Supports 1–4 player co-op, launches day-one on Game Pass, and features a newly released hand-drawn animated trailer
Featherweight Games announced that their 1–4 player co-op gladiator roguelike, Chained Beasts, is now available on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, and has simultaneously joined Xbox and Windows PC Game Pass.
In Chained Beasts, players are literally "chained" together with up to three friends, fighting side-by-side for survival in chaotic arenas. Use the chains and arena environment to defeat enemies in creative ways and win the cheers of bloodthirsty spectators.
The launch content includes three major chapters, each with multiple levels. Players will start their journey in Carthage, traverse the frozen wastelands of Germania, and finally bring the war to the heart of the Roman Empire.
Watch the hand-drawn animated launch trailer for Chained Beasts:
A gladiatorial dream spanning 12 years
Tim Kaldor, Co-Director at Featherweight Games, shared the development story behind the game:
"The release day holds special significance for this project. Twelve years ago, when Featherweight was first founded, this was the very first game we wanted to make, but we lacked the resources, team, and technology to truly bring it to life at that time.
"It originally started as a project created during a 48-hour game jam, titled Enterchained, inspired by scenes in the movie Gladiator where characters are chained together. Later, we began developing what we envisioned as a roguelike game featuring chain and injury mechanics, but after six months, we had to temporarily set it aside to focus on a more feasible project.
"Ten years later, we realized the time was finally right, so we set out again to realize our youthful gaming dreams. When revisiting the concept for Chained Beasts, we aimed to fully leverage the chaos and comedic potential of the chain and injury mechanics for friends, while retaining the cruelty and harshness expected of the gladiator theme. We called it a 'hardcore party game,' and ultimately, these elements blended together even better than we imagined."
A brutal party refined with players
Tim Kaldor continued:
"Players who participated in tests and demo versions over the past few years played a huge role in shaping the game as it is today. Observing how people played helped us identify what truly makes the game fun; player feedback also helped us remove or simplify some overly punishing negative status effects and confusing co-op interaction mechanics.
"Thanks to our amazing team, and to every player who played, tested, and shared their ideas. It has been an honor to share this journey with you."
To better connect with Chinese players, the Australian development team Featherweight Games has officially launched accounts on Bilibili and Xiaohongshu, and established an official QQ player community for Chained Beasts. Interested players are welcome to follow the official accounts, join the player community, and add Chained Beasts to their Steam wishlist.
About Chained Beasts
Chained Beasts is a gladiator roguelike game supporting 1–4 player co-op. Chain yourself to friends, dive into chaotic and intense battles, use the chains and arena environment to creatively crush enemies, and win the cheers of bloodthirsty spectators. Endure physical and mental trauma, defeat terrifying bosses, and strive to survive the day.
Chained Beasts is now available on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, and has simultaneously joined Xbox and Windows PC Game Pass.
