Death Howl Launches on Nintendo Switch: Soulslike Deckbuilder Debuts with Haunting Adventure

11 Bit Studios has officially released Death Howl, the atmospheric Soulslike deckbuilder, on Nintendo Switch and other current-generation consoles.

Known for fostering creative and genre-defining experiences, 11 Bit Studios brings this new title to Nintendo's popular hybrid platform, expanding their portfolio of games that challenge and engage players through thoughtful design and immersive storytelling. Death Howl invites players to step into the enigmatic world of the Spirit Realm as Ro, a determined hunter driven by grief and hope to resurrect her lost son.

The game is structured around a haunting narrative, unfolding across four distinct realms and 13 diverse regions, each infused with myth and mystery.

Over the course of 25+ hours of gameplay, adventurers can expect not only the main story but also an array of side quests and formidable boss encounters that enrich the overall experience. Central to Death Howl’s appeal is its sophisticated deck-building system.

Players are empowered to craft and customize their own decks from a pool of more than 160 unique cards.

These cards enable diverse playstyles—whether focusing on strategies like poison, retaliation, backstabbing, or defense, the variety encourages experimentation and tactical depth.

The addition of shamanic totems, each offering special enhancements, allows for further personalization and adaptability, ensuring that every run feels distinct. Combat in Death Howl is turn-based and grid-oriented, demanding careful consideration with every move.

Players will encounter upwards of 30 different enemy types—including Skulldogs, Crackle Bursts, and Woeful Seashrooms—each presenting unique threats.

Bosses and mini-bosses add to the challenge, requiring strategic use of deck combinations and smart navigation of environmental hazards and bonuses.

This approach to combat is designed to reward adaptation, clever planning, and continuous improvement. Death Howl also stands out for its world-building.

As Ro traverses the Spirit World, she meets a cast of peculiar spirits, each with their own motives and stories.

Interacting with these beings not only advances the narrative but impacts gameplay by affecting the player’s deck and altering quest outcomes.

The setting is rich with forgotten lore and dark secrets, providing ample incentive for exploration. The digital release of Death Howl on Nintendo Switch is available via the Nintendo eShop, making the title accessible to a wide audience of console players.

This launch underscores 11 Bit Studios' commitment to bringing quality indie titles to major platforms, further solidifying their reputation within the gaming industry. For those interested in a first look, the official launch trailer for Death Howl is available to view, offering a glimpse into the game’s haunting visuals, gameplay mechanics, and narrative depth.

With its compelling fusion of roguelike deck-building, strategic combat, and atmospheric storytelling, Death Howl is poised to become a standout release on Nintendo Switch in 2024. Stay tuned for more Nintendo Switch coverage and updates on Death Howl and other new releases from 11 Bit Studios.