On Wednesday, Heart Machine dropped some exciting news—their highly anticipated roguelike adventure, Hyper Light Breaker, set in the same universe as the 2016 hit Hyper Light Drifter, is heading to early access on Steam come January 14, 2025. The big reveal came through a new trailer showcased during the annual Day of the Devs: The Game Awards Edition. If you’re itching to dive into the action, the early access version will be available at $29.99.
Hyper Light Breaker, published by Arc Games, takes players into a co-op open-world setting where they step into the shoes of a “Breaker.” These are warriors tasked with piecing back together a civilization torn apart by catastrophic wars. Players will roam through the Overgrowth, a vast, procedurally generated terrain, uncovering secrets and facing off with the Crowns—a formidable faction led by the shadowy Abyss King, whose power and evil are mythical.
What’s intriguing is that even though it shares its universe with Hyper Light Drifter, this new installment is set several decades prior, offering a completely standalone experience. There’s no spoken dialogue here; instead, the storytelling comes alive through comic book panels, just like in Hyper Light Drifter. Moreover, Hyper Light Breaker marks the series’ first foray into the 3D realm, stepping away from the classic 2D pixel art style the universe was initially known for.
Heart Machine has pledged to maintain the intense combat and challenges that made its predecessor a fan favorite, ensuring players need to think strategically and cooperate to tackle the game’s hurdles. And in true roguelike spirit, each death makes the Overgrowth reshape itself, guaranteeing a fresh, unique experience each time. This dynamic world regeneration is a groundbreaking feature for the Hyper Light universe.
Looking ahead, Hyper Light Breaker will see continuous updates following its initial early access release. Expect new Breakers, bosses, weapons, and more. Player feedback will be pivotal, with Heart Machine actively engaging with the community through forums and Discord to shape the game’s evolution.
