Through their collaboration with Game of Thrones, Nerial and Devolver Digital have already shown that the swipe-based Reigns series can work well with other franchises. Now, they have teamed up with CD Projekt Red to create Reigns: The Witcher.
Nerial and Devolver Digital have teamed up with CD Projekt Red on Reigns: The Witcher. This latest instalment in the swipe-'em-up series is set in the monster-infested world of The Witcher. It's still a decision-based adventure game with roguelite elements. However, players do not take on the role of Geralt of Rivia themselves; rather, they experience the adventures through the ballads of his friend Dandelion (Rittersporn in German). This twist makes it easy to overdo things, because that's what a bard does to gain fame.
As in previous Reigns games, players get presented cards in a minimalist graphic style one after the other, on each run. These cards require players to make decisions by swiping left or right. Left is negative and right is positive. Every decision affects four status bars, including relationships with humans, non-humans and mages, as well as Geralt's reputation as a monster hunter. If a status bar fills up completely, the game ends with consequences, including death for Geralt, which can sometimes be very bizarre. Players must keep the four aspects balanced to avoid premature death. The decisions range from moral dilemmas in grey areas to plenty of black humour, and they are mostly well integrated into the universe. Naturally, there are occasional exaggerations and liberties taken, but that is also a reflection of Dandelion's style. The texts are consistent and well-written, even in the German translation.
There is also a mini-game related to the battles. Here, Geralt jumps from left to right on a game board at the bottom of the screen while symbols fall from above. These symbols can be collected and represent the battle. It's a neat idea, but it doesn't really fit into the overall concept of decision-making. At least the battles can be turned off. Some variety is brought to the game by inspirations, which are three special cards that act as mutators or story guides with special objectives that change the run. After each run, survival time, fulfilled inspiration goals and other factors are converted into experience points. These unlock new cards, events, and paths in a roguelite style.
Reigns: The Witcher was developed by Nerial and published by Devolver Digital. Founded in 2013, Nerial started out with small projects including Singular, Magic Shot, and Devouring Stars. The UK-based company achieved its first commercial success in 2016 with the release of Reigns, in which players assume the role of a benevolent or malevolent medieval monarch and impose their will upon the kingdom by making decisions with the swipe mechanics. Since then, Nerial has released various sequels to the original, including one based on Game of Thrones, as well as Card Shark in 2022 and The Crush House in 2024. Nerial has been part of Devolver Digital since 2021. The team consists of around ten people.
The game's publisher, Devolver Digital, is an American company that specialises in indie video games and embraces unconventional game concepts and unusual marketing campaigns. With Quarantine Zone: The Last Check, which has sold over 750,000 copies, the publisher has already had a notable hit this year, as well as with the major expansion Cult of the Lamb: Woolhaven by Massive Monster. Other titles scheduled for release this year include the maze-building roguelite game Minos by Artificer, the boomer shooter Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 by Auroch Digital, and the narrative exploration game Virtue and a Sledgehammer by Deconstructeam & Selkie Harbour.
Reigns: The Witcher was released on 25 February 2026. Priced at €5.99, it is available on PC via Steam and GOG.com, as well as on Android and iOS.
The Witcher universe has been well adapted to the Reigns mechanic and is ideal for short runs, especially with the battles turned off.
