The game was described by the team as a "digital miniatures game", as it was heavily inspired by both tabletop role-playing games and collectible card games. In each match, players need to carefully consider the positioning of their units. The positioning of each character may also block the movement of both friendly and enemy units. Players can fight against units controlled by artificial intelligence, though the main mode of the game also supports 1-versus-1 competitive multiplayer. This mode is strictly single-player and features elements from roguelike games.
The characters in the game are remisicent of miniatures from tabletop games. The game would also adopt a season pass model, in which players can gradually unlock in-game currency, paint sets, sticker packs and decals, and other customization items in the game through playing the game and gaining experience. Duplicate characters unlocked through Booster Packs are converted to "Merits", which can then be used to craft other locked characters.
Development of the game began in 2017 by Unknown Worlds Entertainment. Charlie Cleveland, the director of Subnautica, served as the game's director. According to Cleveland, the original pitch of the game was to make a "digital miniatures game". The game was heavily inspired by the Warhammer series of tabletop game.
