Mina The Hollower Launches on Oct 31st play the demo now!

Yacht Club Games, the acclaimed team behind Shovel Knight, revealed a brand-new look at their next original IP during Summer Game Fest: Mina the Hollower. This gothic-inspired, top-down action-adventure will officially launch on October 31st, 2025. Bursting with fast-paced, whip-cracking combat and classic pixel art style, the game will be available on PC via Steam.

In Mina the Hollower, players take on the role of Mina, a fearless Hollower on a mission to rescue a cursed island from the clutches of darkness. Using a combination of swift burrowing mechanics, ranged weaponry, and equippable trinkets, Mina must navigate a haunting world packed with monsters, strange characters, secrets, and colossal boss fights. All wrapped in tight, responsive gameplay and a killer chiptune soundtrack.

As an added surprise, Yacht Club Games also launched a limited-time demo, available now as part of Steam Next Fest (June 9th–16th). The demo showcases the opening stage and culminates in the game’s first major boss. Progress carries over to the full release, but once Steam Next Fest ends, the demo disappears. Don’t miss your chance to dig in early!

What We Can Expect

• Hauntingly authentic 8-bit visuals in the style of Game Boy Color, refined for the modern era.

• Modern touches abound: detailed animation, widescreen visuals, and rock-solid controls!

• Leap, dodge, and burrow through the ground to battle monsters or navigate the world.

• Lash at foes with your trusty whip, Nightstar- or choose from an arsenal of weapons, each with a totally different move set.

• Discover and utilize a reliquary’s worth of unusual Sidearms to gain the advantage in combat.

• Collect and equip Trinkets to acquire a variety of exotic effects. Level Mina up to suit your unique playstyle.

• Electrifying MSX-style soundtrack by chiptune virtuoso Jake Kaufman.

• Descend into the depths of madness with a bone-chilling, yet heartwarming tale inspired by Victorian Gothic horror.

• Explore a huge, dark world brimming with secrets, challenging battles, and interconnected level design.

My Thoughts

Chris Owens gave Shovel Knight Dig a glowing review a few years back, noting its difficulty but praising the experience overall. Scott has also covered entries in the Shovel Knight universe, including Shovel Knight: King of Cards. It’s clear the GO Cast crew has a lot of love for Yacht Club Games. Mina the Hollower looks like another winner, and this time, I’m ready to join the hype from day one. As someone who missed out on Shovel Knight, I’m excited to finally burrow into the fun with the rest of the team. Check out the trailer below and dive in with us!