While Balatro, the 2024 sensation, might have poker-like mechanics, it’s not actually a gambling game. Its vibrant visuals and calming atmosphere offer a unique spin on risk and reward. Now, prepare for a stark contrast: Cloverpit plunges you into a grim world of rusty slot machines and grimy ATMs. Here, you’re forced to gamble for survival, needing to earn enough each round to escape the dreaded death pit. Despite its dark, horror-tinged style, Cloverpit is quickly cementing its place as one of this year’s top roguelikes.
Panik Arcade, the developers behind Cloverpit, strategically delayed its release to avoid clashing with the highly anticipated launch of Silksong. Now, it’s finally here, challenging players to “gamble for your life in a never-ending debt simulator.” The studio boldly describes it as “the demonic lovechild of Balatro and Buckshot Roulette,” a roguelite that ensnares players in a hell of their own making.
To get a glimpse into the game’s unique blend of mechanics and atmosphere, check out the official trailer:
For those who’ve enjoyed virtual slot machines in games from Pokémon Red and Blue to Neopets, the simple thrill of spinning reels for a big score is undeniable. Cloverpit captures this core satisfaction but elevates it with layers of manipulation, where skill and smart decisions truly shine. You’ll discover countless ways to influence your outcomes and boost payouts, all while benefiting from meta-progression and an exciting endless mode.
Over 150 unique items await discovery, each designed to tip the scales in your favor and unlock powerful synergies. Imagine consuming memory cards that fundamentally change the rules of your current run, or snatching relics that transform minor wins into monumental jackpots. Need a lifeline? A desperate phone call can pull your luck back from the abyss. For those who prefer predictability, Cloverpit also offers seeded runs, ensuring you know exactly what to expect.
Amassing over half a million wishlists after successful demos, Cloverpit clearly had a buzzing anticipation, and its launch has been nothing short of phenomenal. The game has already soared past 100,000 sales, boasts an active player count of 16,000 and climbing, and holds a stellar 96% ‘overwhelmingly positive’ rating on Steam. Panik Arcade, the developers, shared their excitement: “What a wild ride this has been. We want to say a huge thank you to everyone for supporting the game so far and for sticking with us when we had to push the launch back a few weeks.”
Despite its ominous atmosphere, Cloverpit, much like Balatro, is purely for entertainment. The developer explicitly states, “Is this gambling? Hell no. Cloverpit is a roguelite horror game, and not a slot machine simulator. Our slot machine is designed to be broken and ultimately overcome, and will never ask you for real money.”
Cloverpit is available now, featuring a 10% launch discount until Friday, October 10, bringing its price down to $8.99 / £7.65. You can also grab special bundles that include Inscryption, Balatro, and Buckshot Roulette, offering an additional 10% saving when you purchase any two.
Are you constantly searching for the greatest indie games? So are we! We’ve compiled a list of our top picks for 2025. Plus, Cloverpit is perfectly suited for on-the-go play on your favorite gaming handheld.
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