The fast-paced strategy game Jelly Troops is set for a 2025 release on Nintendo Switch and PC, as announced by developer Nukenin and publisher Phoenixx. This quirky title aims to make the real-time strategy genre more accessible. Gamers can get an early look this weekend through a public playtest on Steam, starting March 6, or in person at the Tokyo Indie Games Summit.
A More Accessible Real-Time Strategy Game
Many traditional real-time strategy (RTS) games can be difficult for new players to learn. They often involve complex resource management and deep strategic knowledge. Jelly Troops changes this by focusing on the most exciting parts of the genre.
The game strips down the experience to its core elements: quick thinking and dynamic battles. Instead of managing complicated economies, players jump straight into commanding armies of jelly warriors. The gameplay is designed to be easy to pick up but still offers enough depth for experienced players to enjoy.
Players can build walls for defense, recruit powerful golems to lead their charge, or attempt to win by capturing the enemy’s flag. Each match feels different and unpredictable, which keeps the experience fresh and exciting.
How to Join the Jelly Troops Playtest
Players eager to try the game before its official release have a couple of opportunities. The primary way is through a public playtest on PC.
The upcoming playtest will be held on Steam and allows everyone to experience the latest version of the game. This version includes refinements and changes based on feedback from previous tests. It’s a great chance to see how the game is evolving and provide your own suggestions to the developer.
| Event | Platform | Date and Time |
| Public Playtest | PC via Steam | Starts March 6 at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET |
| Live Demo | Tokyo Indie Games Summit 2025 | March 8-9 |
For those attending the Tokyo Indie Games Summit 2025, there will be a hands-on demo available at the event, offering another way to experience the strategic chaos in person.
Development Driven by the Community
The solo developer, waken, has made player feedback a central part of the development process. Past playtests have already led to significant improvements in the game’s mechanics and overall feel.
In a recent press release, waken encouraged players to participate. “Previous playtests have informed development, and the next iteration is ready for another feedback gauntlet,” he said. “Please try out the latest version on Steam.”
This approach helps ensure that the final game is fun and balanced, shaped by the people who will be playing it most. It is a modern development style that has proven very successful for many indie games.
What the Switch Release Means for Gamers
While the game was already confirmed for PC, the announcement of a Nintendo Switch version is exciting news. The Switch is a perfect platform for a game like Jelly Troops, which is designed for quick and engaging play sessions.
The console’s handheld nature means players can enjoy fast-paced RTS battles anywhere. This “pick-up-and-play” style fits perfectly with the game’s accessible design. It will bring the fun of real-time strategy to a much wider audience who may not typically play these types of games on a PC.
