Dicevaders Release Date: Platforms, Pricing, and Details

Dicevaders officially launched on September 29, 2026. Developed by the three-person independent studio Pengonauts and published by Playstack, this dice-based roguelike deckbuilder is available digitally on PC via Steam as well as Nintendo Switch systems.

Set in the same universe as tactical roguelike StarVaders, Dicevaders reverses the roles, placing players in command of an alien invasion force seeking vengeance against humanity. The game combines grid-based unit placement, dice manipulation mechanics, and combo-driven score scaling.

Launch Date, Pricing, and Editions

Dicevaders released globally on September 29, 2026, across PC and console storefronts. To celebrate the release, the publishers launched a two-week 10% introductory discount ending on October 13, 2026.

On Steam, players can also purchase bundled editions with other deckbuilders and strategy games. These include official bundles pairing Dicevaders with StarVaders, Balatro, and Luck be a Landlord, offering additional bundle savings for completing game collections.

Nintendo Switch owners should note that while the game is available for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo's store listings note that save data and additional content are not compatible between the two console versions, and no upgrade pack is provided between the separate editions.

Core Gameplay and Dice Manipulation

Dicevaders challenges players to clear target defense thresholds across different celestial bodies in the solar system, including Pluto, Neptune, Uranus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Earth. Each encounter tasks the invasion fleet with gathering enough total attack value to beat an enemy defense meter within four turns.

Each turn follows a structured flow:

1. Dice Roll: Three base dice are rolled. The resulting values designate which columns of the player's grid will trigger and score.
2. Scoring: Only units stationed in active columns contribute to the attack. Attack gained equals unit strength multiplied by column dice power, with each landed die adding +1 dice power to its respective column.
3. Shop Phase: Players receive $3 per turn to spend in the shop on units, artifacts, grid expansions, or resources. By default, unspent turn cash does not carry over between rounds.

Rather than relying purely on random outcomes, players manage two tactical resources to bend odds in their favor:

• Budge: Allows players to nudge a die's value up or down by 1, making it easier to form pairs, triples, or quadruples.
• Chrono: Allows players to reroll all unfrozen dice or refresh the shop offerings in search of specific units or artifacts. Players can freeze specific dice to keep high-value rolls intact while rerolling others.

Failing to meet a target defense value within the allocated four turns costs one heart and grants a single extra turn. If a commander runs out of hearts, the run ends.

Boss Pilots and End-of-Act Encounters

At the end of every act, players encounter legendary human Pilots returning from StarVaders to halt the invasion. Each Pilot introduces unique stage modifiers designed to disrupt standard scoring plans:

• Roxy (Act 1 Pilot): Starts base dice in a cracked state, preventing players from using Budge until those dice are rerolled using Chrono.
• Noel: Disables standard rolling entirely by locking dice in a frozen state, forcing players to rely heavily on Budge modifications and passive board triggers.

Surviving through Act 4 and defeating the final pilot is required to clear standard runs, after which commanders earn starter perk level-ups and special rewards.

Day One Content and Game Modes

The full 1.0 release includes substantial content designed around high-multiplier combo experimentation:

• 10 Playable Commanders: Includes The Captain, Blob Girl, The Core, Whisperer, The Duchess, The Exalted, Hex Prince, Blood Beast, and The Overseer. Each features unique starter perks, scaling rules, and dedicated artifact pools.
• 60+ Army Units: Units feature distinct archetypes, such as Swarmers that boost connected allies, Migo sacrifice units, Chess pieces, and charge-based batteries.
• 120 Artifacts: Passive items that grant multipliers, supply extra mini-dice, boost row strength, or trigger chain reactions when specific dice combinations land.
• Cosmic Modifiers: Over 30 constellations that alter run parameters.
• Difficulty and Progression: Six difficulty tiers leading to a true ending, plus 27 Steam achievements.
• Alternative Modes: A dedicated Multiverse campaign containing 13 distinct challenge scenarios, as well as Daily Planet and Daily Multiverse modes.

System Requirements

Dicevaders has low hardware requirements on PC, allowing it to run on older operating systems and integrated setups. It is also officially rated Verified for the Steam Deck.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Dicevaders launch?

Dicevaders released worldwide on September 29, 2026.

What platforms is Dicevaders on?

Dicevaders is available on PC (Windows and Mac via Steam) and Nintendo Switch systems. The PC version is Steam Deck Verified.

How much does Dicevaders cost?

The base price is $14.99 (£12.99 / €14.99). A 10% launch discount brings the price to $13.49 for the first two weeks until October 13, 2026.

Can Nintendo Switch save files transfer to Nintendo Switch 2?

According to official publisher notices on the Nintendo storefront, save data and add-on content do not transfer between the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 editions, which are listed as separate products.

Does Dicevaders support controllers?

Yes. Dicevaders features full controller support, including specific compatibility for Xbox controllers, PlayStation DualShock, and DualSense controllers, as well as dedicated mouse-only and keyboard-only options.