The highly successful auto-battler kingdom builder will exit Early Access in November
Publisher Hooded Horse and developer Sad Socket announce that their popular Roguelite strategy game, Nine Kings, themed around brutal争霸 for otherworldly kingdoms, is coming out of Early Access! The full version will launch on PC platforms (Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store) on November 12, 2026, and will be playable via PC Game Pass.
Forged by decades of war, withstand wave after wave of attacks to become the king of kings. Choose a monarch, command your forces—from sentient mushrooms and explosive mages to suicide bombers and undead armies—and harness the powers of nature to repel invaders and defend your realm. Strengthen and expand your small but sturdy fortress, using a carefully crafted deck to adapt flexibly to endless invasions.
Version 1.0 Content:
● Custom Decks: Freely combine cards from all kings to build a unique starting deck. Plus, extensive rule modification options offer a tailored gameplay experience.
● A new daily quest system that tests players' deck-building skills through random challenges.
● More Rainbow Cards, adding greater variety to battles through powerful buffs and terrain upgrades.
● Over 27 new edicts that further influence overall strategic layout through dynamic rule changes.
● New animations, UI improvements, and more rich content!
Since the launch of Early Access, the Sad Socket team has released nearly 30 updates, large and small. In addition to regular balance adjustments and gameplay optimizations, Nine Kings now features a complete roster of kings, multiplayer mode, quest mode, casual mode, and the perilous "Chaos Champion" boss battle.
Players who want to try the game before the official 1.0 release can download the free demo on Steam.
Nine Kings is currently available in Early Access on PC via Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, and Microsoft Store, with a base price of ¥59. The game is also included in PC Game Pass. It has garnered over 21,000 reviews on Steam, boasting a 92% positive rating and an overall status of "Very Positive."
Additionally, Nine Kings will launch on iOS and Android mobile platforms on October 12th in partnership with Playdigious.
Sidekick Publishing will assist Hooded Horse with distribution in German-speaking regions, covering Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
About Hooded Horse™
Hooded Horse is a publisher of deep strategy and tactical games, with titles including Manor Lords, Against the Storm, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, Old World, Norland, Might & Magic: Heroes of Might and Magic - Age of Ashes, and Nine Kings. The company works closely with development teams worldwide, committed to helping creators deliver high-quality, impactful gaming experiences.
About Sad Socket™
Sad Socket was founded by two childhood friends who attempted (unsuccessfully) to create a AAA game at age 11. Today, Sad Socket has become one of Brazil's leading game companies, dedicated to turning the team's passionate creativity into reality. Embracing a collaborative philosophy, the team develops its own games while also sharing expertise in game design and the creative industry to help publish works from other local developers.
About Sidekick Publishing™
Sidekick Publishing is an independent game publisher from Germany, incubated by the creative agency INSTINCT3. Leveraging deep expertise in gaming culture, community building, and influencer marketing, Sidekick combines traditional publishing experience with a creator- and community-centric approach. The team focuses on bringing distinctive indie games to market, crafting tailored launch strategies from the outset that integrate content creator collaborations, community engagement, and bold promotional campaigns.