Hunter Studio announced today that Lost Castle 2 will exit Early Access on June 11 with the release of version 1.0 on PC via Steam. The studio made the announcement during the Triple-i Initiative showcase, an annual all-indie event.
A 2D beat ’em up roguelite, Lost Castle 2 follows Hunter Studio’s original Lost Castle, which sold over 2 million copies. Players join the Treasure Hunters Guild and push into the Dark Castle, a fortress buried in the border mountains, taking on mutated enemies across branching runs. Each run draws from a pool of over 200 weapons and armors, all carrying their own mechanics and fighting approaches, alongside over 140 treasures that build passive effects through the game’s Rune Element system. The game supports solo play as well as online and local co-op for up to four players.
The 1.0 update closes out the game’s narrative with the Final Story Ending. Two new difficulty tiers, Ethereal Nightmare 4 and 5, push into harder endgame territory for veteran players. The Third Layer Inscription Resonance, a long-anticipated addition to the build system, opens new depth in how players can construct and layer effects. Meta-progression and out-of-match systems have been adjusted and rebalanced using player feedback gathered throughout the Early Access period, and the full release includes every piece of content added to the game since Early Access began.
The Hidden Mage Tower update, which went live in February, is currently available and serves as the final content drop before version 1.0. It introduced a hidden level players reach through specific in-run narrative events rather than clearing bosses, two new boss encounters in Source of the Nightmare and Lord Alfred, reworked single-handed weapon balance, and a redesigned system for how story progress gates unlocks.
To mark the occasion, Hunter Studio has opened community design submission where players can propose a weapon, armor piece, or accessory to be officially added to the game. Submissions are open through April 20. Hunter Studio has confirmed the game’s price will increase when Early Access ends. Lost Castle 2 entered Early Access on July 24, 2024.
It is available on PC through Steam.