Don't Lose Aggro Is a MMO-Style Roguelite Where You Play As A Tank, Demo Out Now
•February 13, 2026
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Why It Matters
The game bridges the gap between time‑intensive MMOs and bite‑size single‑player experiences, appealing to veteran tank players seeking low‑commitment gameplay. Its early‑access model and event exposure could generate strong community momentum for niche roguelites.
Key Takeaways
- •Roguelite simulates MMO tank role in single-player.
- •Developed by ex‑MMO player Oren Koren.
- •Part of Tiny Roguelikes event, Steam Next Fest.
- •Early access planned, no release date yet.
- •Players can protect allies or go solo hardcore.
Pulse Analysis
The tank archetype has long been a cornerstone of MMORPGs, demanding strategic positioning, threat management, and team coordination. Yet modern gamers often lack the hours required for full‑scale MMOs, creating a demand for condensed experiences that capture the essence of tanking without the subscription grind. Don’t Lose Aggro answers that call by translating the high‑stakes aggro mechanics into a roguelite framework, where each run offers a fresh set of abilities and escalating challenges, satisfying both nostalgia and the desire for quick, repeatable sessions.
From a design perspective, the game leverages procedural generation and permadeath to keep encounters unpredictable, while still rewarding mastery of tank fundamentals such as cooldown timing and positioning. The optional hardcore mode, which forces players to abandon their party and face enemies alone, adds a risk‑reward layer that appeals to competitive solo players. By focusing on a single class, the developers can fine‑tune combat feedback, making aggro management feel tactile and rewarding, a rarity in the broader indie market where broad class systems dominate.
Commercially, positioning Don’t Lose Aggro within Steam’s Tiny Roguelikes showcase and the upcoming Steam Next Fest provides valuable visibility among genre enthusiasts. Early‑access release plans allow the studio to iterate based on community feedback while generating revenue before a full launch. This approach mirrors successful indie strategies where niche titles carve out dedicated followings, potentially expanding into DLCs or multiplayer extensions if demand grows. The game’s unique premise could also attract streamers looking for fresh, skill‑intensive content, further amplifying its market reach.
Don't Lose Aggro Is a MMO-Style Roguelite Where You Play As A Tank, Demo Out Now
Ever wonder what it's like to tank in an MMO, but don't have the time to devote to one?
Don’t Lose Aggro is a roguelite that aims to give that experience, but in a single‑player roguelike.
The indie game, which is part of the Tiny Roguelikes event on Steam right now (and will be part of Steam Next Fest this month), is developed by a former MMO player who, like many, just doesn't have the time to devote to a full‑fat MMO experience later on in our lives. So rather than do that, developer Oren Koren is making a roguelike that emulates the experience of tanking waves of enemies in an MMORPG.
According to the Steam listing, you'll play as the Tank, protecting your companions from waves and waves of enemies, all while gaining new abilities to upgrade your kit with each successful run. Keeping your companions alive is key, like any good Tank would aim to do, but Don’t Lose Aggro also lets you “go full hard‑core” and let your companions die behind you, leaving you all alone to face down every enemy as they spawn.
While there is no release date, Don’t Lose Aggro looks like it’ll be headed to early access when it does eventually launch on Steam. It’s worth giving a try, especially if you’re Tank‑curious like I am (I am too scared to play a Tank in a real MMO – my God, the pressure).
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