- Major Update #2 is LIVE - 7 July 2026
Heyo everyone!The second major Handmancers Early Access update is now live on SteamBuilt directly around community feedback gathered since the last update, this patch introduces a wide range of improvements across gameplay systems, visuals, and balance. A new event, Soul Training, has been added to grant players more agency in their game choices. Corruption Spread has also been overhauled, changing how Corruption Base Damage scales with introduced downside for corrupted cards to permanently reduce Max HP, giving the mechanic clearer trade-offs and consequences.Visually Artifacts are now displayed as actual rings on the character's hand, and the Map has received a graphical upgrade for improved clarity.Watch the Early Access Major Update #2 Trailer: Patch NotesGameplay\ “Soul Training” event added.\ “Temple of Trinity”.Now grants different boons based on the chosen faction.\ “Corruption…
- 20% Off on Steam + Major Update #2 Coming Soon - 18 June 2026
Heyo everyone! If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to jump into the world of Handmancers, now is a great time to do it. The game is available with a 20% discount as we continue building and improving the Early Access version together with the community. Major Update #2 is coming really soon We’re also happy to share that the second major Handmancers Early Access update is in active development and is planned to arrive at the end of June. This next update will bring a fresh wave of improvements and additions to Handmancers as we continue expanding the Early Access version of the game.Thank you for all the support, reviews, feedback, bug reports, and balance discussions. Your feedback genuinely helps shape the future of Handmancers, and we’re excited to keep improving the game throughout Early Access!Please keep sharing your thoughts with us on Steam and Discord - it really helps…
- Major Update #1 is LIVE - 29 May 2026
Heyo everyone!The first major Handmancers Early Access update is now live on Steam.This patch focuses heavily on community feedback gathered since launch and includes gameplay overhauls, quality-of-life improvements, visual feedback upgrades, balance changes, bug fixes, and one of the most requested features: multiple save slots.Thank you again for all the support, feedback, bug reports, balance discussions, and for helping Handmancers reach 95%+ positive reviews on Steam so quickly after launch. We’ve been reading everything closely and this is only the beginning of the Early Access journey.Patch NotesSystem\ Different Save System slots added.Skip Cutscenes Button added in settings.Loading screens reduced in MANUM.MANUM exit user experience improved. Gameplay\ SPRINT:Normal SPRINT doesn’t discard CRAMPs.\ Loot:Curo is now separate from the loot reward options.Confirm Button added durin…
- Week 2 Patch Changelog: v0.1.5 - 16 May 2026
Thanks so much for sharing your feedback!We just uploaded version 0.1.5, that fixes even more stuff and solves some unwanted behaviour we have been meaning to fix for some time now.With that we continue working on our first major step towards completing the Roadmap we promised ahead of Early Access. Please continue to let us know if you run into any problems. The best way to so is our Discord.Now, Changelog for 0.1.15SystemRemoved Fullscreen mode on Steamdeck that was causing screen ratio issues and stretchingAdded "Testing" Beta Branch with experimental features and changes\ Placed gems and artifacts now only count towards achievements when completing lootGameplay\ Removed white screen flash in the transition between combat and loot\ Clicking “back” multiple times was causing unwanted behaviour\ After refunding certain items, player stats weren’t visually reverted to their original val…
- Day2 Patch Changelog: v0.1.4 - 7 May 2026
Thanks so much for sharing your feedback!Here are the improvements we made to the game today:SystemFixed cloud saves on Mac OSGameplay\ Ring of Terror behaviour fixed, now it actually reduces Max HP correctly\ “Good Stuff” button was unclickable after auto-skip of Corruption Card upgrade animation\ When changing boss phase, hover animation broke making it impossible to check descriptions\ It was possible to drag and move certain scenes with menu settings openedGame Speed settings now show current Game Speed modifier“Trade Places” description typo fixed“Boom” description typo fixed\ Descriptions fixedPlease do keep feedback coming! We read every review and message on Discord and working hard to make your experience with Handmancers even better.58BLADES
