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Press release:
Los Angeles, CA – February 18, 2026 – ThornSpire Games, in partnership with Wandering Wizard, will be launching their fantasy medieval strategy game Stoneguard on Steam Early Access March 19th but you won’t have to wait that long to play it, however, as a demo will be available during Steam Next Fest running February 23rd-March 2nd.

Stoneguard combines the open-ended sandbox gameplay of a survival sim with the tactics of a strategy game where players must defend their precious Lifestone either solo or in teams with up to four player co-op from an onslaught of invaders. Build and manage a fortified settlement by day, then defend it by night against relentless waves of monstrous enemies. Craft walls, towers, and defenses, recruit survivors, and manage resources to keep your community alive in a world on the brink of collapse. Players can experience Stoneguard solo or team up in co-op with up to four players, coordinating strategies and sharing resources to protect the Lifestone together.

Rather than offering a god’s eye view of the landscape, players take on the role of the current Ruler of Earth, who has escaped the capital with the Lifestone to protect it from alien invaders. Combat is brutal and tactical where precise weapon strikes can sever limbs, permanently affecting enemies and comrades alike. Forge powerful weapons from the amputated limbs of your fallen foes. Every lost limb carries severe consequences, hindering your performance in both battle and daily survival. But as long as the Lifestone is protected, there are ways to heal your battle wounds.

Command your forces through escalating nighttime assaults, face powerful bosses, and craft weapons forged from fallen monsters. Experience a unique blend of base-building, resource management, and real-time combat from a third-person perspective, shaped by a dynamic day–night cycle.

“We love strategy defense games and immersive sandbox survival games,” said husband and wife duo William and Honor Hasketton from ThornSpire Games.

“Stoneguard combines both into something fresh and tactical. As the Ruler of Earth, you’ll manage your settlement and your recruited survivors to keep the precious Lifestone from being stolen each night. It’s still Early Access, so the game isn’t fully polished yet, and your feedback will help us improve it. Try it out during Steam Next Fest ahead of the March 19th launch.”

About ThornSpireGames
ThornSpire Games is a husband and wife duo studio based in England. With the very important cuddle support from their four cats (Ponyo, Popeye, Pickle and Petal), they are making their first game, Stoneguard, inspired by their love for games such as Mount and Blade and Age of Empires. With hundreds of more game ideas running through their brains, they hope to make more games after Stoneguard and to expand their studio!

About Wandering Wizard
Wandering Wizard is passionately committed to championing indie game developers. We provide a platform for fresh voices, revolutionary ideas, and daring experiments within the indie gaming realm. Embracing the inherent risks of indie game development, we partner with creators worldwide to enrich the global gaming community with inclusive, inspiring, and innovative gaming experiences. wanderingwizard.com