Be My Horde

Be My Horde is a singleplayer roguelike action game set in a fantasy world, offering a bird’s-eye view and scrolling gameplay. Developed by Polished Games using Unreal Engine 5, the game was released in early access on June 18, 2024, featuring direct control, 2D scrolling visuals, and a female protagonist navigating through hellish challenges.

Be My Horde: A Darkly Delightful Roguelite Revolution

Introduction: The Rise of the Necromancess

In the crowded landscape of roguelites and survivor-likes, Be My Horde emerges as a refreshing and audacious twist on the genre. Developed by the Polish indie studio Polished Games, this top-down, 2D action game flips the script by casting players not as the hero, but as the villain—a seductive, power-hungry necromancess named Moriana. With its unique blend of strategic horde management, dark humor, and addictive gameplay, Be My Horde carves out a niche that feels both familiar and entirely new.

At its core, Be My Horde is a game about transformation—both literal and thematic. Enemies are not obstacles to overcome but resources to exploit, turned into an ever-growing army of undead minions. The game’s brilliance lies in its simplicity: kill, resurrect, repeat. Yet beneath this straightforward loop lies a surprising depth of strategy, progression, and personality. With its Early Access launch in June 2024, Be My Horde has already garnered a devoted following, thanks to its charmingly macabre aesthetic, tight gameplay, and the sheer joy of watching hundreds of zombies, knights, and even exploding sheep swarm the screen in a symphony of chaos.

This review will dissect Be My Horde in exhaustive detail, exploring its development history, narrative and thematic ambitions, gameplay mechanics, artistic direction, and its place in the broader gaming landscape. By the end, it will be clear why Be My Horde is not just another survivor-like, but a bold reimagining of what the genre can be.

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Development History & Context: From Vampire Survivors to a Unique Vision

The Birth of Polished Games

Polished Games, the studio behind Be My Horde, is a relatively small but ambitious indie developer based in Poland. While not yet a household name, the team has demonstrated a knack for blending accessible gameplay with deep strategic elements. Their previous projects, though less prominent, laid the groundwork for the studio’s signature style: games that are easy to pick up but difficult to master, with a strong emphasis on player agency and replayability.

The development of Be My Horde began as an experiment in subverting the traditional survivor-like formula. In a 2024 devlog, the team at Polished Games openly acknowledged the influence of Vampire Survivors, the genre-defining hit that popularized the “bullet heaven” roguelite. However, rather than creating a mere clone, they sought to innovate by shifting the player’s role from the lone survivor to the orchestrator of chaos. As Łukasz from Polished Games noted in an interview with The Gamerheads Podcast, the goal was to “embrace the fantasy of being the villain,” a concept that resonated deeply with the team’s love for dark fantasy and strategic gameplay.

Technological Foundations: Unreal Engine 5 and Early Access

Be My Horde is built on Unreal Engine 5, a choice that allows for stunning visual fidelity and smooth performance, even when the screen is flooded with hundreds of undead minions. The engine’s capabilities are particularly evident in the game’s dynamic weather systems, detailed environments, and fluid animations, which bring the dark fantasy world to life.

The decision to launch in Early Access on June 18, 2024, was a strategic one. Polished Games recognized that Be My Horde’s core mechanics were already compelling, but the game’s full potential could only be unlocked through community feedback. As stated in their Steam Early Access FAQ, the studio’s philosophy is rooted in collaboration: “We wish to give you all the real influence over the game!” This approach has paid off, with frequent updates introducing new features, balance tweaks, and quality-of-life improvements based on player suggestions.

The Gaming Landscape: Standing Out in a Crowded Genre

Be My Horde entered a market saturated with survivor-likes and roguelites, from Vampire Survivors to Brotato and 20 Minutes Till Dawn. What sets it apart is its villain-centric narrative and horde management mechanics. While most games in the genre focus on the player’s survival against overwhelming odds, Be My Horde inverts this dynamic by making the player the overwhelming force. This shift in perspective is not just a gimmick—it fundamentally alters the gameplay experience, turning what could have been a derivative title into something fresh and exciting.

The game’s Early Access success is a testament to its appeal. With over 1,700 “Very Positive” reviews on Steam as of early 2026, Be My Horde has already cultivated a dedicated fanbase. Its affordable price point ($4.99 at launch, often discounted) and frequent updates have kept players engaged, while its unique premise has drawn attention from critics and streamers alike.

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Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive: The Allure of the Dark Side

Moriana: The Necromancess Who Steals the Show

At the heart of Be My Horde is Moriana, a character who defies conventional video game protagonists. Voiced with hypnotic charm by Amber Lee Connors, Moriana is a seductive, ruthless, and unhinged necromancer who revels in her villainy. Unlike the typical silent or stoic hero, Moriana is fully aware of her role as the antagonist—and she loves it. She breaks the fourth wall, taunts the player, and exudes an eerie elegance reminiscent of Morticia Addams, as noted by the developers in interviews.

