About & Roadmap

The plan, the people,
the promise

Thrackdown is an independent skirmish wargame from Wargame Geeks, being built in the open with its players. Here's where it came from, where it's going, and what we'll never charge you for.

The Story So Far

Built on a kitchen table, tested in the ruins

Thrackdown started the way most wargames do: with a shelf of miniatures from a dozen different games, a pile of scenery, and the itch to make something where all of it belonged. A game about small desperate warbands rather than armies. About fear mattering as much as firepower. About the stories a campaign leaves behind: the scars, the grudges, and the fighter who somehow survived everything.

It grew into Nova Eden, a broken colony world with six great factions and countless smaller banners, a Nerve system that makes fighters feel fear, Momentum that rewards decisive play, and a campaign where every battle leaves a mark.

The game is now in Open Alpha, being reshaped with every playtest report, and heading toward a crowdfunding launch.

The Promise

Three things that won't change

Pledge 01

The rules are free. Forever.

Not free during Alpha. Not free until launch. Free, full stop. The core rules and rules for every faction will always be free. Illustrated editions and physical books may be paid, but the game itself will never sit behind a paywall.

Pledge 02

Miniature agnostic, by design

Official miniatures are coming for every unit and faction, and we think you'll love them. But your existing collection will always be welcome on a Thrackdown table.

Pledge 03

Built in the open

Every version is shaped by playtest feedback, every change is documented in the changelog, and the dev blog shows the workings. If we change course, you'll hear it from us first.

On the Artwork

Every art slot on this site is a placeholder right now, on purpose. Thrackdown is in early Alpha, and we're commissioning human artists to build Nova Eden's look properly rather than quickly. If your portfolio feels like ash, rust, and worn steel, we'd love to see it. Work with us →

The Plan

Three prongs, one game

Thrackdown is already playable in Open Alpha, and the core game will remain free as it grows. Crowdfunding will help create the optional products that support it: an illustrated rulebook, official miniatures and terrain.

01

Rules

The core and faction rules stay free online, always. The printed rulebook is for the shelf: expanded lore, art, and more in one beautiful object.

02

Miniatures

An official line covering every unit in every faction, from Supplicants to Sermon Engines, on the correct bases, naturally.

03

Terrain

The ruins of Nova Eden, made physical. Because this game was built for tables where 40 to 50% of the battlefield is cover.

The Roadmap

Where we're headed

You are here
Open Alpha

The game is playable, free, and changing fast.

  • ✓Open Alpha v1.4: core rules and six factions
  • ✓Warband Builder with full campaign tracking
  • ✓Learn-to-play ladder: three guided games from rookie to warlord
  • …Ongoing: playtesting, balance passes, and faction reveals on the dev blog
Next
Beta

Locking the core down and polishing the edges.

  • …Rules freeze on the core engine, informed by Alpha feedback
  • …Expanded campaign play and more scenarios
  • …Custom Faction system in the rules and the Warband Builder
  • …Art and layout for the printed rulebook
The Big One
Crowdfunding

An illustrated rulebook, official miniatures and terrain, offered alongside the free core game.

  • …The printed rulebook
  • …The first miniature waves
  • …Terrain sets for the ruins of Nova Eden
Beyond
The Long War

Thrackdown is built to grow.

  • …Expansions: new missions, terrain, and miniatures
  • …New threats stirring beneath the static of Nova Eden
  • …all offered alongside the free core game

Dates on purpose absent: this is an independent project, and we'd rather ship it right than ship it Tuesday. The muster list hears every milestone first.

Want to talk?

Questions, feedback, press, or retail enquiries: the Discord is the fastest route, or reach Wargame Geeks directly by email.

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