From the mind behind Magic: The Gathering comes a fresh take on strategic gaming. Richard Garfield, the renowned game designer, is set to release Vanguard Exiles, an auto battler that breaks away from his previous card game ventures.

Garfield's foray into the auto battler genre stems from a desire to explore new digital gaming experiences. In an interview with Australia's Zed Games, he expressed that auto battlers filled a gap in his gaming repertoire, offering familiar yet novel mechanics reminiscent of board games. While the interview didn't reveal launch details, the developer, The Tea Division, subsequently confirmed Vanguard Exiles' early access launch date.

Early access for Vanguard Exiles commences on March 11, 2025. Players can anticipate PvP and couch co-op modes, along with a continuous influx of new units, factions, and zones.  This early access period, projected to last between six months to a year, will heavily rely on community feedback to refine and polish the gameplay mechanics.

Vanguard Exiles employs a deploy-and-capture system. Players strategically position their units across various zones to outmaneuver and eliminate opponents, ultimately securing control of these contested areas. As players progress, they unlock more powerful units using Gold, allowing them to engage in battles on larger maps against increasingly formidable foes.

Vanguard Exiles boasts a "massively modular" design. This unique approach features steampunk-inspired 2D art and incorporates modular zones, factions, units, and actions.  These elements interact to create dynamic and unpredictable RNG-driven battles. While the core objective remains straightforward—deploy units and conquer zones—the sheer number of variables in each match elevates Vanguard Exiles into a complex and engaging strategy game.

A free demo, available on Steam since August 2024, provides a sneak peek into the world of Vanguard Exiles.  The Tea Division will also participate in February’s Steam Next Fest, showcasing exclusive content and offering a deeper look into the game ahead of its official launch. While the final pricing for early access and the full release remains undisclosed, similar auto battlers on Steam suggest a price range between $15 and $20.