Moriana’s personality is central to the game’s dark comedy tone. Her dialogue is laced with wit, menace, and occasional moments of vulnerability, making her one of the most memorable characters in recent indie gaming. The fully voiced interactions, featuring a talented cast including Ryan Cooper as Richard III Ovine and Jacob Browning as the Devil, add depth to the game’s narrative, which unfolds between runs in Moriana’s Dominion, her dark lair.

Themes: Power, Corruption, and the Joy of Villainy

Be My Horde explores several compelling themes:
1. The Allure of Power: Moriana’s journey is one of unbridled ambition. She seeks not just to conquer but to dominate entirely, turning the world into her playground. The game’s progression system mirrors this, as players grow stronger with each run, unlocking new abilities that make their horde even more devastating.
2. Death as a Resource: In most games, death is a penalty. In Be My Horde, it’s an opportunity. Every fallen enemy becomes a potential minion, reinforcing the game’s central mechanic and thematic core. This inversion of traditional game design philosophy is both clever and refreshing.
3. The Villain’s Perspective: By casting the player as the antagonist, Be My Horde invites players to embrace their darker impulses. The game doesn’t just let you be evil—it encourages it, rewarding players for their cruelty and cunning.

Storytelling: A Work in Progress

As of its Early Access state, Be My Horde’s narrative is fragmented but intriguing. The game’s story is delivered in fully voiced dialogue scenes between runs, with Moriana and other characters providing context for her quest for domination. While the overarching plot is still being fleshed out (with a full story promised for the 1.0 release in 2026), the existing lore hints at a rich, dark fantasy world filled with betrayal, ancient powers, and Moriana’s twisted ambitions.

The game’s environmental storytelling is equally impressive. Each realm Moriana invades has its own unique aesthetic and lore, from volcanic wastelands to cursed forests. The longer she lingers in a realm, the more it decays under her influence, a visual representation of her corrupting power.

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Gameplay Mechanics & Systems: The Art of Undead Warfare

Core Gameplay Loop: Kill, Resurrect, Conquer

Be My Horde’s gameplay is deceptively simple but deeply strategic. The core loop revolves around:
1. Exploring the Map: Players guide Moriana through a procedurally generated realm, encountering enemy groups and environmental hazards.
2. Slaying Enemies: Combat is automated—Moriana doesn’t fight directly. Instead, her minions do the heavy lifting, swarming foes in a bullet-hell-style frenzy.
3. Resurrecting the Fallen: Every defeated enemy can be raised as an undead minion, adding to your horde. The type of minion depends on the enemy killed (e.g., peasants become weak zombies, knights become armored warriors).
4. Surviving Waves: Every minute, a stronger wave of enemies spawns, testing the player’s ability to manage their horde effectively.
5. Dying and Upgrading: Upon death, players return to the Dominion, where they can spend harvested souls on permanent upgrades, new abilities, and structural enhancements.

This loop is easy to learn but difficult to master, a hallmark of great roguelite design. The challenge lies in balancing horde composition, positioning, and resource management to survive as long as possible.

Horde Management: The Key to Victory

The game’s depth comes from how players manage their undead army. Key considerations include:
– Minion Types: Different enemies resurrect into different minions, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. For example:
– Peasants: Weak but numerous, ideal for swarming.
– Knights: Slow but durable, great for tanking.
– Mages: Ranged attackers who excel at crowd control.
– Exploding Sheep: A chaotic wildcard that can turn the tide of battle.
– Positioning: Minions follow Moriana in a circular formation, but their effectiveness depends on how they’re positioned relative to enemies. Players must maneuver strategically to ensure their horde isn’t overwhelmed.
– Upgrades: Permanent upgrades in the Dominion allow players to increase minion limits, improve resurrection speed, and unlock new abilities, such as necrotic auras or soul-devouring spells.

Progression and Meta-Game Systems

Be My Horde features a robust progression system that keeps players engaged between runs:
– Soul Harvesting: Souls collected during runs are used to upgrade Moriana’s Dominion, unlocking new structures that provide passive bonuses.
– Perks and Scrolls: Players can acquire temporary perks during runs (e.g., increased minion speed, health regeneration) and permanent scrolls that modify future runs (e.g., starting with extra minions, unlocking new enemy types).
– Skin System: Cosmetic skins for Moriana and her minions add a layer of customization, though they are purely aesthetic.

Combat and Enemy Variety

While Moriana herself doesn’t engage in direct combat, the interaction between minions and enemies creates a dynamic, bullet-hell-like experience. Enemies come in a variety of types, each requiring different strategies:
– Melee Enemies: Peasants and warriors who rush the horde.
– Ranged Enemies: Archers and mages who attack from a distance.
– Elite Enemies: Knights and bosses with high health and devastating attacks.
– Environmental Hazards: Meteors, volcanic eruptions, and corrupted trees that can be exploited or avoided.

The game’s difficulty curve is well-balanced, with early runs feeling manageable but later waves becoming overwhelming, forcing players to adapt their strategies.

