Turn-based tactics in your browser
Sparkwood
Working title
Rescue or capture? In the forest, every move counts.
Status: In development
Not playable yet. The link to the game will appear here as soon as it is.
What it’s about
The forest of Sparkwood is full of life – and full of Glimmers. These magical creatures drift through the undergrowth in waves, and two sides want them: the children, guardians of the wild, and the hunters of the Copper Guild with their hissing steam gear.
Play the children and you lure the Glimmers in and lead them safely to your refuge. Play the Guild and you set traps and drain their power. When the Guild catches a Glimmer, it turns into a glowing statue – and changes the battlefield until the very end.
Every match is played on a new map, and the forest plays along: fire spreads with the wind, streams slow you down, a felled tree becomes a bridge. And nobody dies – whoever is exhausted simply retreats.
- Audience
- Ages 10 and up – for kids, teens and anyone who loves tactics
- Platform
- Browser on computer and tablet
How Sparkwood came about
Sparkwood was born in the teens club of our creative workshop, where children and teenagers invent games together every week. Over the course of a year, a tabletop game grew there, and it is still being developed today. Some have been part of it since the very first meeting, others joined for a few months and left their mark – everyone contributed ideas of their own.
A digital version was part of the plan from the start: the teenagers should be able to take their game home and play it with their friends, beyond our weekly meetings. It does not copy everything one to one, but the core – the mechanics and rules. And it helps the tabletop: the computer plays through many matches automatically and shows where the rules are still out of balance.
The magical forest world, its characters and its rules have changed over many drafts. What stayed is the wish for rules that are easy to understand, characters that differ, plenty of variety and exciting tactical decisions.
At a glance
- 1–4 players – solo, together or head to head
- 8 rounds until night falls
- ∞ forest maps – every match is new
- 0 € free, right in your browser
Impressions
A first look at the world of Sparkwood – the characters are moving in right now.
What to expect
A forest that plays along
Fire spreads with the wind, streams slow you down, felled trees become bridges. Read the terrain and you're one step ahead.
A new map every match
No two matches are alike. And if a map turns out especially good, just send its code to your friends.
Two sides, two ways to play
Rescue the Glimmers with the children or hunt them with the Copper Guild. Every statue reshapes the battlefield.
Thrilling without violence
Nobody dies. Whoever is exhausted retreats – you win with your head.
Solo, as a team or head to head
Take on the AI, team up against it together or challenge your friends online.
Always in the picture
You see where your opponents can reach and how good your chances are. The colors also work for color-blind players.
Roadmap
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Done
The forest grows
A map code grows a 3D world of meadows, woods, rocks and streams – exactly the same on every device.
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In progress
The first match
Characters, Glimmers and rules move in: the first match against the AI and online for two.
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Planned
More depth
Two against two, bigger teams, missions, a tutorial and first sounds – plus an optional account that keeps your progress safe.
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Planned
The whole world
Three landscapes, eight Glimmers, weather and surprising events, music and sound.
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Planned
Playtests and launch
First we test and fine-tune thoroughly – then Sparkwood officially launches.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Sparkwood cost?
Nothing. Sparkwood is free and runs right in your browser – no download, no installation.
When can I play?
Sparkwood is being built right now. As soon as you can play, you'll find the link right here. The roadmap and the devlog show how far along we are.
Is Sparkwood suitable for children?
Yes. Sparkwood is made for everyone aged 10 and up: thrilling, but without violence. Nobody dies – whoever is exhausted retreats.
Which devices does it run on?
On computers and tablets (from about 10 inches), with mouse or touch, in any current browser. A smartphone view will follow after launch.
Do I need an account?
No, you just start playing. Later you can create an optional account to keep your progress safe.
Can I play with friends?
Yes! Challenge each other online, later also two against two. Or team up and take on the AI together.