Super Monkey Studio and publisher Develup Games have released a free demo of SKULD on Steam, introducing a tower defense experience inspired by Norse mythology that combines third-person combat with strategic defensive construction. Rather than observing battles from a distant perspective, players take an active role on the front lines, directly confronting the threats advancing toward the gates of the Nine Realms after Ragnarök.

The demo offers a first look at the fight against Hela's corrupted creatures, which threaten to spread darkness across the realms. During encounters, players must face waves of enemies using melee attack combos, dodges and divine powers, while placing and upgrading defensive turrets in real time. The combat requires constant attention, as some creatures target defensive structures while others advance directly toward the protagonist.

Preparation also plays an important role in each battle, allowing players to select tower decks and customize abilities to favor either direct combat or base protection. This combination offers different strategic possibilities, giving players the choice to prioritize their own offensive capabilities or invest in building a fortress capable of holding back enemy attacks.

The narrative progresses between battles, when Skuld returns to Valhalla and encounters important figures from Norse mythology, including Odin and Loki. Decisions made during these interactions influence subsequent events in the campaign, connecting the protagonist's personal choices to the direction of her journey. In this original story, she represents a unique figure in mythology, being both a Norn associated with fate and a Valkyrie. Although her fate is written, her choices remain her own.

The visual identity features entirely hand-painted textures and a comic book-inspired aesthetic, while the original soundtrack introduces distinct compositions for each of the realms. These elements complement the fantasy setting and reinforce the game's artistic direction, bringing together its narrative, visual presentation and strategic progression.

"We started SKULD as students making our very first game and the genre changed more than once along the way. What never changed was SKULD," said Hugo Maldonado, Co-Founder of Super Monkey Studio. "We wanted a game where you don't just plan the defense, you fight on the front line of it. After funding on Kickstarter thanks to our backers, the demo is the first time everyone can pick up the sword and hold the gate themselves." His statement highlights the project's evolution from its earliest development stages and the studio's intention to deliver an experience where strategic planning and direct participation in combat are closely connected.