Aeterna Lucis Delayed to 2026: Aeternum Game Studios Sets New Release Window for the Switch Metroidvania

Aeterna Lucis Delayed to 2026: Aeternum Game Studios Sets New Release Window for the Switch Metroidvania Aeternum Game Studios has officially announced a new release window for Aeterna Lucis, the eagerly awaited sequel to its acclaimed Metroidvania, Aeterna Noctis.

Originally planned for a 2024 release following its initial tease in late 2023, the studio confirmed that Aeterna Lucis will now launch in 2026, including on the Nintendo Switch via the eShop.

This revised timeline follows more than four years of development, aiming to deliver their most ambitious project to date with the highest polish possible for dedicated Metroidvania fans. Aeterna Lucis expands the Aeterna Universe by inviting players to take on the role of the Queen of Light—the eternal adversary of the King of Darkness.

Set after the events of Aeterna Noctis, the game challenges players to restore the balance between Light and Darkness that was disrupted, propelling the Queen of Light into a world on the brink of collapse.

As she seeks to confront the Supreme God Chaos and search for her ancient nemesis, players will navigate a vast, interconnected world rich with secrets, new abilities, and perilous bosses. Gameplay innovations continue to be a central focus.

Building on the fast-paced combat, exploration, and intricate level design of the first title, Aeterna Lucis elevates its formula with upgraded combat controls, unique abilities centered on the Queen of Light, and a hand-drawn art style reminiscent of stained glass.

The visual and audio presentation, already a hallmark of the saga, is further refined, with meticulous attention to level design and a dynamic soundtrack meant to enhance both major battles and quieter moments of exploration. Throughout its development, Aeternum Game Studios has shared multiple updates, including gameplay and cinematic trailers, keeping their community informed of progress.

However, the release date was recently shifted to 2026.

In an official statement, the team emphasized the desire to avoid launching alongside major competitors in the genre, specifically referencing the highly anticipated Silksong from Team Cherry.

The studio acknowledged that "competing with a phenomenon of that scale would not only be unfair to our team’s effort, but also to you, the community, who expect to experience this adventure under the best possible conditions." They further explained, "We believe the best decision for everyone is to step back and bring you Aeterna Lucis at the right time." According to Aeternum Game Studios, development on Aeterna Lucis is already complete, and the extra time will be dedicated to further polishing the experience and ensuring a simultaneous launch across all next-generation platforms, including the Nintendo Switch. The developers also took the opportunity to publicly thank Team Cherry, the creators of Hollow Knight and Silksong, noting that their influence played a substantial role in inspiring the creation of the Aeterna saga.

"Thanks to them, the Metroidvania genre is more alive than ever," their statement reads, underscoring a spirit of camaraderie rather than competition within the genre. Aeterna Lucis remains one of the most anticipated titles for Switch owners and Metroidvania fans, promising a rich narrative, intricately connected world, and a protagonist with fresh abilities.

As anticipation builds towards the newly targeted 2026 release, Aeternum Game Studios’ transparent communication and commitment to quality have reinforced their position as a noteworthy developer in the Nintendo indie scene. Stay tuned for further updates on Aeterna Lucis and follow its progress via official Nintendo Direct streams, the eShop, and future announcements from Aeternum Game Studios.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Metroidvania Aeterna Lucis Aeternum Game Studios Aeterna Noctis Silksong Team Cherry