Playertesters Wanted: Ashes of Empire – A 4X Space Strategy Game with Card Battling Combat
Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2026 4:28 pm
Playtesters Wanted: Ashes of Empire – A 4X Space Strategy Game with Card Battling Combat
Greetings Slitherine Community,
I’m developing Ashes of Empire (Current Working Title), a 4X space strategy game where grand empire-building meets intense tactical card battles. Inspired by classic 4X depth and the tense decision-making of traditional card-driven wargames, Ashes of Empire puts you in command of a fledgling interstellar empire struggling to rise from the ruins of a fallen galactic order.
Core Gameplay
4X Empire Management: Explore the stars, expand your territory, exploit resources, and exterminate rival factions across a dynamic galaxy.
Card Battling Combat System: All military conflicts are resolved through a rich, tactical card battle system. Build and customize decks representing your military doctrine, fleets, and commanders. Every battle is a high-stakes duel of positioning, timing, and clever card play.
Retro-Epic Visual Style: Beautifully illustrated cards with a classic mid-20th century propaganda poster aesthetic (think WWII recruitment art meets golden age sci-fi).
Current Alpha Build Features
Functional 4X galaxy map with exploration and expansion
Core card combat system with deck building and tactical battles
Multiple factions and unique ship abilities
Basic economy, research, and unit production
Single-player campaign-style scenario
The game is being developed in Unity and is currently in early Alpha. The core loop is playable, but balance, UI polish, and content are still being actively refined. (Placeholder Artwork is currently AI generated)
What I’m Looking For
I’m seeking thoughtful strategy gamers and playtesters who enjoy deep 4X games and card-driven combat wargames. Your feedback on pacing, card balance, combat feel, empire management flow, and overall fun factor will be extremely valuable. Multiplayer combat (Not the 4x campaign) has been implemented and needs testing also.
Time Commitment: Most sessions are 45–90 minutes, though longer campaigns are possible.
How to Join
If you’re interested, reply to this thread or send me a private message with:
Your experience with 4X / strategy games
Any experience with card battlers or wargames
Your preferred platform (Windows build available)
I’ll send you a download link and a short feedback questionnaire. All testers will receive credit in the game and have direct input on design decisions.
Link to a video showing the card battle system (Human vs AI): https://youtu.be/zdbhghe91Zk
Link to video highlighting the player deck building process: https://youtu.be/bWlgwofKwZI
Thank you for your time. I look forward to seeing what the Slitherine community thinks of Ashes of Empire.
FYI... I've submitted "Ashes of Empire" to the K-project and was given approval by Alberto to solicit testers.
— Scott Kendall
Developer, Ashes of Empire
Greetings Slitherine Community,
I’m developing Ashes of Empire (Current Working Title), a 4X space strategy game where grand empire-building meets intense tactical card battles. Inspired by classic 4X depth and the tense decision-making of traditional card-driven wargames, Ashes of Empire puts you in command of a fledgling interstellar empire struggling to rise from the ruins of a fallen galactic order.
Core Gameplay
4X Empire Management: Explore the stars, expand your territory, exploit resources, and exterminate rival factions across a dynamic galaxy.
Card Battling Combat System: All military conflicts are resolved through a rich, tactical card battle system. Build and customize decks representing your military doctrine, fleets, and commanders. Every battle is a high-stakes duel of positioning, timing, and clever card play.
Retro-Epic Visual Style: Beautifully illustrated cards with a classic mid-20th century propaganda poster aesthetic (think WWII recruitment art meets golden age sci-fi).
Current Alpha Build Features
Functional 4X galaxy map with exploration and expansion
Core card combat system with deck building and tactical battles
Multiple factions and unique ship abilities
Basic economy, research, and unit production
Single-player campaign-style scenario
The game is being developed in Unity and is currently in early Alpha. The core loop is playable, but balance, UI polish, and content are still being actively refined. (Placeholder Artwork is currently AI generated)
What I’m Looking For
I’m seeking thoughtful strategy gamers and playtesters who enjoy deep 4X games and card-driven combat wargames. Your feedback on pacing, card balance, combat feel, empire management flow, and overall fun factor will be extremely valuable. Multiplayer combat (Not the 4x campaign) has been implemented and needs testing also.
Time Commitment: Most sessions are 45–90 minutes, though longer campaigns are possible.
How to Join
If you’re interested, reply to this thread or send me a private message with:
Your experience with 4X / strategy games
Any experience with card battlers or wargames
Your preferred platform (Windows build available)
I’ll send you a download link and a short feedback questionnaire. All testers will receive credit in the game and have direct input on design decisions.
Link to a video showing the card battle system (Human vs AI): https://youtu.be/zdbhghe91Zk
Link to video highlighting the player deck building process: https://youtu.be/bWlgwofKwZI
Thank you for your time. I look forward to seeing what the Slitherine community thinks of Ashes of Empire.
FYI... I've submitted "Ashes of Empire" to the K-project and was given approval by Alberto to solicit testers.
— Scott Kendall
Developer, Ashes of Empire