Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse delivers a bright fusion of metroidvania and streamlined roguelike elements on Steam
A free demo of a metroidvania blending simplified roguelike mechanics has recently appeared on Steam. Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse, published by Pocketpair, follows the studio’s rising profile after the success of Palworld. The game is developed by Frontside 180 Studio, a team building ambitious action experiences for PC gamers and beyond.
Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse unfolds as a two‑dimensional action title that channels the spirit of Hollow Knight. The central figure is a young girl wearing a distinctive magical hat, a character who has the unusual talent of copying the abilities of foes she defeats. This mechanic injects a collectible and strategic layer into every encounter, inviting players to tailor their approach to each dungeon boss and every new location.
The game relies on a procedural dungeon system that guarantees each run feels unique. Throughout exploration, players traverse a range of environments, including ancient ruins, botanical gardens, and vast libraries. While combat remains a core pillar, clever puzzle design provides a steady stream of challenges that test reflexes and problem‑solving in equal measure.
As described by the developers, players will use resources gathered inside the dungeons to clear debris blocking villages, craft new items, and cultivate crops in the fields. The cycle continues with the creation of consumables, meals, and beverages in the village, all of which prepare the character group for upcoming fights and tougher sections ahead. This emphasis on resource management and village progression helps to tether the rogue‑like randomness to meaningful, persistent goals that feel rewarding rather than punitive.
The title supports both single‑player and online cooperative play, with multiplayer sessions accommodating up to four players. This co‑op option invites friends to experiment with different ability copies and synchronized strategies, expanding the tactical possibilities beyond a solo run. The game entered Early Access in the first quarter of 2024, signaling a period of ongoing refinement and community feedback as the team iterates on balance, content, and quality of life improvements for players in North America and Canada. The available demo provides a hands‑on sense of pace, systems, and the overall mood the game aims to achieve for its audience.
Commentary on the project remains upbeat: the studio continues to generate buzz around its approach to blending exploration, combat, and progression with a compact roguelike backbone. Players who enjoy the tight movement and precision combat of platformer‑inspired titles will likely find a compelling match with Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse, especially those who appreciate the thrill of discovering new enemy abilities and weaving them into a growing kit of powers.[citation: VG Times]