Ball x Pit: the Vampire Survivors-style brick breaker you can’t stop playing despite its flaws
Ball x Pit turns the chaos of Vampire Survivors into a thrilling brick-breaker roguelite. Addictive, fast, and chaotic — but does it stay fun for long?
A Viral Surprise From Steam Next Fest
Ball x Pit became one of the most talked-about indie demos from the June Steam Next Fest. Behind its simple concept — destroy enemy waves with bouncing balls — hides a dangerously addictive loop inspired by Vampire Survivors.
You aim, shoot, and watch the screen explode with colorful rebounds while managing upgrades and rebuilding your base between runs. The premise sounds simple, but it hides an impressive depth that keeps players hooked for hours.
Learn more on the Launch of Ball x Pit on PC via Game Pass!
How It Works: Break, Bounce, and Build
Each run starts with a character choice, then waves of enemies rush in. You throw energy balls that bounce endlessly through corridors, destroying everything they touch.
Collect experience cubes to level up and pick from random upgrades — from fireballs to explosive impacts. Every 12-minute level includes mini-bosses and a final boss. Between stages, you rebuild New Baboulone, your post-apocalyptic city, using resources earned during fights.
More Survivors-Like Than Roguelite
Despite its roguelite marketing, Ball x Pit plays more like a “Survivors-like.” The upgrade system lacks true synergy or risk-reward tension — almost any build can win. Yet, the charm lies elsewhere: experimenting with ball fusions.
Combine elements like fire and earth to create magma, or merge effects to stack bonuses. It’s a playful mix-and-match mechanic that recalls the discovery joy of classic RPG crafting.
Fast, Flashy, and Dangerously Addictive
The beauty of Ball x Pit lies in its rhythm. Each run lasts about ten minutes — just enough to keep you saying “one more round.” The short sessions, easy wins, and fast progression create the same dopamine loop that made Vampire Survivors a phenomenon. However, the repetition kicks in fast. Once you’ve unlocked most balls and characters, the challenge flattens, and the runs start blending together.
Still, the moment-to-moment action stays engaging. You can’t idle — you must move to collect orbs and catch your balls mid-air for faster relaunches. The chaos on screen remains surprisingly readable even at peak madness, thanks to sharp visual design by developer Kenny Sun. Winning over 100,000 players as recently announced by the dev.
Woah pic.twitter.com/diI2T7ACXL
— BALL x PIT OUT NOW (@BALLxPIT) October 16, 2025
A Cast of Characters That Change Everything
Unlocking new heroes brings genuine excitement. Each has unique perks — from twin shooters that mirror your attacks to a tactician who freezes time between moves. There’s even a shield-bearer who turns Ball x Pit into a true brick-breaker.
The final unlockable hero can literally play the game automatically for you — a cheeky nod to the genre’s “autopilot” nature.
City Building: The Secret Ingredient
Between runs, you get to rebuild your city — not just as decoration, but as a meaningful layer of progression. Place buildings strategically to boost resource generation or starting power.
Some structures even unlock new mechanics, like running two heroes simultaneously or starting with upgraded gear. This system adds depth, giving you reasons to keep playing long after the novelty wears off.
In Conclusion: A Brilliant Idea That Runs Out of Steam
Ball x Pit isn’t a perfect roguelite, but it nails one thing: fun. It’s fast, chaotic, and instantly satisfying. Yet, its shallow upgrade system and repetitive loop prevent it from reaching the depth of its inspiration.
For short, punchy sessions and that “one more run” feeling, though, few games scratch the itch better. And what are your impressions so far about Ball x Pit? Let us know in the comment section below!
A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !
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