When people first heard about a "TMNT Hades clone," the eye-rolls were almost audible across the internet. We’ve seen the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in every possible format—side-scrollers, open worlds, and whatever that weird 2014 movie tie-in was. But TMNT Splintered Fate actually pulled it off. Honestly, it's not just a lazy re-skin of a popular genre. It’s a tight, mechanical brawler that understands why we keep coming back to these four brothers.
Most of the early chatter about this game focused on its mobile roots. It started on Apple Arcade, and for a lot of "hardcore" gamers, that’s usually a kiss of death. But after its jump to Nintendo Switch, PC, and finally the big consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X in 2025, it’s clear the developers at Super Evil Megacorp weren't just making a quick buck. They were building a surprisingly deep roguelike that stands on its own four feet.
Why TMNT Splintered Fate is More Than a "Hades Clone"
It’s easy to look at the isometric view, the "god" boons (here called Inspirations), and the dash-heavy combat and say, "Okay, I’ve played this before." But that's a surface-level take. The real magic of TMNT Splintered Fate is the four-player co-op. Rogue-likes are notoriously lonely affairs. You die, you tilt, you try again. Adding three friends into that mix changes the entire energy of a run.
The combat feels weighty. When Raph hits something with his sais, you feel the crunch. Each turtle isn't just a different skin; they are entirely different "builds" from the jump.
- Leonardo is the tactical king. He’s built for players who want to spam special moves and keep the pressure high.
- Michelangelo is basically a walking blender. His AoE (area of effect) attacks are massive, making him the go-to for clearing those annoying Foot Clan mobs that swarm you in the early levels.
- Raphael is for the crit-chasers. He’s got a hookshot (the Turtle Line) that lets him pull enemies in or zip across the arena. If you like seeing big red numbers and "boss-melting" damage, he’s your guy.
- Donatello is the tank. He’s got the highest health and a passive that heals him between rooms. For anyone struggling with the game's difficulty spikes, Donnie is the "get out of jail free" card.
Most people don't realize how much the IDW comic series influenced this game. Tom Waltz, a legendary writer for the TMNT comics, actually consulted on the story. That’s why the dialogue feels "right" and doesn't just sound like a Saturday morning cartoon script written by an AI.
The Grind That Most Players Miss
Here is the thing: the first five hours of TMNT Splintered Fate can be a bit of a slog. You’re going to die. A lot. You’ll probably feel like the damage you’re doing is pathetic. That’s because the game’s "meta-progression" is where the real power lives.
You’re collecting Dragon Coins and Dreamer Coins. These aren't just for show. You spend them back at the lair to permanently buff your stats. If you aren't prioritizing Splinter’s Revive and Dash Charges in the upgrade tree, you’re basically playing on "Impossible" mode by accident.
One of the coolest additions in the late-2025 "Balance of Power" and "Metalhead" updates was the New Arcade Mode. It introduced the "Hex and Flex" system. Basically, you get a massive buff (Flex) but it’s tied to a brutal debuff (Hex). It adds a layer of chaos that the base game was arguably missing. It’s perfect for those quick 20-minute sessions where you just want to see how far you can get before the game decides to ruin your day.
Breaking Down the Roster Expansion
Wait, there’s more than just the four brothers? Yeah. If you’ve been away from the game for a few months, you might have missed the DLC drops.
Casey Jones joined the fray first, bringing his hockey stick and high-impact "Junkyard Jam" playstyle. But the real game-changer was Metalhead. Added in September 2025, Metalhead is the game's first truly "ranged" character. He uses lasers and landmines. Playing Metalhead feels like playing a completely different game—more of a twin-stick shooter than a brawler. If you're tired of the "get in close and whack 'em" strategy, he’s a breath of fresh air.
Platforms and Performance
If you’re wondering where to play, here’s the current 2026 landscape:
- PC (Steam/Epic): Best visuals, highest framerates. If you want 120fps and ultra-wide support, this is it.
- Nintendo Switch: The "true" home for a lot of fans. It’s perfect for handheld play, though it definitely takes a hit in the resolution department compared to the PC.
- PS5 / Xbox Series X: Rock-solid 60fps and local couch co-op. This is arguably the best way to play with friends on a big screen.
- Apple Arcade: Where it all began. Still a great value if you’re already paying for the subscription.
The Controversy: Is it Too Repetitive?
Look, let’s be real. Every roguelike is repetitive. That’s the point. But TMNT Splintered Fate has faced some heat for having a limited number of biomes. You’ve got the sewers, the docks, the streets... and for a while, that was it.
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The 2025 updates helped by adding the Spectral Sewers and Astral Ship biomes, but if you’re looking for a 100-hour sprawling epic, this might not be it. You can "finish" a run in about 30 to 45 minutes once you’re geared up. The replayability comes from the co-op synergy and trying to 100% the artifact collection.
Is it a "Masterpiece"? Maybe not. But it’s a "Solid 8/10" that actually respects the source material. It doesn't treat the Turtles like a joke.
How to Actually Win a Run
If you’re stuck on the Shredder or struggling to get past the third act, you need to stop picking "random" upgrades.
- Synergy is King: Look for "Water" and "Electric" combos. If you can drench an enemy and then hit them with a shock-based tool, the damage multiplication is insane.
- Don't Forget the Tools: Tools (like smoke bombs or shuriken) aren't just secondary buttons. They recharge based on how many hits you land. If you play aggressively, you can have nearly 100% uptime on your tools.
- Swap Your Artifacts: You can swap artifacts mid-run at certain shops. If you’re at low health, ditch your damage artifact for something that gives you health on room clear. It seems obvious, but most players just "set it and forget it."
TMNT Splintered Fate is a game of inches. You get 1% better every time you die. By the time you’re finally standing over a defeated Shredder, it doesn't feel like luck. It feels like you finally mastered the rhythm of the shell.
Next Steps for Success
To make the most of your time in the NYC sewers, start by dumping all your initial Dragon Coins into Dash Charges. Being able to dodge three times in a row is the difference between surviving a boss's "rage phase" and staring at a Game Over screen. Once you've got your movement down, focus on unlocking Metalhead via the DLC if you want a ranged advantage, or stick with Donatello for your first successful solo clear to take advantage of his massive health pool. For the best experience, grab three friends and host a local co-op session—the game's difficulty scales with the number of players, making it a chaotic but rewarding challenge.