HexStermination is a turn-based sci-fi strategy game for PC that centers on hexagonal tiles arranged on a hexagonal board. Players build and command armies by drawing from a shuffled stack, positioning units, and engaging in simultaneous firing phases where positioning and facing determine outcomes.
Gameplay
Each unit tile carries four core values: life, attack, defense, and range. The six sides of every tile define its capabilities, with a triangle marking a gun for firing, a line indicating a shield for protection, and a blank side leaving the unit exposed. After drawing and placing units from the army stack, players alternate turns moving or rotating a single tile. Once the attack phase activates, all units fire at once, with shots traveling in straight lines up to the unit's range and striking the first enemy encountered.
Shields absorb incoming damage while exposed sides take full effect, and friendly units never obstruct or damage one another. Success hinges on precise positioning, such as angling a shield against an incoming sniper shot or aligning a gun for a clear lane of fire. Armies feature distinct strengths and an army-wide ability, plus a powerful champion unit that can shift the balance of a match. Tanks emphasize durability with a repair ability that restores one life to any tank unhit for a full round, while their champion is the Mobile Fortress. Troopers deliver high damage through squad fire, gaining plus one attack when adjacent to another trooper facing the same direction, with the Elite Commander as champion. Mechs provide strong armor and free rotation in a single action, led by the Titan. Flyers achieve the longest reach via flight that allows jumping over other tiles, supported by the Flagship champion.
Four special items per army add variety from the start, including support tiles for repairs, boosts, or shielding, one-shot explosives such as mines and grenades, and machines like the Carrier that deploys drones. In the deck screen, players select exactly seventeen tiles for battle, retaining the standard composition or swapping units for items to match a chosen strategy. The same deck carries over to online play.
Game Modes
Single-player options include training against the computer, testing a specific army, or quick matches on your own. Local multiplayer supports two to four players sharing one screen, with the ability to mix human participants and computer opponents in any combination. Online matchmaking accommodates two, three, or four players under a ten-second turn timer that maintains steady pacing, alongside a leaderboard tracking online wins. Cross-platform matchmaking is prepared for future platform expansions.
Before each match, players select from three battlefield shapes: the standard hexagon with side length four, the large variant with side length five for greater maneuver space, or the elongated form that creates extended front lines. Neutral concrete blocks occupy unused cells, always including one in the center and others positioned by the match seed. These blocks block all shots that reach them, possess shields on every side, and can be destroyed to create new firing lanes. A die roll determines the starting player, with the first player rotating each subsequent round.
Two match formats exist: continuing until army stacks are depleted or limiting play to the units that fit on the board. Damage increases by one from round ten onward and by two from round fifteen to prevent prolonged stalemates. After round twenty, the player with the most units remaining on the board wins.
Armies and Customization
The four armies each bring unique tactical identities that reward different approaches to positioning and timing. Tanks form resilient front lines that recover through their repair mechanic, suiting players who prefer sustained engagements. Troopers excel in coordinated formations where adjacent units amplify damage output, favoring those who plan overlapping fields of fire. Mechs offer flexibility through combined movement and rotation, ideal for dynamic adjustments mid-battle. Flyers leverage superior range and the ability to bypass obstacles, supporting long-range control strategies.
Deck construction allows tailoring the seventeen-tile selection to emphasize units or incorporate items for support, disruption, or mobility. This system encourages experimentation while keeping matches focused on core placement and facing decisions. The simultaneous attack resolution adds a layer of prediction, as players must anticipate enemy alignments across multiple turns.
Is It Worth Playing?
HexStermination delivers a focused strategy experience built around hexagonal positioning, simultaneous firing, and army-specific abilities that reward careful planning over rapid reflexes. Its rules set proves straightforward after one or two matches yet retains depth through facing angles, range management, and timing of rotations. Local and online multiplayer options, combined with single-player training and quick matches, provide flexible ways to engage depending on available opponents. The damage escalation from later rounds and win conditions after round twenty ensure matches conclude without unnecessary extension. Players who enjoy deliberate turn-based tactics and modular army building will find consistent engagement in the interplay of shields, guns, and terrain blocks. The game suits those seeking a compact yet layered alternative to larger-scale strategy titles, with its indie presentation keeping attention on the mechanics rather than extraneous elements.
