Neverway by Celeste artist, blends cosy life sim and dark fantasy horror in 2026 release

Coldblood Inc. has announced that its upcoming title, Neverway, a pixel-art life simulation RPG with a darker twist, will launch in 2026. The game was featured during Nintendo’s latest Indie World Showcase, offering a first look at its unique blend of life-sim mechanics and supernatural themes.

The project is co-directed by Pedro Medeiros, best known for his art on Celeste, alongside other experienced indie developers.

Described by the studio as a “nightmarish life sim RPG,” Neverway retains familiar gameplay elements such as farming, crafting, cooking, fishing, combat, and building relationships with non-player characters, while introducing a more unsettling narrative layer.

In Neverway, players take on the role of a new resident in a rural setting, only to discover that they are the immortal herald of a dead god. This premise shapes the core storyline, with the game’s Steam description urging players to “make friends, fight through horrors, and pay your debt” with a recurring warning that debt must be repaid “at all costs.”

The trailer showcased a range of in-game scenes, from peaceful farming to encounters with eerie creatures such as crawling ghouls and floating skulls. This combination of pastoral life and horror elements aims to set Neverway apart from traditional life sims, which typically focus on lighter themes.

With Stardew Valley creator ConcernedApe shifting focus to his upcoming project, Haunted Chocolatier, Neverway may capture the interest of fans looking for a fresh but familiar experience with added narrative depth.

Players will be able to purchase Neverway on PC via Steam, with further platform availability yet to be confirmed. Coldblood Inc. has not announced a specific release date for 2026.