Poncle is expanding the Vampire Survivors universe with Vampire Crawlers, a new dungeon-crawling roguelike deckbuilder revealed during the Xbox Partner Preview broadcast. The spin-off introduces a different approach to the franchise while keeping familiar characters, items, and humor intact. It is slated for a 2026 release and will arrive day one on Xbox Game Pass Premium and Ultimate.
A Shift From Action Chaos to Card-Driven Strategy
While Vampire Survivors became known for its fast-paced, screen-filling action, Vampire Crawlers shifts the focus toward a card-based gameplay loop. Players choose from returning characters, each offering unique abilities, and enter grid-based dungeons viewed through a first-person interface reminiscent of classic PC dungeon crawlers. Movement and decision-making occur between battles, while the combat itself revolves around rapid card selection and execution.
Poncle founder and CEO Luca describes the core concept as a dungeon crawler driven entirely by cards. The design supports slow, deliberate play or fast-paced input, depending on player preference. Regardless of speed, the game ensures consistent logical outcomes even when the action becomes visually dense.
Staying in the Vampire Survivors World
Despite moving into a new genre, Vampire Crawlers remains closely linked to the world of Vampire Survivors. Luca explains that staying within the established setting helps preserve the original game’s design pillars, such as accessibility, straightforward progression, and repeatability. It also allows the team to avoid heavy worldbuilding and instead focus on gameplay refinement.
Music returns from the original composers, and franchise staples such as treasure chests, evolutions, and comedic elements remain part of the experience. Poncle is also working on a sequel to Vampire Survivors, although no additional details were shared.
Nearly Four Years of Development
Development began shortly after Vampire Survivors found early success. Poncle explored several experimental ideas, and Vampire Crawlers quickly stood out as a project with clear potential. Its early momentum helped it evolve faster than other prototypes, ultimately leading it to become the first official spin-off.
Wide-Ranging Inspirations Across Eras
Luca notes that the game blends elements from multiple genres and decades of game design. Early PC dungeon crawlers, classic RPGs, solitaire mechanics, and card-based console titles all contributed to the direction of Vampire Crawlers. The combination of grid-based exploration and high-speed card battles reflects this mixture of influences.
One of the game’s standout mechanics is a “mana combo” system that rewards players for playing cards in ascending order. Luca compares this to traditional Italian card games, solitaire foundations, and a mechanic from Baten Kaitos.
Refining the Deckbuilding Genre
While deckbuilders have grown in popularity, Poncle’s approach to the genre focuses on removing common friction points. Luca highlights that many card games slow down the action with animations and turn delays. Vampire Crawlers aims to let players act as quickly as they want, with minimal interruptions.
Between battles, dungeon exploration replaces simple path-choice menus. Poncle wants players to feel like they are moving through an active world without adding overwhelming RPG layers.
A Complete Release with Future Expansion in Mind
Unlike Vampire Survivors, which launched in Early Access, Vampire Crawlers is planned as a full release. Poncle intends to support the game after launch based on community feedback, with the structure allowing room for expansions if demand is high. The studio views this as a global rollout, making it a more ambitious release than the original game.
Launch Window and Game Pass Availability
Poncle has not committed to a specific date, but the studio confirms a 2026 launch window. The game will be available on day one for Xbox Game Pass Premium and Ultimate subscribers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Vampire Crawlers?
Vampire Crawlers is a dungeon-crawling roguelike deckbuilder set in the Vampire Survivors universe. It features grid-based exploration and fast-paced card combat.
Is Vampire Crawlers a sequel to Vampire Survivors?
No. Poncle describes it as a spin-off. A separate sequel to Vampire Survivors is in development, but details have not been shared.
When will Vampire Crawlers be released?
The game is planned for a 2026 launch, with no exact date announced.
Will Vampire Crawlers be on Xbox Game Pass?
Yes. It will be available day one for Xbox Game Pass Premium and Ultimate subscribers.
Does Vampire Crawlers use characters from Vampire Survivors?
Yes. The game features returning characters, items, and references from the original title.
Is Vampire Crawlers an Early Access release?
No. Poncle plans to release it as a complete, global launch.
What gameplay style does Vampire Crawlers use?
The game combines dungeon crawling with a card-based combat system that supports both tactical and fast-paced play.
Will the game receive updates after launch?
Poncle expects to provide updates for several months and may expand the game further depending on community interest.
