Build & Meta Guides
Synergy-tested builds for Hades, Balatro, and Slay the Spire — with tier lists we re-run every patch. Free to read, updated within 48 hours of a major balance drop.
Vancouver • Roguelikes • RPGs
Die less. Learn faster. Win the run.
Build guides, patch breakdowns, and honest reviews from a Gastown crew that logs the hours so your next seed goes deeper than the last.
What we cover
Coverage built for players who care about the details
Honest Reviews
No score inflation, no publisher freebies. Every review logs a minimum 20 hours before we publish a verdict, with a clear "who this is for" section up top.
Indie Spotlights
Weekly features on under-the-radar roguelites, plus dev interviews recorded right here in Gastown. Membership from CAD $6/month unlocks the full archive.
Featured work
Recent deep dives and cover features
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From the community
What readers say after the run
"Their Ascension 20 routing guide took me from stuck-at-A15 to my first heart kill in a weekend. The build reasoning is the part nobody else explains."
"Finally a review site that tells me who a game is for instead of chasing a number. I've bought three indies on their word and haven't been burned yet."
"I went to their Gastown dev interview night and left with a shipped-game reading list. This crew actually shows up for the local scene."
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Do reviews use publisher review copies?
Occasionally, and we always disclose it at the top of the piece. Whether we buy the game or receive a code, the scoring rubric is identical and we log a minimum 20 hours before publishing.
What does membership include?
Membership starts at CAD $6/month and unlocks the full guide archive, early access to tier lists, and a members-only Discord. You can cancel any time and keep access until the billing period ends.
How often are guides updated?
Tier lists and build guides are re-tested within 48 hours of a major balance patch. Each guide shows a "last verified" date so you always know whether it reflects the current meta.
Can I pitch a game or an interview?
Yes — indie developers and local studios can reach us through the contact form below. We record interviews at our Gastown space on Fridays and read every pitch, usually replying within a week.
Get in touch
Pitch a story or say hello
Whether you're a developer with a build to show or a reader with a guide request, we'd love to hear from you. Drop by the Gastown studio or reach us directly.
- Phone+1 (604) 687-9874
- Email[email protected]
- Studio538 Cambie Street, Gastown, Vancouver, BC V6B 2N7
- HoursMon–Fri 10:00–18:00 PST • Interview nights Fri