8 Things to Know Before Playing 9 Kings: A Spoiler-Free Guide

9 Kings is a fast-paced, roguelike kingdom builder that’s been turning heads with its addictive gameplay and chaotic strategic depth. Developed by Sad Socket, this indie gem blends deck-building, tower defense, and city management into a whirlwind of tactical fun. If you’re on the fence about diving in, here’s a punchy, spoiler-free listicle with 8 key insights to help you decide—without ruining the surprises. Let’s get started!

It’s a Roguelike, So Embrace the Chaos

9 Kings is a roguelike at its core, meaning every run is a fresh slate with randomized challenges and rewards. You’ll build your kingdom, fight rival kings, and lose spectacularly—only to start again with new strategies. The game thrives on unpredictability, with events, enemy kings, and card draws keeping you on your toes. If you love adapting to curveballs and learning from failure, this is your jam. If you prefer linear progression, it might feel like a grind at first. Pro tip: don’t get attached to your first few runs; they’re your crash course in the game’s mechanics.

The King of Nothing Is Your Best Starting Point

You can choose from seven playable kings in Early Access, each with unique decks and perks. The King of Nothing is the go-to for beginners, offering a balanced deck of tanky knights, versatile soldiers, and straightforward buildings like the Blacksmith. It’s forgiving and lets you focus on learning the basics—like card placement on your 3x3 grid and managing your castle’s trebuchet—without overwhelming you with complex combos. Once you’re comfortable, experiment with flashier kings like the King of Spells or King of Greed.

Deck-Building Is the Heart of Strategy

Your kingdom grows through a deck of cards: troops, buildings, enchantments, and tomes (single-use buffs). Each turn, you draw cards, place them strategically, and loot new ones from defeated rivals. The catch? Your deck can bloat, diluting your strategy if you’re not careful. Learning to prioritize cards that synergize—like pairing a healing Spire with beefy knights—is key. The game’s genius lies in its exponential deck growth, letting you craft wild, game-breaking builds over time. Be ready to tinker constantly.

It’s Not Just About Fighting—It’s About Surviving

Combat is flashy, with your units clashing automatically against enemy waves, but 9 Kings is as much about long-term kingdom management. You’ll need to stockpile gold, expand your grid, and prep for random events that can disrupt your plans. Some runs last decades in-game, testing your ability to scale your economy and defenses. Early mistakes, like overspending gold or neglecting unit buffs, can snowball into disaster. Think of it as a marathon, not a sprint, and plan accordingly.

Perks Are Game-Changers, But They Vary by King

Each king has unique perks that shape your playstyle. For example, the King of Nature can spam units with its “Procreate” perk, while the King of Greed racks up gold but struggles with tempo. These perks aren’t created equal—some, like extra card draws, give a massive edge, while others feel situational. Understanding your king’s perks is crucial for leaning into their strengths. Check the perk details before picking a king to avoid feeling underpowered.

The Learning Curve Is Steep but Rewarding

9 Kings doesn’t hold your hand. The tutorial covers the basics, but mastering card synergies, grid placement, and resource management takes trial and error. Expect to lose early runs to tougher kings like the King of Blood, whose fast, deadly units can overwhelm new players. Don’t be discouraged—each loss teaches you something new, like how to counter specific decks or optimize your castle’s trebuchet aim. Stick with it, and the “aha!” moments are incredibly satisfying.

Early Access Means It’s Still Evolving

Released in Early Access on May 23, 2025, 9 Kings is polished but unfinished. Bugs, like late-game crashes at high speeds, can pop up, and some kings (like the King of Blood) feel underpowered or unbalanced. The developers at Sad Socket are active, tweaking based on community feedback, so expect updates to refine the experience. If you’re wary of Early Access, try the demo on Steam to get a taste without committing. It’s robust enough to sink hours into already.

The Gameplay Loop Is Addictively Fun

Despite its complexity, 9 Kings hooks you with its tight gameplay loop: build, fight, loot, repeat. Reviews praise its “just one more run” vibe, with players losing track of time as they chase overpowered builds. Whether you’re flinging rocks at enemy wizards or watching your knights steamroll foes, the mix of strategy and chaos is a blast. If you enjoy games like Slay the Spire or Loop Hero, this will scratch that itch. Even skeptics admit the loop is hard to resist.