Prepare to explore a world of haunting beauty and brutal combat – Vessels of Decay is coming.
Publisher Headup, along with developers Simon Jakobsson and Aurora Punks, have announced Vessels of Decay, a post-apocalyptic action-adventure steeped in Scandinavian folklore.
Coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch, and PC (via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG) in Summer 2025, this retro-inspired title promises a unique blend of exploration, fast-paced action, and a distinctly melancholic atmosphere.
Vessels of Decay follows the story of Freja and Mud, siblings navigating the ruins of a fallen civilisation now overrun by creatures from Scandinavian myth. You’ll explore a handcrafted pixel-art world, battling these folkloric horrors and uncovering the secrets of the past.
Brutal Combat with a Flair for the Dramatic
Combat in Vessels of Decay is described as “dynamic,” giving players a lot of freedom in how they approach each encounter. But the real highlight is the finisher system. Stagger your foes, and you’ll be able to unleash unique, visually striking animations to finish them off. Each new enemy type presents a new opportunity to show off your combat flair.
And it’s not just minor creatures you’ll be facing. The game promises epic, multi-stage boss encounters against the beasts of Scandinavian folklore. These battles will demand both skill and strategy, forcing you to use your wits and reflexes to survive.
A Handcrafted World of Pixels and Melancholy
Vessels of Decay isn’t just about combat; it’s about exploring a world that’s both beautiful and desolate. The developers emphasise that the game is entirely handcrafted, with care and thought poured into every scene, story beat, and environment.
The retro-inspired visuals create a unique atmosphere, blending the ruins of a modern society with the resurgence of nature and the supernatural. This is a Scandinavian take on the post-apocalypse, one filled with reflective melancholy and fast-paced action.
The partnership between Headup and the developers is clearly one of mutual excitement. “We’re thrilled to partner with Simon Jakobsson and Aurora Punks to bring Vessels of Decay to players worldwide,” said Dieter Schoeller, CEO at Headup. “This game’s unique blend of Scandinavian folklore, fast-paced action, and eye-catching retro-inspired visuals makes it a truly special experience, and we can’t wait for players to explore its haunting world.”
Simon Jakobsson added, “I’m incredibly excited to be working with Headup to finally bring this project to completion. After years of hard work, it’s almost unreal seeing it all come together. Knowing that so many people have been following this journey over the years makes this even more special. And to finally be able to share this game with the players and see how they react to the world of Vessels of Decay is truly a dream come true.“
Try It Now with a Free Playtest!
The best part? You don’t have to wait until 2025 to experience Vessels of Decay. A free and open playtest is available right now on Steam. This is a fantastic opportunity to get a taste of the game’s world, combat, and atmosphere.
Key Features to Explore
- Dynamic Battle System: How you execute combat – and how your enemies perish – is entirely up to you!
- Unique Finishers: Every new enemy is a new opportunity for you to show your flair for combat; stagger your foes to set them up for (literally) killer animations and flourishes.
- Epic Multi-Stage Boss Encounters: The beasts of Scandinavian folklore will not let themselves be put down easily, and you’ll have to use your wits and reflexes to pursue and slay them!
- Explore A Beautiful World of Pixels, Death, and Decay: Vessels of Decay is an entirely handcrafted world, with care and thought poured into each and every scene, story beat, and environment.
- A Scandinavian Take on Classic Action-Adventure: The battered ruins of a once-modern society clash with the renewed growth of nature and the supernatural. Explore a uniquely Scandinavian setting through reflective melancholy, exploration, and fast-paced action.Â
Embrace the Decay Later in 2025
Vessels of Decay is shaping up to be a unique and compelling action-adventure. With its blend of Scandinavian folklore, brutal combat, and a hauntingly beautiful world, it’s definitely a title to watch out for. Mark your calendars for Summer 2025…
