If you thought you had seen every possible genre mashup in the indie gaming scene, think again. Just when we settled into the era of farming sims meeting RPGs, a new contender has surfaced from the depths. It’s called Brofish: Fishing Autobattler, and it promises to combine the serene patience of fishing with the frantic strategy of a tower defense roguelike.
Recent buzz on Reddit and Steam has highlighted this unique title, developed by melatoninx. It’s not just about waiting for a bite; it’s about building an army of aquatic oddities to fight off waves of the undead. Yes, you read that right. Undead.
What Exactly is Brofish?
At its core, Brofish is a strategy game that asks a simple question: What if your catch could fight back? Instead of selling your fish for gold or cooking them into buffs, you are recruiting them. The game is slated for a release in July 2026, but the concept is already turning heads.
The developer describes it as an “Autobattler Tower Defense Rogue-like about fishing.” That is a mouthful, but it breaks down into a distinct gameplay loop that sounds incredibly addictive.
The Core Gameplay Loop
Most fishing games follow a linear path: catch fish, sell fish, buy better rod, repeat. Brofish complicates this by adding a survival layer. Here is what we know about how it plays:
- Catch: You start by reeling in creatures. These aren’t just standard bass or trout; the game features over 60 unique creatures with their own abilities.
- Evolve: You don’t just hoard your catch. You feed them. Feeding your units allows them to level up and evolve into more formidable fighters.
- Defend: This is where the “Autobattler” kick in. You use your evolved army to build what the dev calls an “imbalanced build” to fight off waves of enemies, specifically the undead.
Why the “Bro” in Brofish?
While the full lore hasn’t been dropped yet, the title implies a certain camaraderie with your aquatic arsenal. In many autobattlers, units are disposable pawns. In Brofish, you are nurturing these creatures from the moment they leave the water until they are frontline warriors. It adds a layer of attachment that you don’t typically get in a standard tower defense game.
The visual style appears to be pixel art, fitting right in with the indie aesthetic that fans of Vampire Survivors or Loop Hero might appreciate. It allows for expressive creature designs without needing hyper-realistic graphics, which fits the potentially absurd premise perfectly.
System Requirements and Availability
Currently, the game is listed for PC on Steam. Since it is a 2D pixel art game, we can expect it to be relatively lightweight, making it perfect for the Steam Deck (though official verification will come later). Here is a quick look at the launch details:
| Platform | PC (Steam) |
| Developer | melatoninx |
| Release Date | Planned for July 2026 |
| Genre | Strategy / Autobattler / Fishing |
Why You Should Keep This on Your Radar
We are seeing a renaissance of “cozy games with a twist.” Players love the relaxing repetition of fishing mechanics—it is why nearly every MMO and RPG includes a fishing minigame. But Brofish takes that mechanic and gives it actual stakes. You aren’t just fishing to fill a museum; you are fishing for survival.
If you enjoy the synergy-building of Teamfight Tactics or Super Auto Pets but wished the recruitment phase involved a fishing rod, this is made for you. It’s weird, it’s specific, and it’s exactly the kind of creativity that keeps the indie space exciting.
Conclusion
Brofish: Fishing Autobattler might be a way off with its 2026 release window, but it is definitely one to wishlist if you like genre-benders. The combination of laid-back fishing and high-stakes zombie defense is a fresh take that we didn’t know we needed. Keep an eye on Steam for updates as development progresses.
FAQs
1. When is Brofish: Fishing Autobattler coming out?
The game is currently planned for a release in July 2026.
2. Is Brofish a multiplayer game?
Currently, it is listed as a single-player experience focusing on the roguelike and tower defense elements.
3. Can I play Brofish on consoles?
Right now, only a PC (Steam) release has been announced. Console ports often depend on the success of the PC launch.
4. How many different fish are in the game?
The developer has stated there are over 60 unique creatures to catch, upgrade, and evolve.
5. Is this a horror game?
No. While you fight off “undead” waves, the art style and tone appear to be more strategic and pixel-art focused rather than scary. Do not confuse it with other horror-fishing titles like Dredge or About Fishing.