Quick Facts
- Release Date: August 19, 2026
- Platforms: Linux and Windows (Native support confirmed)
- Developer: Soneka Games
- Storefront: Steam (Free demo live now)
Inside the Mind of Self
The game follows a quiet lead character called Self. Every night, Self must confront the Monster Within, a foe that grows from old fears and hard memories while shifting as each run progresses. To win a run, players must reach a Lucid Dream. If the balance slips, the run falls into a Nightmare.
Each run lasts seven days and seven nights. Day turns focus on old bonds and deck growth, while night brings a direct fight with the Monster Within. Uniquely, this adversary attacks the deck itself rather than a standard health bar. It can raise shop costs, shrink starting hands, increase card costs, or force cards away, ensuring high tension during every run.
Deck Building Through Memories
Cards originate from Self's past relationships, including Mother, Father, Lover, Best Friend, Sibling, and Grandparent, with Self also becoming part of the deck. Each bond introduces distinct play styles. For example, Mother links to the Moon and the shop, while Lover utilizes Venus and cards that stay on the board.
Players can build strategies around Mars, Venus, Sun, or Jupiter cards to create massive combos. Jupiter cards even grow stronger each time they are used, scaling throughout the entire dream. The game's narrative is told entirely through art rather than voice work or text scenes, utilizing over 200 hand-drawn images and scenes inspired by tarot and Brazilian cordel work across more than 100 cards, ten challenge levels, and card mastery goals.
Platform Support and Demo Availability
The Dreamcards release will feature native support for both Linux and Windows on day one. A free native Steam demo is currently live, allowing players to test the game ahead of the August launch. At present, Steam Deck compatibility remains unconfirmed, with Soneka Games having shared no specific Deck tests or speed data.