Boss Fights: A Test of Horde Might

Each realm culminates in a boss battle, where players must absorb the boss’s minions before facing them directly. These fights are chaotic and visually spectacular, with the screen often filled with hundreds of undead clashing against the boss’s forces. Success hinges on horde composition, positioning, and quick decision-making.

UI and Accessibility

Be My Horde’s UI is clean and intuitive, with clear indicators for minion counts, soul totals, and cooldowns. The game supports full controller and keyboard/mouse remapping, making it accessible to a wide range of players. However, some Early Access feedback has highlighted minor issues, such as the need for better minion differentiation (e.g., color-coding for different unit types) and camera zoom adjustments for large hordes.

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World-Building, Art & Sound: A Dark Fantasy Masterpiece

Visual Design: Gore Meets Charm

Be My Horde’s hand-drawn 2D art style is a standout feature, blending gore and whimsy in equal measure. The game’s dark fantasy aesthetic is richly detailed, with environments that evolve dynamically as Moriana’s corruption spreads. Key visual elements include:
– Procedurally Generated Realms: Each run takes place in a unique, randomly generated map, with distinct biomes (e.g., forests, volcanoes, graveyards) that influence enemy types and environmental hazards.
– Dynamic Weather: Rain, storms, and meteors add atmospheric depth and gameplay variety.
– Decay System: The longer Moriana lingers in a realm, the more it rots and twists, reflecting her growing power.

The character designs are equally impressive. Moriana herself is a striking figure, with a gothic elegance that contrasts with the grotesque beauty of her undead horde. Enemy designs range from humble peasants to demonic abominations, each rendered with a level of detail that makes the world feel alive.

Sound Design and Music: A Symphony of Chaos

The game’s audio design is a masterclass in atmospheric immersion. The soundtrack, composed by Davi Vasc, blends metal, jazz, and classical influences to create a high-energy, cinematic experience that perfectly complements the on-screen chaos. Tracks shift dynamically during gameplay, intensifying during boss fights and softening during exploration, enhancing the emotional impact of each moment.

Voice acting is another highlight, with Amber Lee Connors delivering a standout performance as Moriana. Her hypnotic, menacing, and occasionally playful delivery brings the character to life, making every interaction feel genuine and engaging. Supporting cast members, such as Ryan Cooper and Jacob Browning, further enrich the game’s narrative depth.

Sound effects are equally polished, from the guttural groans of zombies to the clang of steel on steel during battles. The spatial audio ensures that players can track enemy movements even when the screen is crowded, a crucial feature in a game where situational awareness is key to survival.

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Reception & Legacy: A Rising Star in the Roguelite Scene

Critical and Commercial Reception

Since its Early Access launch, Be My Horde has been met with overwhelmingly positive reception. On Steam, it boasts a “Very Positive” rating based on over 1,700 reviews, with players praising its addictive gameplay, charming aesthetic, and innovative mechanics. Critics have similarly lauded the game, with Movies Games and Tech awarding it a 6/10 in their Early Access review, highlighting its “fun premise with huge potential” while noting the need for more variety in runs.

The game’s commercial success has been equally impressive. Despite its modest $4.99 price tag, Be My Horde has maintained a steady player base, with peaks of over 500 concurrent players on Steam. Its frequent updates and community engagement have kept players invested, while bundles and discounts have helped attract new audiences.

Influence and Future Prospects

Be My Horde’s impact on the roguelite and survivor-like genres is already evident. Its villain-centric gameplay and horde management mechanics have inspired discussions about narrative and mechanical innovation in indie gaming. The game’s success demonstrates that players are hungry for fresh takes on familiar formulas, and its Early Access model serves as a case study in community-driven development.

Looking ahead, Be My Horde’s full 1.0 release in 2026 promises to expand on its already strong foundation, with plans for:
– New realms, enemies, and bosses.
– Additional perks, skins, and upgrades.
– A fully fleshed-out narrative that delves deeper into Moriana’s backstory and motivations.
– Quality-of-life improvements based on player feedback.

Given its current trajectory, Be My Horde is poised to become a standout title in the roguelite genre, potentially influencing future games that seek to subvert player expectations and embrace villainy as a core mechanic.

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Conclusion: A Triumph of Dark Fantasy and Strategic Chaos

Be My Horde is more than just another survivor-like—it’s a bold reimagining of the genre, one that celebrates the joy of being the bad guy while delivering tight, addictive gameplay. With its charismatic protagonist, innovative mechanics, and stunning presentation, the game stands as a testament to the power of indie creativity and community collaboration.

While its Early Access state means there’s room for improvement—particularly in run variety and minion AI—the foundation is undeniably strong. Be My Horde is already a must-play for fans of roguelites, strategy games, and dark fantasy, and its full release in 2026 has the potential to elevate it to classic status.

Final Verdict: 8.5/10 – A Darkly Delightful Masterpiece in the Making

Be My Horde is a rare gem—a game that understands its audience and delivers on its promises while carving out a unique identity in a crowded market. For those willing to embrace their inner necromancer, it offers an unforgettable experience—one that’s as strategically deep as it is viscerally satisfying.

Praise be Moriana indeed.