The highly successful 2024 release, Balatro, masterfully uses poker mechanics, but at its core, it’s not a gambling game. It’s known for its vibrant aesthetics and calming gameplay loop. Now, Cloverpit arrives as a stark contrast, plunging players into a grim, nightmarish realm of rusty slot machines and grimy ATMs. Each round is a struggle to accumulate enough to clear your debt, or face a terrifying demise in the “death pit.” This unique blend of horror and roguelike challenge is swiftly cementing its place among this year’s top roguelike titles.
Panik Arcade, the developer, strategically delayed Cloverpit’s release to avoid competing with another major title. Now officially launched, the game challenges you to “gamble for your life in a never-ending debt simulator.” The studio describes it as a “demonic lovechild” of Balatro and Buckshot Roulette, creating a roguelite experience where players are trapped in a self-made hell. A trailer showcases the game’s dark aesthetic and slot-based gameplay.
For those who appreciate the simple thrill of virtual slot machines, Cloverpit delivers a compelling experience. While its core involves pulling the lever and hoping for big wins, the true depth emerges in the various ways you can manipulate outcomes and maximize payouts. The game also features robust meta-progression and an endless mode for sustained engagement.
Over 150 unique items await discovery, each offering a chance to tip the scales in your favor through powerful synergies. Players can use memory cards to drastically change a run’s rules, or collect relics that transform minor victories into substantial jackpots. Even a last-ditch phone call can be the difference between failure and salvation. For those who prefer predictability, Cloverpit supports seeded runs, allowing for repeatable experiences.
With a staggering half-million wishlists generated through its demo phases, Cloverpit’s release was highly anticipated and has certainly delivered. Its active player base quickly soared past 15,000, and it currently boasts a remarkable 96% positive rating on Steam, earning it the coveted “overwhelmingly positive” status. Panik Arcade expressed deep gratitude, stating, “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.” The game’s sinister ambiance is further highlighted by visuals depicting a dark, seedy room with a metal door, a stark warning “Don’t trust everyone” scrawled on the wall.
Despite its dark presentation, the developers assure players that Cloverpit is purely for entertainment, much like its predecessor Balatro. “This is not gambling,” Panik Arcade clarifies, emphasizing that “Cloverpit is a roguelite horror game, not a slot machine simulator. Our slot machine is crafted to be manipulated and conquered, and it will never involve real money.”
Cloverpit is currently available with a launch discount, and players can also find special bundles that include other popular titles like Inscryption, Balatro, and Buckshot Roulette, offering additional savings. For fans of independent games, Cloverpit is a standout title worth exploring, and it plays exceptionally well on portable gaming devices for gaming on the move. If you’ve found a winning strategy, join the community to connect with fellow players and share your highest scores.