While Top Hat Studios and developer Kyle Thompson are still working away on their dark fantasy Metroidvania Well Dweller, players can now get a glimpse of what’s to come with the new demo that’s now available on Steam. Announced during the Top Hat Studios Presents: Spring Showcase 2026, the demo offers players their first hands-on experience with the game’s whimsical dark fairy tale.
The Well Dweller Steam demo opens with the game’s full opening sequence, along with a selection of major environments and boss encounters. These elements highlight the early chapters of the game’s experience, building towards the moment when the world opens up and players are able to explore.
Well Dweller sees players take on the role of Glimmer, a tiny bird armed with a matchstick who must burn the wicked queen to save his family. To do so, players will journey through a dark fairy-tale landscape and befriend the charming characters who reside in the kingdom’s underbelly. Go camping with Ilda, a tiny mouse who is on the run from the queen’s grasp. You’ll also explore an abandoned castle with Looter, a mysterious scavenger who searches the kingdom for the best wares to steal.
As you’d expect, you’ll also be facing off against monstrous beasts, who after defeating them, Glimmer gains new abilities in order to further progress. You’ll also be solving puzzles, uncover secrets, and unravel the mysteries that lie in this rotted kingdom.
Using your matchstick, you’ll be able to illuminate the world around you, as well as use it to aid you in combat. Collect trinkets to upgrade your abilities, and mix-and-match them to customize your game play.
The full version of Well Dweller is set to release in 2026 for PC via Steam and the Nintendo Switch.