Publisher Knights Peak and developer Windup Games have released a brand-new Deep Dive video for Hela, spotlighting the magical Froggy Backpack that powers the game’s exploration, traversal, and cooperative mechanics. The heartwarming open-world adventure, inspired by Scandinavian landscapes, is set to launch in 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
The Magic Behind Hela’s Froggy Backpack
In Hela, players step into the paws of a small but agile mouse tasked with helping a kind yet wary witch protect the land she has cared for over generations. At the center of the adventure is the Froggy Backpack, a magical companion that transforms traversal and interaction into playful, creative systems.
The Frog Tongue acts as a dynamic grappling tool, allowing players to latch onto branches, beams, and ledges to swing, climb, and build momentum. It also functions as a utility device, pulling objects into place, forming bridges between players, or lassoing forest creatures to harness their speed for exhilarating rides. Movement is fluid and expressive, emphasizing verticality and experimentation.
Inflating the backpack transforms it into a paraglider, enabling graceful descents, midair maneuvers, and the ability to ride air currents across forests, meadows, wetlands, and burrows. On the ground, the inflated pack doubles as a bouncy platform, opening up new routes and cooperative possibilities.
A powerful plunge ability sends the mouse crashing downward to uncover hidden paths, bounce off environmental objects, or simply create moments of joyful chaos. Meanwhile, the backpack safely stores collected ingredients and tools, reinforcing its role as both a traversal device and a trusted companion.
Designed for Solo and Co-Op Play
For solo players, the backpack’s magic can create Shades, echoes that replicate player actions. These Shades ensure puzzles and traversal challenges designed for teamwork remain accessible even when playing alone. Whether bridging gaps, lassoing objects, or coordinating glides, the system preserves the spirit of cooperation.
Forest creatures also play an important role in progression, teaching the mouse new abilities such as a double jump and helping unlock previously unreachable paths. The result is an exploration-driven experience built around discovery, light puzzle-solving, and environmental storytelling.
An Award-Winning Cozy Adventure
Hela< earned two awards at Gamescom 2025 for “Most Entertaining” and “Most Wholesome,” reinforcing its cozy tone and family-friendly appeal. The handcrafted world, paired with its magical traversal systems, positions it as a standout open-world adventure heading into 2026.
The new Deep Dive video offers the most comprehensive look yet at how the Froggy Backpack shapes every aspect of gameplay, from vertical exploration to cooperative problem-solving.
