Idea Factory International has officially released a free demo for its forthcoming action-platformer, Ariana and the Elder Codex, now accessible on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch.
This early hands-on experience allows players to explore a significant portion of the game ahead of its worldwide launch, scheduled for March 24, 2026. Ariana and the Elder Codex represents a new collaboration between Japanese studios Compile Heart and Hyde, known for their expertise in both action and role-playing genres.
The game’s narrative follows Librarian Ariana, who embarks on a quest to restore the Seven Hero Codices—ancient magical tomes that have been damaged, causing magic to fade from the world.
Players will directly engage in this mission, navigating platforming challenges within the mystical Codex of Earth, one of several unique areas available in the full version. Within the demo, users are introduced to Ariana’s core Librarian abilities, integral to gameplay.
Through the use of Librarian Magic, Ariana can enter the Codices, confronting dangerous foes and overcoming environmental obstacles to repair the books from within.
As players clear Repair Points during these sequences, they are rewarded with permanent health boosts and critical resources needed for further progression. Demonstrating the game’s depth, the developer highlights over 30 unlockable Magic Spells and Skills.
As relayed by the publisher, gamers can customize Ariana’s loadout across six ability slots, encouraging experimentation to suit various playstyles.
This flexibility empowers users to discover new strategies as they advance through the Seven Hero Codices. Boss battles constitute a central element of Ariana and the Elder Codex’s challenge.
Each guardian presents unique attacks and patterns, demanding mastery of timing and movement.
To further enhance the gameplay experience, a robust Magic Item system enables players to craft and equip various artefacts that confer stat boosts, elemental enhancements, and other beneficial effects such as increased critical hit rates and reduced knockback. Ariana and the Elder Codex is slated for simultaneous retail and digital release on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch globally on March 24, 2026.
With this new demo, Idea Factory International invites both longtime fans of the genre and newcomers to experience its innovative magic system, challenging boss fights, and intricate platforming ahead of launch. By making a playable demo accessible on the Nintendo Switch eShop, Idea Factory International and its partners, Compile Heart and Hyde, continue their tradition of engaging Nintendo fans worldwide.
The title exemplifies the breadth of inventive action-platformers set to arrive on the platform as the gaming community anticipates future updates from upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations.
This early hands-on experience allows players to explore a significant portion of the game ahead of its worldwide launch, scheduled for March 24, 2026. Ariana and the Elder Codex represents a new collaboration between Japanese studios Compile Heart and Hyde, known for their expertise in both action and role-playing genres.
The game’s narrative follows Librarian Ariana, who embarks on a quest to restore the Seven Hero Codices—ancient magical tomes that have been damaged, causing magic to fade from the world.
Players will directly engage in this mission, navigating platforming challenges within the mystical Codex of Earth, one of several unique areas available in the full version. Within the demo, users are introduced to Ariana’s core Librarian abilities, integral to gameplay.
Through the use of Librarian Magic, Ariana can enter the Codices, confronting dangerous foes and overcoming environmental obstacles to repair the books from within.
As players clear Repair Points during these sequences, they are rewarded with permanent health boosts and critical resources needed for further progression. Demonstrating the game’s depth, the developer highlights over 30 unlockable Magic Spells and Skills.
As relayed by the publisher, gamers can customize Ariana’s loadout across six ability slots, encouraging experimentation to suit various playstyles.
This flexibility empowers users to discover new strategies as they advance through the Seven Hero Codices. Boss battles constitute a central element of Ariana and the Elder Codex’s challenge.
Each guardian presents unique attacks and patterns, demanding mastery of timing and movement.
To further enhance the gameplay experience, a robust Magic Item system enables players to craft and equip various artefacts that confer stat boosts, elemental enhancements, and other beneficial effects such as increased critical hit rates and reduced knockback. Ariana and the Elder Codex is slated for simultaneous retail and digital release on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch globally on March 24, 2026.
With this new demo, Idea Factory International invites both longtime fans of the genre and newcomers to experience its innovative magic system, challenging boss fights, and intricate platforming ahead of launch. By making a playable demo accessible on the Nintendo Switch eShop, Idea Factory International and its partners, Compile Heart and Hyde, continue their tradition of engaging Nintendo fans worldwide.
The title exemplifies the breadth of inventive action-platformers set to arrive on the platform as the gaming community anticipates future updates from upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations.
