TUSSLE WORKS is a free to play strategy auto-battler developed for PC. Players assemble teams of scrap-built windup contraptions drawn from a shop pool and watch them battle ghost teams of rival tinkerers without further input during fights. The game emphasizes collection building, resource management, and strategic placement across multiple run types. The Carnival Pack expands the available machines with twelve new options themed around carnival attractions, integrating directly into the existing shop rotation upon purchase.
Gameplay
Core gameplay revolves around drafting machines during shop phases using Cogs as currency. Each machine carries stats and abilities that activate based on triggers such as battle start, hurt, break, or turn end. Common machines provide straightforward effects like refunds or basic damage, while rarer ones introduce scaling or team-wide buffs. The Carnival Pack contributes machines such as Ring Toss for early enemy disruption, Ticket Spitter for resource recovery, and The Ringmaster for ally scaling based on team size. These additions appear alongside the base roster of over two hundred hand-drawn units without altering core rules or requiring extra downloads.
Combat resolves automatically once teams are set, with outcomes determined by positioning, synergies, and ability interactions. Resources like Spark represent temporary power, Plating offers durability, and Scrap serves as a currency for further purchases. Machines from the pack fit into these systems exactly as base units do, maintaining balance across all play sessions. Daily Tussle mode grants access to the full roster including pack content for all players, allowing testing without ownership.
Game Modes
The game supports seven distinct modes that vary in structure and goals. Solo mode focuses on winning a set number of tussles through successive shop and battle rounds. Tag Tussle enables 2v2 relay battles where teams alternate or combine efforts. Ranked play uses real-time matchmaking with an ELO ladder for competitive progression.
Additional modes include The Gauntlet for endless scaling challenges, Boss Rush against five specific authored opponents, and Mirror Match where players face an enhanced version of their own team. The Carnival Pack machines integrate into solo, tag team, and ranked modes immediately after acquisition, expanding options without changing mode rules or power ceilings. All modes draw from the shared machine pool, and unlocks sync across platforms tied to the player account.
Collection and Progression
Progression centers on completing a collection of machines through repeated runs and shop purchases. Each machine has defined tiers and rarities that influence availability and strength. The Carnival Pack adds twelve units spanning common to epic rarities, including The Big Wheel for ally plating gains, Funhouse Mirror for copying strong ally effects, and High Striker for targeted damage at battle start. These expand strategic variety without introducing pay-to-win elements, as every machine still requires Cogs to field and follows identical combat rules.
Ownership provides permanent access to the new machines in the shop pool across runs. No separate downloads or installations are needed, and the pack does not modify base game balance or introduce exclusive advantages beyond the added selection.
Is It Worth Playing?
TUSSLE WORKS suits players who enjoy auto-battler strategy with a focus on team building and collection in a casual, pixel-art presentation. The free to play model includes a Daily Tussle mode that shares the complete roster, including Carnival Pack machines, for unrestricted testing. The game maintains consistent rules where pack content integrates without raising individual power levels or requiring ongoing purchases for competitive viability.
Those interested in experimenting with carnival-themed additions like The Waltzer for area damage or Prize Claw for summoning support units will find direct value in the pack. The structure supports both short sessions in solo or tag modes and longer ladder climbs in ranked, with all features available on PC through account-based unlocks.
