Announced during State of Play Japan, Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse will launch on March 5, 2026, for PS5 and PS4, with pre-orders available now. Developed by Frontside 180 Studio, this 2D roguelike mixes exploration, crafting, and combat with a dark fantasy twist. You don’t play as the witch, but as her sentient hat.
The game’s signature Possession system lets you take control of defeated enemies to use their powers. It’s not just for combat puzzles, and obstacles often require you to possess specific foes to progress. Choosing which enemies to control shapes your path through each run, encouraging experimentation and adaptability.
Skill Trees, Loot, and Endless Replayability
Progression in Never Grave revolves around two main systems:
- Skill Tree: Strengthen your base stats using materials found in dungeons or your home village.
- Equipment: Collect new weapons and artifacts to customize your approach each run.
Combining these systems allows for a wide range of builds—from brute strength to magic-heavy or exploration-focused setups. The developers note that even internal playtesters cleared dungeons in unexpected ways, hinting at strong build diversity.
Explore Together in Online Co-op
While Never Grave can be played solo, it also features 4-player online co-op. You and your friends can coordinate roles, some focusing on combat while others handle resource gathering and village upgrades. The flexibility encourages different playstyles, whether you’re battling bosses or managing your home base between expeditions.
Boss Battles and a Cursed Story
Each dungeon culminates in a challenging boss fight, from golems that fire sweeping lasers to storm-casting guardians and lava-wielding overlords. Mastering the Possession system is essential to surviving these fights.
The story begins with a tragic twist: a young witch’s soul is stolen by the Ancient Witch, leaving her cursed and immortal. As the sentient hat that once belonged to her, players must travel through dangerous lands to lift the curse and reclaim her soul.
A Dark Roguelike with Heart
With its mix of roguelike tension, metroidvania exploration, and online co-op, Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse aims to deliver both challenge and creativity when it launches on March 5, 2026.
