Selecta Play and Dormidin Studio have confirmed that Barbarian Saga: The Beastmaster will launch on Nintendo Switch via retail and the Nintendo eShop on 9 September 2026.
The 2D action-adventure title positions itself as a Metroidvania-influenced experience drawing on classic fantasy films and games from the 1980s and 1990s.
Background and context
Barbarian Saga: The Beastmaster is developed by Dormidin Studio and published by Selecta Play.
The game is set in the war-torn realm of Arborea following the Wars of the Portals, where renewed conflict pits the King of Imperia and the Sacred Kingdom—guided by the surviving wizard Trece XIII—against non-human races.
The project takes explicit inspiration from period properties including Beastmaster, Conan, Deathstalker and arcade-era titles such as Castlevania, Golden Axe and Ghouls 'n' Ghosts.
Gameplay and features (publisher summary, rewritten)
Selecta Play has outlined core mechanics that combine exploration, combat and character progression.
The publisher says players will be able to harness the souls of animals and mythical creatures to transform into alternate forms that grant new combat abilities and traversal options.
The studio describes the world as an interconnected Metroidvania map that opens up as the Beastmaster acquires powers and unlocks secret routes.
Additional features highlighted by the publisher include customization through collectible beads, amulets and relics that modify attacks and vitality; arena duels that use close-up camera angles and visible energy bars reminiscent of classic fighting games; and a blend of sword techniques, potions, curses and ancient magic taught by an in-game Sensei.
Selecta Play also notes branching mission arcs and multiple endings, emphasizing player choice in Arborea's fate.
Release details and platform
Barbarian Saga: The Beastmaster will be available both at retail and as a digital download on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch on 9 September 2026.
The announcement provides a clear launch window for retailers and players planning to add the title to their Switch libraries.
This confirmed release adds to the Switch’s catalog of 2D action-adventure and Metroidvania titles, and positions Dormidin Studio alongside other indie developers delivering genre-focused projects for Nintendo’s platform.
The 2D action-adventure title positions itself as a Metroidvania-influenced experience drawing on classic fantasy films and games from the 1980s and 1990s.
Background and context
Barbarian Saga: The Beastmaster is developed by Dormidin Studio and published by Selecta Play.
The game is set in the war-torn realm of Arborea following the Wars of the Portals, where renewed conflict pits the King of Imperia and the Sacred Kingdom—guided by the surviving wizard Trece XIII—against non-human races.
The project takes explicit inspiration from period properties including Beastmaster, Conan, Deathstalker and arcade-era titles such as Castlevania, Golden Axe and Ghouls 'n' Ghosts.
Gameplay and features (publisher summary, rewritten)
Selecta Play has outlined core mechanics that combine exploration, combat and character progression.
The publisher says players will be able to harness the souls of animals and mythical creatures to transform into alternate forms that grant new combat abilities and traversal options.
The studio describes the world as an interconnected Metroidvania map that opens up as the Beastmaster acquires powers and unlocks secret routes.
Additional features highlighted by the publisher include customization through collectible beads, amulets and relics that modify attacks and vitality; arena duels that use close-up camera angles and visible energy bars reminiscent of classic fighting games; and a blend of sword techniques, potions, curses and ancient magic taught by an in-game Sensei.
Selecta Play also notes branching mission arcs and multiple endings, emphasizing player choice in Arborea's fate.
Release details and platform
Barbarian Saga: The Beastmaster will be available both at retail and as a digital download on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch on 9 September 2026.
The announcement provides a clear launch window for retailers and players planning to add the title to their Switch libraries.
This confirmed release adds to the Switch’s catalog of 2D action-adventure and Metroidvania titles, and positions Dormidin Studio alongside other indie developers delivering genre-focused projects for Nintendo’s platform.
