Helltaker is a challenging puzzle-adventure game that tasks players with navigating dangerous underground grids to build a full roster of demon companions. This is a game where gameplay centers on completing step-limited maps, followed by critical dialogue choices that could determine whether you survive or fail.
Core Puzzle Mechanics
Helltaker borrows its main loop from classic block-pushing puzzle design. Players drop into a grid-based map and must reach a specific character positioned at the opposite end. However, reaching the goal is not simply about finding a path. Every single move matters. You are given a strict number of steps, known as your "Will," to travel from the starting point to the destination. Running out of Will results in an instant failure. Most of your time is spent kicking skeletal enemies out of the way or carefully avoiding spike traps while working out the absolute shortest route possible. Helltaker eases players into the logic through its earlier stages. Try to push further, though, and later maps demand heavy trial and error just to shave off a single wasted movement.
Dialogue Choices
Helltaker splits each stage into two distinct phases, and clearing the grid is only the first half. Once you finally reach the demon waiting at the end of a puzzle, the screen transitions into a short dialogue sequence. This is where the visual novel elements come into play. Select the correct conversational response, and the demon joins your growing team. Pick the wrong option, and your entire run ends immediately.
Pacing and Art Style
Helltaker keeps its pacing remarkably tight throughout the experience. Players receive just enough narrative context to stay invested without needing to click through overwhelming blocks of text. The art style must be noted here as well, because it carries far more impact than you would expect from a compact puzzle title. Every character features a highly distinct and memorable visual design that elevates the overall presentation.
Final Boss Challenge
Helltaker saves its biggest surprise for the endgame. Right when you settle into the comfortable rhythm of turn-based logic puzzles, the final segment completely abandons the grid format. Instead, it introduces a real-time, screen-scrolling boss fight. Players must dodge fast-moving attacks and time every movement with precision. This is a dramatic shift that forces you to rely on quick reflexes rather than calculated planning to finish the story.
Chapter Breakdown
Helltaker is structured across multiple chapters, each introducing a unique demon character. The journey begins with The Helltaker himself, then progresses through Chapter I featuring Pandemonica, The Tired Demon, and Chapter II with Modeus, The Lustful Demon. Chapter III introduces Cerberus, The Triple Demon, followed by Chapter IV with Malina, The Sour Demon, and Chapter V presenting Zdrada, The Bitch Demon. Chapter VI brings in Azazel, The Curious Angel, while Chapter VII features Justice, The Awesome Demon. The climactic stages include Chapter VIII with Lucifer, The CEO of Hell, and Chapter IX starring Judgement, The High Prosecutor. Chapter X serves as the Epilogue, which also introduces Beelzebub, The Great Fly. Finally, Chapter EX adds Loremaster, The Science Demon, through the Examtaker expansion.
Game Controls
Helltaker handles all navigation and interaction exclusively through the keyboard. You could use the Arrow Keys or WASD to control movement. Attacking enemies and pushing heavy stone blocks happens automatically when you walk directly into them. Try to skip through dialogue segments by pressing Enter. If you trap yourself in a puzzle, pressing Esc opens the menu to quickly restart the stage.
Credits
Helltaker was created by Łukasz Piskorz. Sound design was handled by Patryk Karwat. Music tracks were produced by Mittsies.
Start playing Helltaker now and remember to have fun!
