iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Shadow Rush, a solo isometric action RPG from Ghostlore developer Andrew Teo, now has a free demo for Windows on Steam. The game combines manual, fast-paced combat with roguelite runs, phase-based spell triggers and six playable characters whose builds can be reworked between attempts.
What Shadow Rush is
Shadow Rush is designed around short, repeatable runs rather than a single long campaign. Teo describes it as “an isometric RPG with roguelite elements” focused on fast combat, quick runs, build experimentation and rerolling. That makes the central question of each attempt less about memorizing a fixed ability rotation and more about finding a combination of Shards that works with the character and phase cycle you are currently using.
It is a smaller, more focused project than Ghostlore. Rather than carrying over every system from that game, Shadow Rush was built as a clean slate with one main customization layer: Shards. Teo says the narrower scope is intentional, allowing the project to concentrate on combat feel and build experimentation.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →How the combat works
Simple controls, mandatory input
The basic controls are deliberately compact:
- WASD: move.
- Left mouse button: perform a manual attack.
- Right mouse button: dash.
The streamlined controls do not make Shadow Rush a hands-off survivors game. Attacks still require the player to press the attack button, and dashing is an active defensive and movement decision. The design target is an action RPG with fewer hotkeys while preserving direct control over attacks.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Four phases change every attack and dash
Each attack or dash advances through four phases: I, II, III and IV. The current phase determines which equipped Shard abilities trigger. In practice, the player is managing two linked rhythms: positioning and timing on the battlefield, then the phase state that decides which spell effect fires.
Because attacks and dashes both participate in the cycle, movement is part of the build system rather than a separate utility. A dash can reposition the character while also advancing the sequence toward a desired phase. The result is a combat loop that stays readable at the control level but can become more involved as players learn which Shards they want to trigger in each phase.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What Shards do
Shards are collectible, equipable spells. They are the main way Shadow Rush changes what happens during the phase cycle, and they can be swapped between the game’s six playable characters. The stated goal is to let players create a build around the character they choose, then reroll or reconfigure that setup across repeated runs.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The system puts experimentation in one place. Instead of asking players to maintain several independent customization trees, Shadow Rush asks them to think about which Shards belong in which phases and how those effects interact with manual attacks, dashes and movement. The game is therefore built for trying a setup, seeing how it performs in a short run, and changing it when the result is unsatisfactory.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Shadow Rush compared with Ghostlore
| Design area | Shadow Rush | Ghostlore |
|---|---|---|
| Overall scope | Intentionally smaller and more focused | Broader customization, according to the developer |
| Primary experimentation | Phase-triggered Shards | Multiple customization systems |
| Run structure | Short, repeatable runs with rerolling | Not stated in the available developer material |
| Relationship between projects | Designed as a clean slate, not a sequel | Earlier game from the same developer |
That comparison is about design intent, not a claim that one game replaces the other. Ghostlore offers breadth; Shadow Rush concentrates its build decisions in the interaction between four phases and Shards.
Demo availability and current development
Free Windows Steam demo
The free Windows demo launched on Steam on 12 June 2026. SteamDB records the release timestamp as 09:28:28 UTC and lists Andrew Teo as both developer and publisher. The demo is the most direct way to see how the attack, dash and phase systems feel in play.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Updates are still in progress
Development continued after the demo release. The official Steam updates document balance changes and a planned sub-boss update. An official itch.io development log also lists a Dodge update dated 5 October 2026, while describing the project as a prototype and crediting ghostlore and dorkster.
Teo currently gives 16 April 2027 as a comfortable completion estimate. That is a developer estimate, not a guaranteed launch date, so the final schedule and feature set can change as balance and content work continues.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
What to expect when you try the demo
- Start with movement: use WASD to learn how quickly the character responds and how much space a dash covers.
- Watch the phase sequence: attacks and dashes move through I, II, III and IV, so note which phase is active before committing to a fight.
- Test Shards deliberately: change the equipped spells and observe which effects trigger at each phase.
- Use short runs as experiments: treat a failed combination as information about timing, positioning and phase assignment rather than as a permanent loss.
- Try more than one character: Shards can be swapped among six playable characters, making cross-character comparison part of the build process.
Why the project is notable
Teo presents Shadow Rush as a solo side project for action-RPG players while work continues on the next Ghostlore game. The project’s emphasis on intentional design is visible in its constraints: four recurring phases, one central Shard system, manual attacks and quick runs. Those choices aim to make each decision legible without removing the physical engagement expected from an action RPG.
For players deciding whether to watch or try it, the key distinction is control. Shadow Rush may have roguelite repetition and automatically triggered spells, but the player still chooses when to attack, when to dash and where to stand. The free Windows demo is available now, while the full project remains in development.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
