Aim for the Highest Score in Cursed Words
Developer Buried Things and publisher Forklift Interactive have officially revealed that their Balatro-inspired roguelike, Cursed Words, will launch on Steam on 2nd April. Blending wordplay with rule-breaking mechanics, the game shifts focus away from traditional vocabulary and instead pushes players toward one goal: building ever-increasing scores using whatever tools are available.
At its core, the gameplay begins simply. Players place letter tiles on a board to form words and hit score targets each round, earning currency to continue their run. However, as difficulty ramps up, higher score requirements and punishing boss encounters demand increasingly creative strategies. In Cursed Words, what counts as a “word” quickly becomes flexible, encouraging players to experiment far beyond standard language rules.
As runs progress, the game evolves into something much deeper. Players can combine letters with chess pieces, numbers, poker hands, and a wide range of wild cards, transforming the experience into a chaotic, strategy-driven roguelike. A free demo is already available on Steam, offering an early look at its unique mechanics.
Replayability is a major focus, with 11 playable characters, each featuring distinct powers and tile synergies, along with unlockable secrets. The game also includes more than 300 stickers and stamps at launch. Players can earn through challenges and used to create powerful combinations that maximize scoring potential.
Cursed Words is set to launch in full on April 2, 2026, for PC via Steam, promising a fresh and unconventional take on both word games and roguelikes.