Master of Piece Heads to Steam Early Access This February

Independent developer I M GAME has confirmed that its award-winning strategy title Master of Piece will launch into Steam Early Access on February 4, 2026. Blending the methodical depth of chess with the replay-focused progression of a roguelike deckbuilder, the game has already attracted strong attention, boasting over 30,000 Steam wishlists and more than 22,000 demo downloads ahead of release.

Set in a grim medieval world slowly consumed by an ominous black fog, Master of Piece casts players as a commander leading mercenaries through a fractured land. Instead of traditional cards, players deploy chess-inspired mercenary units onto a grid-based battlefield. While the drag-and-drop controls are approachable, mastering positioning, synergies, and long-term planning is key to surviving increasingly dangerous encounters.

For a deeper breakdown of how these systems come together, you can check out our Master of Piece review.

The upcoming Early Access version expands the experience with a central Garrison hub, allowing players to construct facilities and unlock permanent upgrades between runs. The update also introduces a new commander, Libius, alongside two new regions to explore and a rewritten narrative that now features a definitive ending.

Players seeking an extra layer of challenge can dive into Ordeal Mode, a new difficulty setting offering ten escalating levels designed to test even the most seasoned tacticians. With its Early Access debut on the horizon, Master of Piece looks poised to further refine its unique blend of strategy, progression, and high-stakes decision-making.