Shelf Heroes Brings Toy-Scale Chaos to Future Games Show: Spring Showcase

Indie developer Fun Punch Games and publisher Gameforge have officially revealed Shelf Heroes, a fast-paced FPS roguelite that flips the genre on its head. Instead of simply collecting loot, players become the loot, rebuilding their toy hero piece by piece during each run.

The announcement came alongside a brand-new gameplay reveal trailer, which premiered during the Future Games Show: Spring Showcase on March 12th. The trailer offers the first real look at the game’s chaotic combat, modular character building, and expansive toy-scale environments.

With its mix of high-skill gunplay, creative customisation, and nostalgic toy warfare, Shelf Heroes is positioning itself as a fresh and exciting entry into the roguelite FPS genre.

A roguelite FPS where you build yourself

At the core of Shelf Heroes is a unique twist that separates it from traditional FPS roguelites. Instead of focusing purely on weapons and upgrades, players rebuild their characters mid-run using modular body parts. Arms, legs, torsos, and heads can all be swapped dynamically, creating wildly different playstyles.

This system introduces a new level of experimentation. Losing a limb in combat is no longer just a setback, it becomes an opportunity to adapt. Players can mix and match parts in unexpected ways, leading to combinations that are as humorous as they are effective.

Each run becomes a constantly evolving experience. No two builds are the same, and the ability to adapt on the fly ensures that gameplay remains fresh, unpredictable, and highly replayable.

Massive arenas and chaotic gameplay

The game takes place in large-scale household environments, transforming everyday spaces into towering battlegrounds. Players will fight across rooms filled with vertical pathways, hidden secrets, and multiple routes that encourage exploration and tactical movement.

This design enhances both solo and cooperative play. Whether navigating alone or teaming up with friends, the scale of the environments adds depth to combat encounters and rewards skilled positioning.

With support for 3-player co-op, the chaos only increases as different builds collide. Each player can bring their own unique combination of abilities, resulting in dynamic team strategies and unpredictable moments during every run.

What makes Shelf Heroes stand out

While the FPS roguelite genre continues to grow, Shelf Heroes introduces several key elements that set it apart from the competition:

• Hero-focused builds instead of weapon-only progression
• Modular body part system that changes gameplay mid-run
• Massive household arenas with vertical exploration
• Fast-paced, precision-based shooting mechanics
• Nostalgic toy warfare theme with strong visual identity
• 3-player co-op with chaotic build combinations

These features combine to create a game that feels both familiar and completely new. It retains the depth and challenge expected from the genre while introducing a creative twist that keeps players engaged.

From the team behind the chaos

The developers at Fun Punch Games describe Shelf Heroes as a passion project inspired by childhood imagination. The idea of toys coming to life and battling across a household setting brings a sense of nostalgia combined with modern gameplay design.

“We’re a small team from Lisbon, but we’ve poured a lot of heart, humor, and ambition into this project,” said Tiago Franco, Co-Founder and Art Director at Fun Punch Games. “Seeing it revealed on a stage like Future Games Show is incredibly exciting for us.”

Gameforge also expressed strong confidence in the project, highlighting the creativity and energy behind the development team. Their collaboration aims to bring a polished and engaging experience to players when the game becomes available.

A fresh take on a growing genre

Shelf Heroes arrives at a time when FPS roguelites are becoming increasingly popular, but it manages to carve out its own identity through creativity and design. By shifting the focus from weapons to character construction, it offers a new layer of strategy and replayability.

The combination of fast-paced action, customisable heroes, and large-scale environments creates a gameplay loop that feels both chaotic and rewarding. Whether played solo or with friends, each run promises a different experience.

With its official reveal now complete, Shelf Heroes is one to watch as more details and hands-on opportunities become available in the near future. While you’re here, check out our online bookstore for some great reads. 📚