RPGFit check
Is Chrysalis worth it for you?
We tell you who should skip it, too.
Play it if you…
Good fit- Roguelike players who want tower-defense phases between exploration sections
- Strategy players who enjoy controlling plants and animals with changing abilities
- Players who prefer replayable runs with procedural levels and permanent run failure
Skip it if you…
Saves you a refund- Players who want uninterrupted combat may bounce off the repeated switch between preparation and defense phases
- Players seeking low-stakes progression may stop at Chrysalis destruction, which ends the current playthrough
- Players looking for a fixed level sequence may dislike changing layouts and encounters between runs
Our take on Chrysalis
The bounce point arrives when the Chrysalis falls: creature losses are recoverable because the Wisp can possess another ally, but a destroyed Chrysalis ends the run. Players who prefer persistent attempts may stop at this final-loss rule.
What is Chrysalis?
Chrysalis combines exploration, roguelike progression, tower defense, and survival.
Each level alternates between preparation and defense phases. During preparation, the Wisp explores, defeats monsters, recruits creatures, gathers resources, and finds Growths for the Chrysalis. During defense, enemy waves change the level and attack the Chrysalis. The invisible Wisp can possess friendly plants and animals, switching control as needed. Creatures and plants can gain levels, transform, and receive elemental Spirits. A mutation system combines species into creatures with different abilities and transformations. Levels, starting Chrysalis choices, and rewards vary between runs. Creature deaths leave the Wisp alive, but losing the Chrysalis ends the playthrough. The current level can be saved at any time.
How Chrysalis plays
- 01Alternating Phases
- Preparation focuses on exploration and gathering, while defense sends enemy waves toward the Chrysalis.
- 02Creature Possession
- The invisible Wisp can inhabit and direct any allied plant or animal it encounters.
- 03Creature Transformation
- Plants and animals can gain levels, change into stronger forms, and receive elemental Spirits.
- 04Species Mutation
- Combining species produces creatures with distinct abilities and transformation paths.
- 05Procedural Levels
- Each run uses changing level layouts and encounters.
- 06Chrysalis Choices
- A starting Chrysalis sets a play style and can gain abilities as progress is made.
- 07Permadeath Rules
- A fallen possessed creature can be replaced, but destruction of the Chrysalis ends the run.
- 08Anytime Saving
- Saving preserves the complete state of the current level for later continuation.
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Chrysalis: platforms & release
Is Chrysalis worth it?
It is worth it if: roguelike players who want tower-defense phases between exploration sections. Skip it if: players who want uninterrupted combat may bounce off the repeated switch between preparation and defense phases.
Where can I download Chrysalis?
Use the Download Now button on this page: it opens Chrysalis's store page, where you can choose how to get it.
What platforms is Chrysalis on?
Windows, macOS and Linux.
