Chrono Ark Deluxe Edition: A perfect blend of roguelike and card-based gameplay on Nintendo Switch

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The roguelike deck-building genre has just welcomed a notable newcomer on handheld consoles: Chrono Ark Deluxe Edition. This is the complete edition for Nintendo Switch, delivering a deep tactical RPG experience in a world on the brink of collapse.

Chrono Ark Deluxe Edition (Image source: Nintendo)
Chrono Ark Deluxe Edition (Image source: Nintendo)

A story of hope and lost memories

The story begins when a mysterious black fog engulfs the world. The last survivors are forced to take refuge in the Ark. The only way to restore order is to search for the lost Time Shades and activate the Clock Tower to bring the world back to a peaceful era.

Players take on the role of Lucy, a girl who awakens in the Twisted Land beneath the Ark with no memories, except for a single message: "Activate the Clock Tower." From there, Lucy begins her journey to recruit allies and face dangerous challenges.

Where RPG meets card-based strategy

Chrono Ark offers a unique tactical system where you can recruit up to four allies in your party. Each character has distinct personalities and abilities, creating a wide range of synergies:

  • Card-based skill system: The skills of Lucy and her allies are represented as cards.
  • Strategic customization: Your choices directly influence which skills characters learn, shaping the combat style of the entire team.
A fusion of RPG and strategic card-based gameplay (Image source: Nintendo)
A fusion of RPG and strategic card-based gameplay (Image source: Nintendo)

Roguelike mechanics: Failure leads to mastery

Unlike traditional RPGs, Chrono Ark features classic roguelike mechanics. When your party is defeated, everything resets. However, this is not the end—it is an opportunity to unlock new allies and abilities. With each failure, players gain experience and refine their strategies for future runs.

A complete experience on Nintendo Switch

The game officially launched on January 29, 2026. The Deluxe Edition on Nintendo Switch delivers anime-inspired visuals, immersive music, and addictive gameplay, making it perfect for both short sessions and long grinding marathons.