The year is 30XX, and the world has seen better days. Cities have crumbled, humanity has faded, and rogue AI forces have overrun what’s left. But even in the wreckage, a spark remains—and with it, a chance to rebuild. Lynked: Banner of the Spark isn’t just a hack-and-slash game. It’s an action-RPG where fast-paced action and heartfelt community-building go hand-in-hand.
Every mission helps you grow stronger, but more importantly, it helps you restore a broken world. Whether you’re battling Combots with your Wyre and customized weapon loadout or growing crops and cooking for your Unibot companions, your progress fuels something greater than survival. It fuels connection.
After an early access period on PC, Lynked comes to Xbox consoles today as part of its 1.0 release. Let me fill you in on the genre-blending game we’ve made.
Hack, Slash, and Spark with the Wyre
At the heart of Lynked is the Wyre, a grappling hook that lets you push, pull, swing, and stun enemies in combat. Combine it with one of ten distinct weapon types—each modifiable per mission—to adapt your playstyle on the fly. It makes for quick, satisfying combat encounters that reward precision and creativity. But while missions are essential to unlocking Sparkpowers and Soulsparks—vital upgrades that enhance your abilities—the action is just the beginning.
After each mission, you return to your town, a space you’ll shape over time into a vibrant hub full of quirky Unibots and meaningful memories. It’s here that Lynked sets itself apart. You’re not just resting between fights—you’re rebuilding, customizing, and forming bonds with characters who have rich histories and distinct personalities.
Spend time exploring early on: visit Sparkold to unlock powers and purchase revives, check out the Beautification Station to personalize your style, and stop by The Master Forge to enhance your weapons. Even something as simple as walking through town can unlock new features and stories.
Unibots: Your Quirky (and Combat-ready) Companions
Unibots play a central role in shaping your journey. As you explore the world, you’ll take on rescue missions that bring new Unibot companions into your town—each one adding meaningful upgrades to your settlement. Whether they’re helping you craft and upgrade new weapons, expanding your character’s customization options, or simply bringing more personality to your world, these companions are far more than background characters—they’re vital to your progress.
Battle Companions are a type of Unibot that will support you in combat missions. Each Battle Companion has their own combat style—ranging from rapid DPS strikes to supportive healing—and unique Sparkpowers that bring tactical variety to every encounter.
With the Resident Favors system, you can deepen these relationships by learning your Unibots’ preferences and fulfilling their requests. Cooking plays a key role here: you can grow crops, gather rotating ingredients, and discover recipes to cook personalized dishes for your companions. These meals don’t just nourish—they increase your Unibots’ level, strength, and rank.
As you progress through missions and develop your town, Unibots ensure you’re never facing challenges alone—bringing personality, power, and heart to every corner of your world.
A Few More Tips to Spark your Journey…
One of the more underrated systems early on is the Dime Saloon, which offers combat contracts tied to specific weapons or styles. Completing them earns extra Sparks and rewards experimentation. It’s a great way to explore the variety of combat options available without feeling locked into one approach.
As your town grows, you’ll also start collecting Bittibots and Gilibots—mischievous little helper bots who assist in crafting, building, and decorating. Filling out your Bot-O-Pedia isn’t just satisfying—it’s essential to unlocking more creative options and resources.
Whether you’re customizing your town, upgrading your companions, or decorating the perfect garden plaza, Lynked offers a steady rhythm of progress and play. It’s a world that invites exploration and rewards care. Even the UI—the Buddy OS—helps keep things approachable, letting you manage your town, residents, and gear from a central hub. It’s cozy, but never slow. Strategic, but never stressful.
Join the Resistance and Take on the Fight, Together
At its core, Lynked is a game about togetherness. It balances roguelite intensity with warmth and optimism. You’re not just pushing back against a mechanical apocalypse—you’re building something beautiful in its wake. It’s that perfect blend of frenetic action and slow, satisfying rebuilding that makes every session feel meaningful.
Whether you’re playing solo, co-op with friends, or alongside your battle companions, you’ll never have to take on the fight alone. There will always be a few friendly robot faces waiting for you in town between your battles.
Lynked: Banner of the Spark launches on Xbox today, and we can’t wait for you to discover its world—one filled with combat, crafting, companionship, and hope. Join us on Discord, follow us on X or Instagram, and start planning your dream town.
Lynked: Banner of the Spark
Dreamhaven
A ROGUE-LIFE RPG
Lynked: Banner of the Spark fuses the action packed fun of a roguelite with the rich progression and charm of a life sim. In this vibrant rogue-life RPG, combat and customization go hand in hand. Put your skills to the test against swarms of robot foes and tough-as-nails bosses, then use their parts and other resources to expand and upgrade your home base. Whether you’re a homebody or a hardened warrior, there are endless ways to pitch in – it’ll take a village to save the world!
LYNK UP IN CO-OP OR SOLO
Take on a variety of hack-and-slash missions either solo or with up to 3 players. But wait… your Unibot pals want a piece of the action, too! Players can power up and recruit allied bots into the fight as companions, where they have their own powers, fighting styles, and combo attacks to send your foes to the scrap pile!
WEAPONS AND THE WYRE
Kick bolts with your trusty grapple, known as the Wyre, along with an arsenal of weapons at your disposal! Gain an edge on enemies with 10 weapon classes, 80+ variations, robust permanent progression systems, and randomized mid-mission upgrades ensuring no two runs are ever the same.
BUILD A THRIVING TOWN
Enlist the help of robots and up to 5 friends to work together and build a bright local community. Catch fish, collect critters, harvest crops, and craft items to make your home uniquely yours! In addition to enriching your town, use the resources you collect to upgrade your character with special powers and techniques to take to your next fight.
FINE-TUNE YOUR LOOK
Rebuild society in style with deep character customization, featuring more options and accessories than you can shake a wrench at!
The post Lynked: Banner of the Spark – Blending Hack-and-Slash with Town-Building to Make a ‘Rogue-Life’ Game appeared first on Xbox Wire.
