Descenders Next: Everything We Know

If you’ve ever felt the rush of racing down steep hills in the original Descenders, then you know just how exciting and intense the game can be. The first game was a hit, loved for its randomly generated tracks and responsive controls that rewarded skillful play. It quickly became a favorite among extreme sports fans, offering a unique mix of speed and strategy. Now, the developers at RageSquid are back with something even bigger—Descenders Next. This new game aims to take everything that made the original great and push it even further!

So, what exactly is Descenders Next, and how will it build on the original? Will it bring the same thrilling action, or perhaps take things to a whole new level? As details start to emerge, excitement is growing among fans who are eager to see what RageSquid has in store. With talk of new sports, expansive environments, and even more ways to compete with friends, Descenders Next could be a game-changer for the genre. Here’s everything we know so far about this game.

What is Descenders Next?

Descenders Next is an upcoming extreme sports game that evolves the intense downhill biking action of its predecessor into a broader, multi-sport experience. The original Descenders focused on the thrill of navigating treacherous trails on a bike, but Descenders Next pushes those boundaries, introducing a variety of extreme sports set across diverse landscapes. This sequel doesn’t just build on the original’s foundation—it reimagines what an extreme sports game can be.

The game introduces a more expansive world where players tackle different sports across distinct biomes. From snowy mountain peaks to rugged dirt tracks, each location offers a unique challenge and gameplay style. Descenders Next emphasizes variety, giving players the freedom to explore these varied environments and engage with the sport of their choice. This isn’t just about racing down a hill—it's about conquering a range of terrains and mastering the nuances of different sports, all while navigating the game's rich, detailed world.

Story

Descenders Next doesn’t follow a traditional story but instead lets you create your own journey. The game will allow players to explore its world, each race, trick, and challenge helps build your reputation, pushing you closer to becoming the ultimate extreme sports legend. The game focuses on your personal growth and the rivalries and challenges you face along the way. Rather than a fixed plot, your story unfolds through your choices, achievements, and how you navigate the intense world of extreme sports. It’s all about carving your own path, riding with friends, and leaving your mark on the sport.

Gameplay

In Descenders Next, players can expect an exciting reimagining of extreme sports, where the thrill of the ride is enhanced by the freedom to choose your path. The gameplay will likely revolve around multiple sports, allowing you to switch between snowboarding and mountainboarding, each offering unique challenges and terrain. Imagine standing on a snow-covered peak, ready to carve down the steep slopes on your snowboard, and then switching to a mountainboard to tackle rugged dirt tracks.

The game is expected to feature a freestyle board control system, letting you manage every subtle movement of your rider. This will allow you to perform precise tricks and maneuvers, challenging you to master each sport with the help of an in-depth physics engine. Additionally, a detailed character customization system will allow you to choose how you look and what gear you use, to make each ride uniquely yours as you build your reputation. Also, multiplayer will likely be a big part of the game, offering the option to ride solo or team up with friends and players from around the world. The mountain in this game will probably serve as a shared space where you can explore different biomes and parks, each with its own gameplay style.

Furthermore, customization is likely to go beyond just how your rider looks, extending to the biomes and parks you explore. Each biome might offer different terrain and playstyles, with the option to switch between them depending on what kind of challenge you want. As you progress, you’ll probably unlock new areas of the map, each offering new ways to test your skills.

Development

Descenders Next is under development by RageSquid, with No More Robots as the publisher, continuing their successful partnership from the original Descenders. Drawing from their experience, the developers have incorporated valuable insights, particularly around capturing the thrill of speed, perfecting extreme sports map design, and enhancing multiplayer fun. With these elements in mind, they've aimed to create a game that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. Additionally, they’ve assured fans that more details will be revealed soon and have plans for upcoming test sessions.

Trailer

The developers have released a short trailer that shows off the different locations and activities, like snowboarding, that players will get to experience in Descenders Next. This quick preview builds excitement and curiosity about the game. If you haven’t watched it yet, be sure to check out the video above—it’s definitely worth a look.

Release Date, Platforms, and Editions

Descenders Next is planned for release in 2025, initially launching on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam, with availability on Xbox Game Pass. Although there are no details about special editions yet, we’ll provide more information as it becomes available. In the meantime, be sure to follow the developer's official social media account for the latest updates here.

So, are you ready to carve your path in Descenders Next? Which extreme sport are you most excited to try? Let us know on our socials here!