Clawpunk, developed by Kittens in Timespace, is a 2D action game that places feline heroes at the center of chaotic, cyberpunk-inspired environments. The game combines roguelite mechanics with destructible terrain, offering players the freedom to approach each level in multiple ways. While the characters are cats, Creative Director Jamie Arron explains that this choice reflects broader human behavior. “Cats are a reflection of the human psyche in animal form,” he says. “We worship them, we love them, we hate them, they seem to dominate society. This game sort of acts as a tribute to everything that personifies a cat.”
The game’s visual style and music draw inspiration from ‘80s action films. Pixel art environments are paired with a soundtrack that blends hardware synth, metal, and industrial music, creating a distinctive tone that complements the game’s chaotic action. Artist Sebastian Vasselbring’s love of cats influenced the decision to use animal characters instead of humans, keeping the game’s age rating relatively low despite its violent mechanics.
Unlockable Heroes and Gameplay Variety
Clawpunk features a roster of up to nine cat heroes, each with distinct abilities. Players begin with one hero but can unlock additional characters over multiple runs. Roguelite mechanics mean that if a hero dies during a run, they are gone for the remainder of that attempt. Arron notes that the early heroes behave similarly, while later additions are more extreme, offering diverse playstyles.
Characters include Dash, who is fast but deals lower damage, and Buck, a slower character wielding a heavy sledgehammer. Other heroes include Haxx, who uses a wheelchair for both ground and aerial movement, Candy with a long-range whip, Jinx who attacks with psychic orbs while on a hoverboard, and Larry, who uses a pogo stick to move unpredictably. Players are encouraged to experiment with different characters to find combinations that suit their preferred strategies.
Strategic Zone Design and Difficulty Scaling
The game features five zones, including woodlands, sewers, construction areas, and a junkyard, each designed to complement different playstyles. Difficulty scales depending on the order in which players tackle zones. Ironcat mode allows a single hero to use all nine lives, but the difficulty is at its maximum. To offset the challenge, players can recover health and use a card system that grants modifiers and stacking effects for tactical advantages.
Chaos Coins, earned during runs, can be used to unlock new heroes or obtain cards that modify gameplay. Cards can combine to create powerful effects, such as multiple grenades or immunity to self-damage, allowing players to approach each level in unique ways.
Gameplay Influences and Core Mechanics
Clawpunk takes cues from both Minecraft and Doom (2016). Players can destroy terrain to reach the exit, offering freedom in movement and level navigation. The game also incorporates Doom’s “push forward” design philosophy, rewarding aggressive play and momentum. Players can choose to eliminate every enemy or focus on progressing quickly, with scoring based on kills, damage avoided, combos, and the chaos caused.
Managing notoriety adds another layer of strategy. Players are tracked by floating cameras and TVs, and destroying them reduces villain awareness while filling the chaos meter. High notoriety triggers the appearance of hellhounds, mini-bosses that drop rare weapons, offering additional tactical choices. Arron emphasizes that there is no single correct approach, and players are encouraged to experiment with their favorite characters and strategies.
Release Information
Clawpunk is scheduled for release on the Epic Games Store on November 14, 2025. The game combines roguelite mechanics, destructible cyberpunk environments, and a roster of feline heroes to create a unique action experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What platforms will Clawpunk be available on?
Clawpunk will be released on the Epic Games Store for PC. There is currently no official confirmation of console versions.
What is the gameplay style of Clawpunk?
Clawpunk is a 2D action game with roguelite elements, destructible terrain, and a focus on fast-paced combat. Players can choose to clear enemies or prioritize reaching the exit.
How many heroes are in Clawpunk?
The game features up to nine cat heroes, each with unique abilities and playstyles. Players start with one hero and unlock the rest over multiple runs.
Does Clawpunk have difficulty modes?
Yes. Standard runs have scaling difficulty based on zone order, and Ironcat mode allows a single hero to use all nine lives at maximum difficulty.
What are Chaos Coins and cards in Clawpunk?
Chaos Coins are a persistent currency used to unlock new heroes or cards. Cards grant modifiers that can be combined for strategic advantages, affecting combat, movement, or damage effects.
When is the release date for Clawpunk?
Clawpunk will launch on the Epic Games Store on November 14, 2025.
Does Clawpunk have multiplayer or web3 features?
The game is currently designed as a single-player experience and does not include web3 elements or multiplayer support.
