Underplayed Gems

Arena Monarchy (2025)

Arena Monarchy cover
Developer
Kevin Zhang
Platforms
Windows
Genres
Indie, RPG, Strategy, Early Access
Rating
5.0 of 5, 8 player ratings
Typical playtime
about 14 hours
Where to get it
Steam

More by Kevin Zhang

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

A tough, strategic management game where careful planning and accepting failure are part of the steep learning curve.

challengingpunishingstrategicdeepunforgivingtacticaldeliberate

What players say

Players describe this as a hardcore gladiator management game where early mistakes can end your run, yet the combat is so addictive you keep coming back. Many recommend trying the developer's earlier game, Dead Monarchy, first. The developer is praised for being responsive and dedicated.

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More by Kevin Zhang

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.