What happens when a cult hit on itch.io grows up and takes its place on Steam? Enter Holder of Place, the dark science-fantasy roguelike auto-battler from Alibi Games and Ardent Fields. With a sprawling, content-rich demo now live on Steam and a full release marked for 2025, this indie darling is ready to haunt your backlog-and possibly your dreams.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Alibi Games |
| Release Date | 2025 (Full Release) |
| Genres | Roguelike, Auto-Battler, Science-Fantasy |
| Platforms | PC (Steam) |
Holder of Place began its life as a 2022 prototype on itch.io-a humble debut that quietly picked up over a hundred five-star reviews. Now, with publisher Alibi Games on board, the much-expanded Steam demo brings a treasure trove of content to newcomers and returning fans alike. Players are thrust into the ruins of a long-dead kingdom, where a primordial gloom unleashed by a young dragon devours all in its path. Your mission: outwit monsters, harness a roster of bizarre followers, and stem the spreading dark.
Core to the demo is its sprawling variety: over 70 followers and trinkets are up for recruitment, each with their own quirks and synergies. This is no mere numbers game. Combining followers for tactical advantage, reacting to ever-shifting threats, and planning long-term builds evoke the strategic depths of heavyweights like Teamfight Tactics or Loop Hero, yet Holder of Place carves out its own identity with a brooding science-fantasy aesthetic and an emphasis on emergent decision-making.
The newly introduced Reliquary Mode brings an extra layer of replayability. Each session remixes the world, injecting even more unpredictability into your journey. The demo itself boasts “tens of hours” of gameplay-generous for a free slice—and sets high expectations for the 2025 full release. But as with any auto-battler, the real test will be whether its systems hold up to repeated play and evolving strategies over time.
Visually, Holder of Place leans deep into atmospheric gloom—think shadow-draped ruins, unsettling creatures, and mysterious relics. It’s a look that stands apart from the bright, cartoonish stylings of mainstream auto-battlers, suiting its narrative of decay and lurking danger. Yet, for all its darkness, there’s a clear focus on accessibility and experimentation, making it an inviting on-ramp for newcomers to the genre.
With full release planned for next year, the Steam demo feels like both a generous invitation and a bold statement of intent. Can Holder of Place sustain its momentum and stand out in the ever-growing roguelike auto-battler space? For now, it’s a compelling and content-rich way to get lost in a beautifully bleak world—one run at a time.
TL;DR: Holder of Place, a moody science-fantasy roguelike auto-battler, has dropped a huge demo on Steam. With 70+ followers, a new Reliquary Mode, and hours of tactical gameplay, it’s a promising indie contender worth your attention before the full 2025 launch.
Source: Alibi Games via GamesPress