Blighted: Everything We Know

Blighted is the next big game from Drinkbox Studios, the team behind Guacamelee! and Nobody Saves the World. But this time, they’re doing something very different. Instead of bright colors and comedy, Blighted is dark, serious, and set in a strange, broken world. It’s a 3D action RPG with a Metroidvania style, meaning players will explore a big, connected world full of secrets, upgrades, and tricky enemies. The game was revealed at Summer Game Fest 2025 and is already getting attention for how unique and ambitious it looks.

There’s a lot about Blighted that feels different from anything Drinkbox has done before. From early details, it seems the game blends deep storytelling with a mysterious power that affects both you and the world around you. Combat looks intense, the setting is unlike anything we’ve seen from the studio, and there are hints of features that could change how the game is played entirely. With a 2026 release in sight, there’s plenty to be excited about and curious about in Blighted.

What is Blighted?

Blighted is a Metroidvania action-RPG developed by Drinkbox Studios. According to the developers, the world is described as a psychedelic western nightmare — a strange, eerie world infected by something called the Blight. Players will explore, fight, and uncover secrets while collecting the memories of their people. The game features both solo and co-op gameplay and marks Drinkbox’s first 3D project, making it a big step forward for the studio known for its 2D work.

For those unfamiliar, a Metroidvania is a type of game built around exploration. You move through a large, connected world and unlock new areas as you gain new powers or abilities. This is mixed with action-RPG elements, where you fight enemies in real time, upgrade skills, and grow stronger over time. In Blighted, these two styles are combined. Your powers come from defeating enemies and absorbing their memories. This adds a darker, more intense twist to the usual Metroidvania formula.

Story

Blighted takes place in a world where memories aren’t just held in the mind; they grow from the dead. For generations, people were buried with seeds planted in their heads. These seeds grew into trees that produced fruit carrying the memories of the dead. Eating this fruit allowed knowledge, tradition, and history to be passed down across time. It was a unique and peaceful ritual, deeply connected to the land and its people.

But that cycle was destroyed by Sorcisto, a being who took a dark and selfish path. Instead of waiting for the trees to grow, he began eating the brains of the living, stealing memories directly and gaining dangerous power. This act not only destroyed the memory forest but also infected the land with something dark and deadly: the Blight. Now, you play as the last survivor of Sorcisto’s rampage. The Blight now lives inside you — something the devs describe as “both a source of power and added difficulty.” Your journey is to fight through a corrupted world and reclaim the lost memories of your people.

Gameplay

Blighted is designed as a combat-heavy, exploration-driven game built around a dark world and strange powers. For the first time, Drinkbox Studios is creating a fully 3D experience, and they’ve described it as having “some of the most intense combat” they’ve ever developed. Players will need to time their moves, read enemy behavior, and use powerful finishers to survive. The focus is clearly on skill-based combat that rewards sharp reflexes and smart decision-making.

A major part of the gameplay is the Blight system, which the developers describe as a “dynamic difficulty system.” This means the game doesn’t stay the same throughout. As you use the Blight and perform well in combat, the game reacts — enemy patterns can change, the environment may shift, and your character might evolve in new ways. The Blight is both a weapon and a risk, offering more power but also increasing the challenge.

Progression in Blighted is based on absorbing what the game calls “memories.” When you defeat a boss, you can consume their brain to unlock new powers. These abilities let you reach hidden paths and take on unique challenges. At the same time, this also increases the influence of the Blight within you, meaning your growing strength might come at a cost. This system creates a balance between becoming more capable and facing a tougher world in return.

Moreover, you can play Blighted alone or with a friend using its drop-in/drop-out co-op mode. This means another player can join or leave the game at any time during your adventure. As you explore, you’ll travel through strange, colorful areas and come across unusual characters. That being said, the world is full of secrets, so players who take their time and look closely will find hidden paths and surprises.

Development

Blighted is being developed by Drinkbox Studios, the creators of games like Guacamelee! and Nobody Saves the World. This time, the team is taking a big step forward with their first 3D game, which they’ve described as their most ambitious project so far. With this project, Drinkbox is moving into darker themes and more complex systems, aiming to deliver something fresh while building on the strengths of their past games.

Trailer

The trailer really builds excitement for this game. It begins with some backstory, then shows glimpses of gameplay and combat, giving us a solid idea of what to expect from this Metroidvania action-RPG. If you’re a fan of the genre, this is one trailer you won’t want to miss.

Release Date, Platforms and Editions

Blighted is set to release in 2026 for PC via Steam and undisclosed consoles, as confirmed by Drinkbox Studios. While exact platforms haven’t been named yet, the studio’s past games have launched on all major systems, so similar support is likely. No special or collector’s editions have been announced so far, and pre-orders have not yet opened. For latest updates on Blighted, you can follow the official social media account of the developers here.