Hela: of Mice & Magic

Hela: Of Mice & Magic Is Coming in Q4 2026

Windup

With our Q4 2026 release window now announced, we'd like to welcome everyone who's recently joined us on this journey.

We've seen plenty of thoughtful questions about Hela, from how co-op works to what brewing is and whether you can play solo, so we've gathered the answers in one place.

We'll continue updating this article as we get closer to launch and reveal more about the world of Hela: Of Mice & Magic .

When will Hela: Of Mice & Magic be released?

Hela: Of Mice & Magic is planned to launch in Q4 2026.

We'll share a specific release date as soon as we're ready, so be sure to follow our official channels for the latest news and announcements.

Which platforms will Hela be released on?

Hela is planned to launch on:

  • PC
  • PlayStation 5
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Nintendo Switch 2

Which engine is Hela being developed in?

Hela is being developed in Unreal Engine 5.

Is Hela a game for children?

Hela tells a heartwarming story about helping others, exploring nature, and the power of cooperation. There is no traditional combat, making it an accessible adventure for younger players while still offering plenty to discover for older audiences.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing co-op experience, an open world to explore at your own pace, or a meaningful adventure to share with friends and family, Hela is designed for players of all ages.

Can I play solo or is Hela only multiplayer?

You can experience Hela however you prefer.

Play solo, with a friend in two-player local split-screen, or with up to four players online. While the game naturally encourages cooperation and playful teamwork, Hela is designed to feel complete no matter how many players join your adventure.

This is made possible by our unique Shade System, which ensures every puzzle and challenge can be experienced regardless of group size.

Can I mix couch co-op and online multiplayer?

Yes!

Hela fully supports mixing local split-screen and online play.

For example, you and a friend can play together on one console while joining two other players online. Other combinations are possible as well, with a maximum of two local players per device and up to four players in total.

What is the Shade System?

Some challenges in Hela are designed with two, three, or four players in mind.

The Shade System allows solo players to fill those missing roles by creating magical copies of themselves. Shades repeat the action you were performing when they were created, making them useful for holding objects, creating trampolines, acting as rope anchors, and solving environmental puzzles.

Thanks to the Shade System, every player can experience the full adventure, whether playing alone or with friends.

Want to see it in action?

Deep Dive: Shade System

Is Hela an open-world game?

Yes.

Hela is an open-world adventure where players are free to explore at their own pace, discover story fragments, complete quests, and uncover secrets whenever they choose.

While your journey is non-linear, it ultimately leads to a handcrafted ending that remains the same for every player.

Is Hela a fast-paced action game?

Not at all.

While Hela shares some elements with familiar co-op adventures, its focus is very different. There are no combat encounters to master and no constant pressure pushing you forward.

Instead, Hela is about exploration, cooperation, experimentation, and taking time to enjoy the world around you. We want it to be a place where players can slow down, help others, and rediscover the joy of simply wandering off the beaten path.

Are there enemies or combat?

You'll encounter creatures that stand in your way, but combat isn't how you'll overcome them.

Some can be avoided, others distracted, and a few may even become unexpected friends. Hela focuses on interaction, creativity, and problem solving rather than fighting.

Is there crafting?

Not in the traditional sense.

Hela doesn't feature crafting systems like item creation or base building. Instead, progression revolves around Brewing, where you'll gather ingredients and prepare magical Remedies inside the witch's cottage.

Each recipe is a hands-on experience rather than simply selecting an item from a menu.

What is Brewing?

Brewing plays a central role in Hela's progression.

As you explore the world, you'll gather ingredients and discover new recipes. Back at the witch's cottage, you'll carefully follow each recipe using the witch's magical book, completing a series of interactive actions to create brews and magical Remedies.

Every recipe is unique, and many of the tools you'll use throughout the adventure begin here.

Can I customize my mouse?

Yes!

Throughout your adventure you'll unlock cosmetic rewards including hats, neck accessories, backpack customizations, and different fur colours for your mouse familiar.

Once unlocked, every cosmetic becomes permanently available at the Customization Station, where you can mix and match your favourite combinations whenever you like.

Where can I learn more about Hela?

Our Deep Dive series takes a closer look at the systems, mechanics, and ideas behind Hela.

So far we've released:

Deep Dive: Shade System

Deep Dive: Froggy Backpack

Deep Dive: Nature & Music

Deep Dive: Animals

More episodes are on the way!

Will the soundtrack be available?

Not just yet.

Hela's soundtrack is still being composed, and we're taking our time to make sure every piece feels right for the adventure. We look forward to sharing it once it's ready.

If you have business-related inquiries, please reach out to our publisher, Knights Peak, at

contact@knightspeak.com

.

Content creators interested in collaboration opportunities can contact

norbert.litwinski@windupgames.com

directly.

Thank you for being part of Hela's journey. We can't wait to welcome you into the world of Hela: Of Mice & Magic when the adventure begins in Q4 2026

This announcement was originally published by Windup on Steam on Jul 16, 2026.

Open the original on Steam

More from Hela: of Mice & Magic

See more

Announcements come from each game's Steam news feed. ©2026 Valve Corporation. Steam and the Steam logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Valve Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. slopranks is not affiliated with or endorsed by Valve. Steam News