- Handmancers is OUT NOW in Early Access! - 5 May 2026
It’s time. Handmancers is OUT NOW We’ve been working on this game for more than 3 years. At some point it stopped being “a project” and just became part of our lives. We’ve rebuilt it multiple times. We’ve argued over systems, cut things we loved, pushed things further than we thought we could. Some ideas worked instantly. Most didn’t. We kept going anyway. And then you showed up. Playtests, feedback, Discord messages, long threads, random thoughts - all of it shaped what Handmancers is today. A lot of what you’re playing right now exists because someone in this community said: "this could be better". We delayed the game once. Yes - because Slay the Spire 2 was releasing around the same time. But instead of just waiting it out, we used that time to make the game better. We added new systems, improved gameplay and UI and included a bonus boss that was originally planned for later. So thi…
- Handmancers Early Access Roadmap 2026 - 17 April 2026
Hey everyone! ːhappystar2022ː We’ve got something important to share today. Early Access Roadmap 2026 As we’re getting closer to launch, we want to give you a clear look at what we’re planning for Handmancers during Early Access. What we’re focusing on:Bug Fixing and OptimisationResolving issues, improving performance, and keeping the game stable will be a top priority throughout Early Access. We’ll be actively reacting to problems as they come up.Quality of Life• Gameplay improvements • UX and UI improvements • Balance adjustmentsThe Adventure Grows• Map art overhaul • Events overhaul • Artifacts becoming actual ringsHandmancers United• More Gems • More Artifacts • New playable characterYour feedback has already shaped Handmancers in a huge way, and it will continue to do so. We’re listening, adapting, and evolving the game together with you.Early Access launches May 5, 2026We’re getti…
- Handmancers launches in Early Access on May 5, 2026 - 9 March 2026
Hey everyone!After that hiccup with the previous announcement and hasty rescheduling literally next day, we are ready to announce new (and the final one) release date. So, here goes:Handmancers launches in Early Access on May 5, 2026No further delays expected.Check out the Trailer Here:As mentioned in the previous message, additional development time will go towards more content, better QA and additional Quality of Life features.There are some special treats we are working on right now. Looking forward to sharing those with you soon!Wishlist Handmancers on Steam:More details soon ːccheartːThank you for being part of the journey.58BLADES
- EA Release delayed - 21 February 2026
Hi everyone!We have some news about our release date.Our original plan was simple: drop Handmancers during #TurnBasedThursdayFest. You watch the showcase and boom - “Handmancers Available Now." Perfect, right?Then literally the next day we saw the news. Slay the Spire 2 is launching on March 5.And let’s be honest - you’ll be playing it, we’ll be playing it, everyone will be playing it. We’re huge fans and insanely excited. But launching a deckbuilder the same week as Slay the Spire 2? Yeah… we’d get absolutely crushed. Buying two deckbuilders in the same week? In this economy? Not happening.So here’s the deal: We’re moving our release date slightly further into the future.We haven’t locked the exact day yet, so make sure to catch the #TurnBasedThursdayFest showcase - we’ll announce the new date there. Huge thanks to the organizers for letting us pivot the announcement last minute.The up…
- Fight first-person rock-paper-scissors style duels in the deck-builder Handmancers - 19 February 2026
Handmancers looks like a fun spin on deck-builders with the first-person view and the rock-paper-scissors style counter system. Read the full article here: https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2026/02/fight-first-person-rock-paper-scissors-style-duels-in-the-deck-builder-handmancers/
- Handmancers launches in Early Access on March 9, 2026 - 18 February 2026
Hey everyone! ːhappystar2022ːWe’ve been quiet sometimes, loud other times, but always working - and now we can finally say it. We finally have a date:Handmancers launches in Early Access on March 9, 2026Over the past months we’ve been polishing, reworking systems, tweaking balance, adding content, and pushing Corruption further than ever - and we’re really happy with where the game is now. At launch you’ll find multiple heroes with subclasses, bosses, full progression systems, and Corruption Delving - letting you push the difficulty deeper until something very dangerous starts looking back at you. Watch the Official Playtest Trailer: If you’ve been with us since the early demos, you helped shape what Handmancers is today. And if you’re new - welcome. We can’t wait to see what kind of hands you’ll build.What to expect in Early Access • Multiple heroes with unique subclasses• Deep customi…
