smoke.exe: A Noir Cyberpunk Auto-Battler Where One Cigarette Is Your Timer

Overview

Deep beneath a rain-slicked cyber city, a hacker lights a cigarette. That single smoke is all the time you get to break in.

smoke.exe, the debut from developer usasan3, is a strategy roguelite that turns a cigarette's burn time into both your stage timer and your budget.

Released on October 12, 2026, this single-player indie title blends puzzle-like node placement with auto-battler logic, all wrapped in a noir cyberpunk atmosphere.

Highlights

• One cigarette, one run: The burn time of a cigarette is the stage time limit. Every node you place eats into that burn time, so planning is everything.
• Build before you light: Nothing burns while you're building. You can think and arrange without penalty until you light up—then the signal starts moving on its own.
• Node-based hacking: Place nodes on a 6×6 board and connect them by matching port directions. SCAN creates a signal, BOOST amplifies it, FORK splits it, and EXPLOIT drives it into the server.
• Auto-battler mechanics: Once lit, the signal travels along your wired paths automatically, hitting targets as long as the line stays connected.
• Roguelite and strategy depth: With Steam user tags like Roguelite, Auto Battler, and Puzzle, each run asks you to adapt your wiring strategy to the board and the server's defenses.
• Noir cyberpunk setting: The game's content notes describe a fictional cyber city, a hacker protagonist, and themes of smoking and addiction—so expect a moody, mature tone.

Who It's For

If you enjoy puzzle-strategy hybrids like Into the Breach or auto-battlers with a twist, smoke.exe will likely click.

The pressure of a real-time burn timer adds tension to what is otherwise a thoughtful, turn-based planning phase. It's also a great pick for players who appreciate atmospheric indie games with a distinctive visual style and a mature narrative bent.

The game supports English and Japanese, and offers Steam Achievements, custom volume controls, and a keyboard-only option.

Game Info

• Developer / Publisher: usasan3
• Genres: Indie, Simulation, Strategy
• Steam User Tags: Strategy, Roguelite, Auto Battler, Puzzle, Roguelike, 2D, Noir, Cyberpunk
• Release Date: October 12, 2026
• Modes: Single-player
• Features: Steam Achievements, Custom Volume Controls, Keyboard Only Option
• Languages: English, Japanese

smoke.exe is available on Steam as a paid title. Check the latest Steam listing for current pricing and any ongoing discounts.