TetherGeist is set to launch on May 7, 2026, for Steam and Nintendo Switch. The precision platformer follows Mae and her axolotl spirit Bao on a coming-of-age pilgrimage, using a movement system built around Astral Projection to cross dangerous gaps and navigate a world full of traps.
The game centers on practice and repetition, emphasizing momentum-based platforming over combat.
A Platformer Built Around Astral Projection
In TetherGeist, Mae uses Bao as part of an ability called Astral Projection, which lets her extend her spirit outward like a grappling hook. That tether becomes the core of the game’s movement, allowing players to swing across chasms, move through hazards, and tackle traversal challenges that open up over time.
Each chapter adds new movement mechanics, gradually expanding how players interact with the world and pushing the platforming further as the pilgrimage continues.
A Story About Growth Without Combat
The game follows Mae, a young Mountain Shaman whose spirit cannot fully leave her body like others in her village. When her pilgrimage begins, she has to rely on her own version of that ability to make the journey.
That setup drives a combat-free adventure where progress comes from timing, control, and persistence rather than fighting enemies. The design also leans into accessibility through frequent checkpoints and instant retries, keeping the challenge demanding without making failure overly punishing.
Characters and Themes Shape the Journey
Beyond the platforming, TetherGeist puts a strong focus on its characters and themes. The game touches on disability, spirituality, class, and social dynamics through Mae’s journey and the people she meets along the way.
According to the announcement, Mae’s motor disability directly shapes how her story unfolds, while other characters bring their own perspectives and struggles into the world. The game also features a cast shaped in part by Kickstarter backers.
BIG Festival Recognition Ahead of Launch
Ahead of release, TetherGeist has also been named a finalist at the upcoming BIG Festival at gamescom latam in the categories for Best Game, Best Impact, Best Art, and Best Sound.
TetherGeist launches May 7 on Steam and Nintendo Switch.