- Handmancers Playtest has ended - THANK YOU for joining! - 28 January 2026
Hey everyone! ːhappystar2022ːOur public playtest has officially concluded. Thank you to everyone who jumped in, dueled with Scissors, defended with Rock, stacked buffs with Paper, and dove headfirst into Corruption. Over the past week you helped us test balance, pacing, difficulty curves, UI clarity, deckbuilding depth, and overall feel. Your feedback and recordings have already been incredibly valuable and the team is now reviewing everything to shape the next phase of development. If you haven’t had a chance to send feedback yet, you can still do it here: https://forms.gle/RTd2LLMRe5SVGP4Q6Missed the Playtest?If you didn’t get a chance to play, you can still wishlist Handmancers to stay updated and play the Demo: Join our Discord to access closed playtests, chat with fellow Handmancers, and tell us what you think.Once again - huge thanks to everyone who played and helped shape Handman…
- Handmancers Public Playtest is LIVE - 20 January 2026
Hey everyone! :winter2019happysnowman:The gates are open - the public playtest is now live and anyone can join instantly.Handmancers is a first-person Rock, Paper, Scissors roguelite deckbuilder, where your hand is literally your weapon. Build your deck, shape your playstyle, and experiment with synergies as familiar gestures turn into tactical duels. What’s in the PlaytestThis playtest includes a substantial slice of the full game, giving you the chance to:Rock, Paper, Scissor Combat. Simple rules, where each Sign counters another, forming the core of every encounter and shaping all deck and strategy decisionsFirst Person Deckbuilder Roguelike. Experience the tactical depth of a deckbuilder as a duelist, not a person slamming cards on the tableCustomize Your Hand. Each card can have up to three modifiers. Combine it right and turn your gestures into nukesPlay in Style. Pick your factio…
- Handmancers Playtest - Sign-ups are now open! - 13 January 2026
Hey everyone!We’re excited to announce that Handmancers will be hosting its Steam Playtest from January 20 to January 27 - and you can request access starting today!Handmancers is a first-person Rock, Paper, Scissors roguelite deckbuilder, where your hand is literally your weapon. Outsmart enemies, shape your build, and experiment with crazy synergies to turn simple gestures into devastating attacks. Beneath the familiar ruleset is a deep customization layer that rewards planning, timing, and creativity. What’s in the PlaytestThis playtest includes a substantial slice of the full game, giving you the chance to:Rock, Paper, Scissor Combat. Simple rules, where each Sign counters another, forming the core of every encounter and shaping all deck and strategy decisionsFirst Person Deckbuilder Roguelike. Experience the tactical depth of a deckbuilder as a duelist, not a person slamming cards…
- Happy Holidays! And the private playtest has just been updated - 24 December 2025
Hey everyone! ːwinter2019happysnowmanːWe want to wish you Happy Holidays, and we want to do it with a small gift. We're super happy to say that the private playtest has just been updated! A few things have been added, such as a new boss enemy, more gems and artifacts are now playable and a new progression system will allow you to track all the items you have gotten in the past, as well as check everything there is to uncover. And that's not all! We also took a lot of your feedback and suggestions to heart! Balancing is different, with major changes to things like Empower and Shield generation, enemy attack patterns, as well as others buffs, nerfs and changes that were really needed! We are super excited to hear what you guys think of these changes and as always we are so thankful of your help in making the game better, together ːccheartːHow do I access the private playtest? Join our Dis…
- New Handmancers Demo is OUT NOW - 20 November 2025
