Classic Strategy Reforged – Shields of Loyalty Exits Early Access Today!

Ancient magic, brutal tactics, and high-stakes warfare collide in this lovingly modernized homage to 90s turn-based strategy

[Germany – August 12, 2025] –   It’s time to rally your forces and claim the battlefield. Developer Mosaic Mask Studio, in partnership with indie publishing platform indie.io, is proud to announce that Shields of Loyalty, the turn-based hex-grid strategy game inspired by classic wargames, is now available in 1.0 on Steam.

After years of development and community collaboration, Shields of Loyalty launches out of Early Access, bringing with it a host of new features, a third playable faction, and the complete single-player campaign across the fractured fantasy realm of Mantaria.

Inspired by legendary titles like Fantasy General, Panzer General, and Heroes of Might and Magic II, Shields of Loyalty reimagines classic tactical warfare for the modern era. Players lead customizable armies across hex-based battlefields, engaging in tense, turn-based combat where terrain, weather, positioning, and timing are as vital as raw strength. From ancient ruins to lightning-streaked plains, every tile on the battlefield holds meaning, and a single mistake can unravel a carefully laid plan.

Launching into 1.0, Shields of Loyalty completes its trio of factions with the debut of the High Priests, a powerful order of arcane tacticians who manipulate the battlefield through magic, healing, and elemental destruction. Whether summoning elemental forces or amplifying terrain effects, their arrival adds a deeply strategic, spell-heavy playstyle that complements the game’s existing armies: the swift, honor-bound Knightly Order, masters of cavalry and high mobility, and the Warlord Clans, who wield brute force and value strength and discipline in close combat.

But brute force alone won’t win the war. The full release doubles down on what makes Shields of Loyalty unique — its deep, systems-driven tactical layers. Defensive structures like towns and castles provide powerful bonuses, but also draw the attention of siege units capable of devastating entrenched enemies. Lightning storms, fire, and icy weather transform the map in real-time, obscuring vision and damaging troops. Plains allow cavalry to charge freely, while forests grant infantry crucial protection. High ground extends the reach of archers, and flying units soar over obstacles to strike where the enemy least expects it.

The 1.0 campaign now spans three handcrafted islands, each offering new story-driven missions and rebalanced challenges that test even veteran commanders. New mercenaries can be recruited mid-battle, offering temporary but powerful reinforcements, while deadly mini-bosses — including the goat-headed monstrosity known only as the Goatking — bring unexpected twists to familiar scenarios. A refreshed UI, revamped sound design, and faction-specific battle music further elevate the moment-to-moment intensity.

Shields of Loyalty is available now in 1.0 on Steam for $19.99 USD, with a 30% launch discount for a limited time. The game supports English, French, Italian, German, Spanish (Spain), Polish, Portuguese (Portugal), and Russian. For updates from the front lines, follow the developers at @MosaicMask on X/Twitter.

ABOUT MOASIAC MASK STUDIO 

Mosaic Mask Studio is a seven-person indie team based in Hanover, Germany. Since 2012, the studio has been creating original games that explore distinctive worlds and gameplay experiences. From the whimsical point-and-click adventure Heaven’s Hope to the tactical depth of Shields of Loyalty, Mosaic Mask Studio is dedicated to bringing fresh perspectives and high-quality craftsmanship to players. Find out more on the developer's official website. 

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