Death Howl arrives today on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, joining Game Pass as it makes the leap from its successful PC release.
Blending tactical deck-building with soulslike inspiration, this atmospheric adventure tells a deeply personal story set in a haunting spiritual world.
Developed by The Outer Zone and published by 11 bit studios, Death Howl follows Ro, a grieving hunter who ventures into the spirit realm to bring her son back from the dead – no matter the cost.
At A Glance
- Game: Death Howl
- Developer: The Outer Zone
- Publisher: 11 bit studios
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Game Pass: Yes (Console & PC)
- Genre: Deck-Builder / Tactical RPG / Soulslike
- Price: ~£16.74
A Journey Through Grief And The Spirit Realm
Death Howl is not just about combat or card mechanics; it’s about loss, memory, and determination.
Ro’s journey begins after the death of her son, pushing her beyond the physical world and into a fractured spirit realm filled with danger, mystery, and lingering sorrow.
The Spirit World is divided into multiple realms and regions, each populated by strange enemies, environmental hazards, and characters whose stories intertwine with Ro’s own grief-fuelled mission.
The minimalist presentation and folklore-inspired tone help give Death Howl a distinct identity among tactical RPGs, grounding its mechanics in emotional storytelling.
Tactical Deck-Building Meets Soulslike Design
Combat in Death Howl plays out on a grid, combining positional strategy with deck-building mechanics. Players build card decks focused on different archetypes – poison, blocking, sacrifice, retaliation, and more – while learning enemy patterns in encounters that reward patience and adaptation.
More than 160 cards can be collected and combined, allowing players to experiment with powerful synergies and different tactical styles.
True to its soulslike inspiration, defeat is part of the learning process. Resting restores Ro’s strength but also brings enemies back, reinforcing the cycle of challenge and mastery.
A Console Arrival After Strong PC Reception
Death Howl first launched on PC in late 2025, where it quickly earned overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam, praised for its unusual blend of genres and emotional storytelling.
We also covered the game’s PC release back in December, when it first arrived alongside PC Game Pass – and now the console audience gets the chance to step into Ro’s journey for themselves.
With its arrival on Xbox Game Pass, Death Howl becomes an easy recommendation for players curious about tactical deck-builders with a darker tone and narrative focus.
A Myth-Shrouded Adventure Worth Exploring
Death Howl stands out thanks to its combination of thoughtful strategy, atmospheric world-building, and a story rooted in grief and resilience. It’s not just about building the perfect deck; it’s about understanding the world Ro has entered and the forces that shape it.
For Game Pass players especially, this is one of those releases that feels tailor-made for discovery – a smaller, distinctive experience that blends genres in surprising ways.
And sometimes, the most powerful journeys begin with a single howl into the darkness.
The Standard Edition of Death Howl is on the Xbox Store, priced at £16.74 or running Game Pass play.
If you prefer the Deluxe Edition, it’s £19.74. That includes the Soundtrack, Artbook and some relics. Alternatively, that pack is priced at £4.99.
