Wander Stars: Anime-Inspired Turn-Based RPG Blasts onto Nintendo Switch September 2025

Wander Stars: Anime-Inspired Turn-Based RPG Blasts onto Nintendo Switch September 2025 Wander Stars, an upcoming turn-based RPG developed by Paper Castle Games and published by Fellow Traveller, is poised to make a significant impact on the Nintendo Switch when it launches on September 19, 2025.

Drawing inspiration from classic storytelling and the striking visual style of Japanese anime, Wander Stars offers a fresh take on the genre, blending inventive combat mechanics and a vibrant cast of characters to deliver an experience that stands out in the indie game landscape. Set in a universe brimming with eccentric, anthropomorphic characters, Wander Stars reimagines classic fairy tales with a galactic twist.

The story centers on Ringo, a spirited 14-year-old orphan raised in a secluded forest by her formidable grandmother, herself a retired martial arts champion.

Far from the helpless figures of traditional folklore, Ringo and her grandmother possess impressive fighting prowess, having honed their skills within the universe’s top competitive league, Kiai.

Two years prior to the game's events, Ringo’s brother departed under mysterious circumstances, leaving emotional wounds that still linger. When an anthropomorphic wolf named Wolfe lands on their planet in search of a legendary treasure, the narrative takes a dynamic turn.

After losing a prized family heirloom, Ringo embarks on a quest alongside her grandmother and eventually Wolfe, whose initial rivalry turns into an alliance.

Together, they set out on a sprawling galactic journey, not only to retrieve the lost heirloom but also to track down Ringo’s missing brother.

The game’s anime-inspired humor and heart are front and center in these character-driven interactions, creating a narrative both playful and emotionally resonant. At the core of Wander Stars’ gameplay are Kiai battles, which put a unique spin on turn-based combat.

Battles are structured around a system of word slots, where players select and combine action, element, and modifier words to craft attacks.

For example, a player might create an "Amazing Fire Punch" by blending act, element, and mod words.

Each round, strategy comes to the fore as players manage the cooldowns of these words, maximizing damage and employing creative combinations to exploit enemy weaknesses.

Throughout the adventure, Ringo's word arsenal grows, continuously adding depth and variety to encounters. As players progress, new allies can join the team, bringing their own specialized word sets and unique abilities, such as putting foes to sleep or revealing hidden weaknesses.

Each character unlocks strategic options and encourages experimentation.

In addition to permanent upgrades—such as increasing word limits, HP, and item capacity—players can discover temporary enhancements called Pep-Ups during chapters, further enriching combat depth and encouraging replayability.

Exploratory segments introduce environmental bonuses and mini narrative events, expanding on character backstories and delivering moments of levity and drama. While fundamentally a linear story, Wander Stars integrates roguelike elements, allowing previous chapters to be revisited for additional experience or tackled in challenging, randomized modes.

This approach rewards experimentation and mastery, extending the game’s longevity and replayability. Paper Castle Games and Fellow Traveller have crafted a game that is unapologetically stylish in its anime homage, innovative in its gameplay systems, and consistently rewarding in both narrative and progression.

With its Nintendo Switch debut set for September 19, 2025, Wander Stars is poised to capture the imaginations of RPG fans looking for a fresh, replayable, and heartfelt adventure.

Be sure to keep an eye on the Nintendo eShop for this standout indie title as its release draws near.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Fellow Traveller Wander Stars Paper Castle Games RPG