Knights Peak and Windup Games have ignited excitement among open-world fans by unveiling a new gameplay trailer for Hela, their forthcoming third-person adventure, set for a 2026 digital release on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch 2.
This debut project from the creators of the acclaimed Unravel series takes players on a heartfelt journey through a picturesque, northern Scandinavian-inspired landscape. Set against the backdrop of mesmerizing forests, glacial lakes, and rugged mountains, Hela invites players to step into a world where nature and magic intertwine.
The story centers on a benevolent Witch, known for her acts of kindness in aiding local villagers, who has now fallen gravely ill.
To save her, players must guide her loyal companions—nimble, magic-wielding mice—through a sweeping quest that blends exploration, resource gathering, puzzle-solving, and spellbinding action. In an official statement, the publisher described Hela as "an adventure that seamlessly combines the wonder of magical exploration with the warmth of kindness and cooperation." They emphasized the unique interactions afforded by the magical mice, whose abilities open up engaging possibilities for puzzle-solving and environmental traversal. Hela’s feature set is designed to offer both depth and accessibility.
Key highlights include: - **Expansive World Exploration**: Players will journey across a lovingly crafted map inspired by Scandinavian geography, teeming with hidden pathways, tranquil lakes, and mystical woodlands. - **Interactive Magical Backpack**: The core gameplay revolves around a multi-purpose backpack allowing for gathering resources, solving inventive puzzles, and interacting dynamically with the environment. - **Immersive Physics Engine**: Objects in Hela’s world respond with realistic physics, offering fresh challenges and immediate feedback as players manipulate the landscape. - **Dynamic, Responsive Environments**: The game world is alive and ever-changing, presenting new hazards and opportunities shaped by both magical forces and natural events. - **Challenging Puzzle Design**: Puzzle elements are tightly integrated with the narrative, rewarding keen observation and creative thinking. - **Impact Through Kindness**: Players can profoundly alter their surroundings and character relationships through positive actions, underscoring the game’s central themes of empathy and restoration. - **Solo & Cooperative Play**: Hela supports solo adventurers as well as friends, with both local split-screen and online co-op play available. Windup Games, established by veterans of the Unravel series, continues their tradition of crafting visually stunning and emotionally resonant experiences.
The partnership with publisher Knights Peak ensures Hela’s worldwide release on Nintendo Switch 2, with the game slated for digital pre-orders via the Nintendo eShop well ahead of its 2026 launch. Following its recent gameplay reveal, Hela has garnered attention for its distinctive art direction and emphasis on heartfelt storytelling.
As anticipation builds for the Nintendo Switch 2 and its expanding library, Hela promises to be a standout title for fans of open-world adventure, narrative-rich experiences, and innovative co-op gameplay. Stay tuned to official channels for future updates on Hela’s development and its journey to the Nintendo eShop.
This debut project from the creators of the acclaimed Unravel series takes players on a heartfelt journey through a picturesque, northern Scandinavian-inspired landscape. Set against the backdrop of mesmerizing forests, glacial lakes, and rugged mountains, Hela invites players to step into a world where nature and magic intertwine.
The story centers on a benevolent Witch, known for her acts of kindness in aiding local villagers, who has now fallen gravely ill.
To save her, players must guide her loyal companions—nimble, magic-wielding mice—through a sweeping quest that blends exploration, resource gathering, puzzle-solving, and spellbinding action. In an official statement, the publisher described Hela as "an adventure that seamlessly combines the wonder of magical exploration with the warmth of kindness and cooperation." They emphasized the unique interactions afforded by the magical mice, whose abilities open up engaging possibilities for puzzle-solving and environmental traversal. Hela’s feature set is designed to offer both depth and accessibility.
Key highlights include: - **Expansive World Exploration**: Players will journey across a lovingly crafted map inspired by Scandinavian geography, teeming with hidden pathways, tranquil lakes, and mystical woodlands. - **Interactive Magical Backpack**: The core gameplay revolves around a multi-purpose backpack allowing for gathering resources, solving inventive puzzles, and interacting dynamically with the environment. - **Immersive Physics Engine**: Objects in Hela’s world respond with realistic physics, offering fresh challenges and immediate feedback as players manipulate the landscape. - **Dynamic, Responsive Environments**: The game world is alive and ever-changing, presenting new hazards and opportunities shaped by both magical forces and natural events. - **Challenging Puzzle Design**: Puzzle elements are tightly integrated with the narrative, rewarding keen observation and creative thinking. - **Impact Through Kindness**: Players can profoundly alter their surroundings and character relationships through positive actions, underscoring the game’s central themes of empathy and restoration. - **Solo & Cooperative Play**: Hela supports solo adventurers as well as friends, with both local split-screen and online co-op play available. Windup Games, established by veterans of the Unravel series, continues their tradition of crafting visually stunning and emotionally resonant experiences.
The partnership with publisher Knights Peak ensures Hela’s worldwide release on Nintendo Switch 2, with the game slated for digital pre-orders via the Nintendo eShop well ahead of its 2026 launch. Following its recent gameplay reveal, Hela has garnered attention for its distinctive art direction and emphasis on heartfelt storytelling.
As anticipation builds for the Nintendo Switch 2 and its expanding library, Hela promises to be a standout title for fans of open-world adventure, narrative-rich experiences, and innovative co-op gameplay. Stay tuned to official channels for future updates on Hela’s development and its journey to the Nintendo eShop.
