields of Loyalty launches version 1.0 on August 12, 2025, for PC via Steam.
Wishlist it now, choose your commander, and prepare to turn the tide of war—one hex at a time.