Wildkeepers Rising, by Lioncode Games, is a hand-drawn action-RPG roguelite that casts the player as a Wildkeeper who tames spirit creatures to survive wave-based encounters on Xbox One. The game pairs automated 'bullet heaven' combat with strategic creature collection, asking you to manage positioning while Guardians attack and use special abilities. Key elements include up to four active Guardians, procedural biomes, and elemental synergy systems. It suits players who enjoy repeatable runs and tactical experimentation.

What kind of game is Wildkeepers?

In this game, you move through Glenhaven as a Wildkeeper in a hybrid action-RPG and roguelite. Play consists of exploring procedurally generated biomes, clearing waves of monsters in a bullet heaven format, and capturing spirit creatures called Guardians to expand your options for future attempts. Progression happens between runs, with new Wildkeepers, Guardians, and gear unlocked to push deeper into the world.

How does combat and team building play out?

When you play, combat emphasizes movement and composition rather than manual aiming. Guardians attack automatically while the player controls positioning and triggers special skills; the game allows up to four Guardians active at once. Tactical systems include:

• Automatic attacks from Guardians, reducing direct firing demands.
• Elemental synergies that reward specific Guardian combinations.
• Terrain and movement mechanics that influence survivability during hordes.

That design shifts challenge toward choosing complementary Guardians and mastering positioning under fire.

What does the game look and sound like?

On the audiovisual side, the game uses a vibrant 2.5D hand-drawn aesthetic with inspirations clearly visible from classic fantasy anime and puppet-style designs. Biomes vary visually and mechanically, which affects how you move and fight. The title includes full controller support and is optimized for modern consoles, so standard gamepad input maps cleanly to movement, Guardian switching, and ability triggers during intense encounters.

Who should play Wildkeepers Rising and when to avoid it

Wildkeepers Rising is a strong match for players who prefer tactical experimentation across repeatable runs and enjoy building team synergies. However, those seeking a linear, single-session narrative may find the run-based structure and persistent unlock model less satisfying. For players who enjoy iterative progression and creature-focused strategy, it is worth trying; players after a tightly paced story should look elsewhere.