Union of Gnomes is a strategy RPG deckbuilder set in a twisted fairy tale world where gnomes rise against Snow White's rule. Players lead the uprising by assembling squads of freedom fighters, building decks from a pool of 130 cards, and battling through six acts filled with quirky quests and hidden stories. The game blends card combat with resource management and positioning tactics, all wrapped in satirical humor that pokes at classic tales like those featuring Red Hood, the Wizard of Oz, and Pinocchio.
Gameplay
Core play revolves around selecting one of three distinct gnome heroes, each with unique traits, decks, and abilities. Between runs, enhancements improve these heroes to refine strategies over time. Combat requires careful lineup experiments to unlock synergies among the 130 cards, which deliver effects such as direct damage, poison, weakening, blinding, or even intoxication on enemies or allies. Positioning plays a key role, as foes occupy specific spots that influence attack outcomes and allow for targeted disruptions.
Resource tracking adds another layer, with supplies like wieners needing attention during fights against regular enemies and the 19 fairy tale bosses. Effects number 24 in total, creating varied ways to control the battlefield through clever combinations rather than raw power alone. The loop emphasizes trial and error across runs, where failed attempts reveal new card interactions and build paths.
Game Modes
Story mode delivers the full narrative campaign across six acts, complete with quests that advance the revolutionary plot and uncover side tales. This structured experience guides players through the uprising while introducing mechanics gradually.
Endless mode provides ongoing challenges beyond the main campaign, allowing repeated runs with escalating difficulty and fresh deck-building opportunities. The mode supports infinite play sessions focused on optimization and discovery rather than linear progression.
Key Mechanics and Features
Deck construction draws from a broad card library that supports multiple playstyles, from aggressive damage dealers to support units that apply status effects. Hero selection influences starting options, but upgrades between attempts encourage experimentation with different combinations. Enemy variety includes both standard foes and larger threats drawn from familiar stories, each with behaviors that reward attention to positioning and timing.
The single-player focus keeps attention on personal strategy and humor, with no multiplayer elements present. Quirky elements, such as morale-breaking animations, integrate directly into combat resolution for added flavor without altering core rules.
Is It Worth Playing?
Union of Gnomes suits players who enjoy roguelike deckbuilders with strong thematic humor and strategic card play. The verified mechanics deliver consistent depth through synergies and positioning, while the fairy tale setting provides a fresh twist on familiar tropes. Version 1.0 launched in 2025, confirming ongoing development and a complete experience for those ready to commit to multiple runs.
Reception highlights the charm of the writing and combat variety, though some note visual simplicity as a trade-off for the focus on mechanics. It appeals most to fans of indie strategy titles that prioritize clever combos over high production values. Those seeking a lighthearted yet tactical card game with replayability through Endless mode will find it aligns well with that preference.
