Retro-and-anime inspired indie publisher Top Hat Studios, Inc., together with developer Slime King Games, has officially announced the release date for Under The Island, a charming 2D exploration-driven action RPG infused with classic 90s vibes. The game is set to launch on February 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM EST / 8:00 AM PST / 15:00 UTC.
Under The Island will be available across PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Xbox platforms, bringing its nostalgic adventure to a wide audience.
A Handcrafted Indie RPG With Distinctive 90s Charm
Under The Island stands out with its vibrant pixel art and whimsical world design, featuring artwork by Simone Grünewald, former art director at Daedalic Entertainment. The game blends classic top-down action RPG mechanics with a strong emphasis on exploration, discovery, and player choice.
Rather than pushing players down a fixed path, the game encourages curiosity—rewarding those who venture off the beaten trail with hidden treasures, secrets, and unexpected encounters.
Explore the Mysteries of Seashell Island
Set on the enigmatic Seashell Island, Under The Island offers a diverse and imaginative world to explore. Players will travel from the icy peaks of Bran Bran Peak, where cereal mining is somehow a thing, to tropical villages, dusty deserts, and stranger places still—like regions inhabited by sentient walking pots that are not exactly friendly.
Each region features unique enemies, environmental challenges, and discoveries, all tied together by classic action RPG progression. Players begin their journey wielding a trusty hockey stick, gradually unlocking new abilities and upgrades through dungeons, minigames, side quests, and interactions with the island’s eccentric inhabitants—and occasionally through negotiations with its wildlife.
Chart Your Own Path With Creative Tools
Exploration in Under The Island is driven by player creativity. Along the way, players will collect a variety of unconventional tools, including:
- A shovel for uncovering hidden paths
- A trumpet with surprising utility
- Even a bird that can help reshape your journey
These tools open new routes, solve environmental puzzles, and reveal secrets tucked away in every corner of the island.
Uncover a Sinking Mystery
Players step into the role of Nia, a newcomer to Seashell Island, who teams up with local adventurer Avocado to investigate a looming catastrophe—the island is destined to sink beneath the ocean.
As the story unfolds, players will explore distinct regions, battle bizarre creatures, and unravel ancient mysteries that threaten the island’s future, blending lighthearted charm with an underlying sense of urgency.
Classic Top-Down Adventure With Modern Flair
Under The Island delivers a nostalgic top-down adventure experience brought to life with modern polish. Expect interconnected biomes packed with secrets, memorable encounters, and environmental storytelling that rewards careful observation.
Six Unique Regions Packed With Personality
The island features six distinct regions, including:
- Eerie sentient greenhouses
- Frozen caverns
- Chaotic sawmills
Each biome offers its own upgrades, puzzles, and narrative moments. Along the way, players may find themselves winning cook-offs, reuniting lost cats, or dodging the wrath of cereal pirates.
Strange Enemies and Creative Combat
Combat in Under The Island is as quirky as its world. Players will face off against vomiting eggplants, tunneling wolves, and other bizarre foes. New artifacts, abilities, and equipment allow for creative approaches to battles.
Animals can even be befriended during the adventure—and with the right treats, they might just lend a helping hand.
Meet a Cast of Memorable Characters
Seashell Island is home to a colorful cast of characters, each with their own stories, personalities, and roles in the adventure. By forming friendships and helping the locals, players can unlock new opportunities, assistance, and insights into the island’s deeper mysteries.
Platforms, Release Date, and What to Expect
Under The Island launches worldwide on February 17, 2026, across PC and all major consoles. With its nostalgic presentation, exploration-first design, and heartfelt indie charm, it’s shaping up to be a standout action RPG for fans of classic adventures.
Links for Under The Island:
