What is Gridlords?
Tired of the high-pressure timers in Hearthstone Battlegrounds? Gridlords offers a refreshing, async-PvP autobattler experience where you build your kingdom and optimize your grid at your own pace. It’s a weird, addictive mix that feels fresh, even if it’s still finding its footing.
Gameplay
Gridlords flips the script on the high-stress autobattler formula by going async. You aren't sweating in a lobby with seven other people waiting for your turn; you’re building a castle and optimizing a grid at your own pace. The loop is straightforward but deep: recruit legendary heroes, place them on your grid, and let your setup clash with rivals. It’s less about drafting from a shared pool and more about managing a kingdom, which makes it feel like a strategy sim that happens to have autobattler combat. The pixel art is clean and gives it a nice old-school vibe, but the real hook is the layout. It’s not just about who has the strongest units; it’s about how you position your defense and offense. You’ll spend hours tweaking that grid, trying to find the perfect synergy. It’s way less stressful than TFT, but it still hits that 'just one more turn' itch hard.
Key Features
- Asynchronous PvP battles
- Castle building and grid optimization
- Legendary hero recruitment
- Fantasy pixel-art aesthetic
- Kingdom management strategy
What Players Say
The community is split on whether it’s ready for prime time, but the engagement is real. One player noted they are 'really enjoying the game right now,' though they pointed out that content seems limited as new buildings appear later. Another user called the gameplay loop 'fun and addictive,' with lots of room to experiment. However, the early access state isn't hidden. One reviewer warned that it feels more like beta testing than a finished product, citing a steep learning curve and long match times. Another player admitted it’s 'not bad' but felt shallower than Backpack Battles, lacking the same depth and possibilities. It’s clear you’ll need patience for the rough edges.
Video Review
Screenshots
Verdict
“I'm really enjoying the game right now! However, there are a few things potential buyers should keep in mind: The content seems a bit limited at the moment. I noticed that new buildings appear as the…”
“Really enjoying this game! I’ve already spent quite a few hours playing, and the gameplay loop is really fun and addictive. Lots of room to experiment and try different strategies. Definitely worth gi…”
“Great game, looking forward to the roadmap, hoping for a ranked mode of some kind.”
“Not bad. Cannot really recommend or recommend against it. I was looking for something like Backpack Battles and it has some mechanics in it, yet Backpack Battles has more depth, more possibilities an…”
“Sorry for the bad review, but it should be said that the game is not in a state for release yet and that this "early access" is more like being a beta tester. 1.5 hours for me to win, after having see…”
If you want a relaxed, strategic autobattler where you can play at your own pace, Gridlords is worth a look despite its $9.99 price tag. However, if you need a polished, ranked-ready experience or deep unit variety right now, you should wait for more updates. It’s got heart, but it’s still figuring out its meta.
View on Steam →* Price at time of publication (checked 08.10.2026). Prices may vary by region and are subject to change. This is an editorial review, not a commercial offer.