Surprise hit indie game Backpack Battles launches into 1.0 with two new classes

When I saw the reveal of Resident Evil Requiem, my mind immediately conjured up one of the series' most iconic moments - playing inventory Tetris in RE4. Most don't handle it that well; sorting out your items is typically one of the most frustrating parts of games, with RPGs such as Diablo 4 and Baldur's Gate 3 among the big offenders. Backpack Battles changes that. The indie game proved an instant hit when it launched into early access in 2024, selling 100,000 copies in a single day. Now, just over a year later, Backpack Battles 1.0 is here, adding two new classes and much more, and it's yours for 20% off if you're quick.

Backpack Battles is an auto-battling RPG all about laying out your inventory as optimally as possible. Swords, shields, snacks, healing herbs - they all need a spot in your bag, and where you place them will impact their effects. PlayWithFurcifer developers Doro and Mario thank players for their support, stating that its huge success in early access is the reason the indie game went from a short experiment to a "years-long project."

The Backpack Battles 1.0 launch is packed with additions and balance changes. To start with, there are two new classes, the mage and adventurer, bringing the total to six. All of the existing characters have been given some love with more items and another outfit each. There's additional polish to help you keep track of what's going on at any moment, with the ability to turn on status displays to show character buffs, and icons for weapon tooltips.

Expect lots of quality-of-life touchups. Pressing the Alt key over an item will now highlight items it can affect, while doing it without anything hovered will give a more general overview of what objects can affect which others. On the balance side of things, along with numerous item-specific tweaks, you'll now trigger a default battle rage effect after five seconds if it's needed for a synergy item and you have no other way to start it.

If you've played Backpack Battles previously, you'll want to jump in for the new season, and if you've never tried it then now's an ideal time to start - there's even a Steam sale discount to celebrate the game leaving early access.

Backpack Battles 1.0 is out now on Steam, with a 20% discount available through Sunday June 22 meaning you'll pay just $11.99 / £10.23. Get it right here if you're feeling the itch to arrange all your worldly possessions into a slowly-expanding satchel.

If you're getting into the action, be sure to check our Backpack Battles recipes list to start putting some powerful combos together. Alternatively, challenge the rest of the world with the best multiplayer games on PC in 2025.

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