Hey everyone! The brand-new, fully reworked Handmancers Demo is now live on Steam ːwinter2019coolyulːAfter being recognized among the Top 50 most played demos during Steam Next Fest, we took the time to rebuild and refine the experience so it represents the game’s final vision much more accurately. What’s New?The demo has been fully reworked from the ground up to deliver a smoother, more polished experience with expanded content, deeper gameplay, and a clearer look at the core of Handmancers - without spoiling what's ahead. Beneath its simple Rock, Paper, Scissors foundation lies a world of depth. Each Sign can be reshaped with Gems that alter the look of your cards and add powerful effects, while Artifacts create synergies that influence how every battle unfolds. Building the perfect hand - not just choosing the right Sign - is the heart of the game.Play the New Demo Now:Join our Disco…
- Demo Takedown and New Ways to Participate in the Development of the Game - 3 October 2025
Hey everyone,First of all, thank you so much for all the support we received from you after we shared a bit of behind-the-scenes update in our previous devlog. It’s absolutely incredible to us that even after a year of silence our message was so well received and many of you voiced your support and excitement about the future of the game. Now, as we promised, here is another update for you and the next step in the development of the game. We are going to take down the current Demo version on October 4th, which is tomorrow. Not for long, though - the demo will receive a significant glow-up with a lot of new content and more in-depth gameplay that will actually reflect better on what we expect the game to look like in its final form. We won’t share the content of the new demo or the exact date when it will be released but rest assured you won’t have to wait a long time for that to happen.…
- Handmancers Lives On - Thanks to You, Development Resumes - 23 September 2025
Hey folks! It’s been a while since our last update and a lot of you probably think the game is dead. This is not the case. Short version: we're developing Handmancers and will keep at it until it's done. We just had to take an "involuntary vacation" that ended last week. But if you want the long story, grab some popcorn because boy, do we have a tale to tell - and I'll start from the somewhat-beginning. What HappenedIn March 2024, we found a publisher willing to fund the game. We started working together and showcased at Steam Next Fest in June 2024. The demo absolutely crushed it - we landed in the top 50 (still feels surreal), with YouTubers playing our game and thousands of concurrent players (thank you guys). It was the dream: people loved the game, the demo was killing it, and we had publisher resources to keep developing for a September 2024 release. Then our luck ran out. After m…
- DEVLOG - Behind the scenes of Handmancers: how is a character born? - 15 April 2025
From initial idea to final execution, here’s a look at the workflow behind character creation in video games, told through the making of one of Handmancers’ iconic enemies: The Living Corpse. Finding the right balance between gameplay and art direction One of the key elements shaping Handmancers’ identity, alongside its dynamic gameplay, is the quality of its art direction, which helped build a consistent and recognizable visual world. Creating a good game isn’t just about strong mechanics; it’s also about designing characters that stand out and capture the player’s attention, like The Living Corpse, our undead foe. But how did we bring this character, and all the others, to life. Step 1: concept art. It all starts with the idea. The first step was developing the concept, a character design that felt original while seamlessly fitting the game’s mechanics and overall style. The Living Co…
- Heartfelt Thank You - 25 June 2024
Hey Handmancers! All the team at 58BLADES and I want to thank you all deeply, truly Steam Next Fest was a very exciting time. It was the first time we ever shared Handmancers openly, and let me tell you, we got blown away by your positivity and feedback about the game. Handmancers was the top35 most played demo of the event It has now being played by more than 25.000 people and for more than 51.200 hours (almost 6 years!!!). What's next? We are looking forward to take as much as possible of the hundreds of feedbacks that we received - and are still receiving - into account as we keep developing the game and working towards Early Access! We care deeply about your opinions, feedback, ideas and suggestions. Our aim is to keep developing the game with our community throughout the way, making it the best version of Handmancers it can be. We already uploaded an updated build with some of the…
