Top Hat Studios and Kyle Thompson Announce Well Dweller for 2026
Top Hat Studios, Inc. has announced Well Dweller, a dark and twisted fairy-tale metroidvania from developer Kyle Thompson, known for Crypt Custodian and Islets. The game is set to release in 2026 for Nintendo Switch and PC.
Players take on the role of Glimmer, a tiny bird wielding a matchstick, on a mission to defeat a wicked queen and rescue his kidnapped siblings. The journey unfolds across a whimsical yet morbid world filled with monsters, secrets, and hand-drawn, medieval-style fairy-tale illustrations. Along the way, players will unlock new abilities, uncover powerful trinkets, and meet allies like Ilda the runaway mouse and Looter the scavenger, all of whom are struggling to survive in the Queen’s twisted realm.
Well Dweller promises a beautifully grim tale about bravery, loss, and hope as told from the bottom of a well.
What We Can Expect
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A grim, hand-drawn fairy-tale world inspired by medieval illustrations
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Metroidvania gameplay with new abilities, hidden trinkets, and branching paths
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Unique characters like Ilda the mouse and Looter the scavenger, each with their own stories
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A small but mighty hero’s journey to reunite his lost family and challenge a terrifying queen
My Thoughts
Well Dweller caught my attention during the Indie World Showcase. The crisply drawn 2D, gear-gated adventure was immediately eye-catching. Then they showed a glimpse of the map. It was enormous, with multiple “worlds” clearly defined by color coding. Next came the combat, which was fast paced and featured some slick dodging and counter attacks. I will be counting down the days until 2026, and then counting down again until the release, for what is sure to be a stellar Metroidvania on my Switch 2.
Check out the trailer below!
