Turn-Based Dark Fantasy Strategy Shields of Loyalty Exits Early Access August 12

Train your army. Command your avatar. Slay the undead.

[Germany – July 11, 2025] – Mosaic Mask Studio, in partnership with indie publishing platform indie.io, invites all tacticians and strategists to return to Mantaria for the ultimate test of wits and will. On August 12, 2025, Shields of Loyalty will leave Early Access and launch into version 1.0 on Steam, bringing a modern love letter to classic hex-grid turn-based strategy to its full release.

Set in a world where the dead do not stay buried and malevolent forces consume the living, Shields of Loyalty challenges players to assemble and lead an army across a sprawling world shaped by strategic choices and grim victories. From the gloomy reaches of the Darkwoods to the frozen expanse of the Eternal Ice, every battle unfolds on carefully designed hex maps where terrain, formations, and precise tactics decide the victor.

Born from the vision of a small, passionate team in Germany, Shields of Loyalty draws inspiration from classic tabletop wargames like Tactics and Kriegsspiel and expands on their foundations with influences from beloved digital strategy titles. The result is a modern strategy experience where precise positioning, calculated risks, and unit synergies define every battle. 

With its launch into 1.0, players will discover more than 160 units spanning multiple tiers and factions, each bringing countless tactical possibilities as they assemble their forces and plan formations across the grid. No two factions wage war in the same way, and every unit offers tactical possibilities that come alive through careful positioning. 

The Empire faction fields disciplined ranks of armored knights and stalwart infantry, while the Warlords embrace raw brutality, unleashing beasts and berserkers in overwhelming assaults. The Highpriest Faction balances mysticism and martial prowess, blending ancient rituals with elite desert warriors and arcane champions. From flying units whose mobility can break enemy lines to stealth specialists striking at critical targets, each unit offers unique abilities for tacticians to deploy against the undead. Some excel at ranged or elemental attacks, others sow chaos by lowering morale, and many possess passive abilities that reward precise timing. Experimentation with unit combinations keeps every encounter fresh, and mastery demands understanding each unit and faction. It is up to the player to weave these elements into cohesive strategies across every hex.

Commanders further shape how every campaign unfolds, each representing a distinct path through Mantaria with unique strategies, challenges, and narrative flavor. Aglovan the Noble leads a disciplined campaign of cavalry maneuvers and tactical precision, while Warlord Karnoth drives a brutal conquest rooted in sheer force.

When Shields of Loyalty leaves Early Access, it will debut significant new content that deepens every aspect of the experience. The 1.0 update has Sargon I—the enigmatic High Priest of Nâr—joining the roster of Commanders, bringing arcane mastery and a wholly new approach to warfare.

An entire faction of magic-wielding units from the desert island of Nâr also joins the fight, including legendary summons like the Golem, Djinn, and Naga. Ahead of its 1.0  Mosaic Mask Studio introduced the Lava Desert biome, a scorching environment filled with deadly hazards and new strategic points of interest, alongside multiple major updates that expanded content and refined gameplay. Since entering Early Access, the game has earned a Very Positive rating on Steam and built a dedicated community of strategists who have helped shape its evolution through ongoing feedback, lore discussions, and developer diaries.

Wishlist Shields of Loyalty today on Steam, and prepare to choose a commander, discover a favorite faction, and forge a legend in Mantaria’s war-torn lands. Tactical greatness awaits when the 1.0 version launches August 12.

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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