Top Hat Studios and Crypt Custodian Developer Reveal WELL DWELLER, out 2026
Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2025 12:54 pm
Top Hat Studios and Crypt Custodian Developer Reveal WELL DWELLER, out 2026
AUGUST 8th, PHILADELPHIA: Deep within the forest, at the bottom of a well, lives the only creature brave enough to challenge the Queen. Top Hat Studios, Inc. is pleased to announce WELL DWELLER, a new dark, bizarre, twisted fairy-tale metroidvania by Kyle Thompson (Crypt Custodian, Islets). Play as Glimmer - a tiny bird armed with a matchstick - who must burn the wicked queen to save his family before they become part of her royal gown.
Venture forth into a whimsical but morbid fairy-tale landscape, and battle terrifying beasts whilst gaining new abilities to expand your world. Discover secrets, mysteries, and the riddles that rot in the underbelly of this wretched queendom.
The dark nooks and crannies throughout shelter powerful trinkets that are key to survival, and a cast of charming characters and allies - all trying to make their own way through the Queen’s twisted world - await befriending along your journey. Go camping with Ilda, a tiny mouse on the run from the Queen’s grasp. Explore an abandoned castle with Looter, a mysterious scavenger who searches the queendom for the best wares to steal.
Many more encounters and discoveries await along the way, punctuated by beautiful, hand-drawn medieval-style fairy-tale illustrations.
Not every fable or fairly-tale has a happy ending, and an imposing collection of beast and royally-sized challenges await. Step into the tiny shoes (or feathers) of Glimmer, and perhaps, just perhaps, you’ll be able to re-unite all your sheltered siblings, snatched from the nest one night in a turn of events that lead to the coming of an unlikely, little hero....
The next game from the developer of the critically acclaimed Crypt Custodian, WELL DWELLER marks the continuation of the partnership between Developer Kyle Thompson and Publisher Top Hat Studios, Inc.. WELL DWELLER will launch in 2026 for Nintendo Switch™ and PC.
Well Dweller links:
Steam - https://store.steampowered.com/app/3699590/Well_Dweller
Nintendo - Stay tuned!
About Top Hat Studios, Inc.
Top Hat Studios is your favorite publisher of fine indie delicacies, primarily supporting Japanese-inspired, retro-themed, and highly creative titles. As a company started by and working with grassroots developers and incubating developer talent, Top Hat Studios focuses on supporting games all the way from blockbuster productions through to niche and boutique experimentations.
Top Hat Studios' diverse portfolio includes hits such as WELL DWELLER, Labyrinth of the Demon King, MOTORSLICE, Alisa, and many more. Unique in its relationship to its partnered developers, Top Hat Studios is more than just a publisher but rather a strategic long-term partner, and provides a suite of resources to its developers, which include publishing, business development, corporate advisory, product & long-term strategy, creative media, tools, co-development, and engineering & porting expertise working with all major engines and codebases.
About Kyle Thompson
Hey! I'm Kyle and I like making Metroidvanias. My brother makes music for them. I made Crypt Custodian, Islets, and Sheepo, and hope everyone will enjoy Well Dweller!
AUGUST 8th, PHILADELPHIA: Deep within the forest, at the bottom of a well, lives the only creature brave enough to challenge the Queen. Top Hat Studios, Inc. is pleased to announce WELL DWELLER, a new dark, bizarre, twisted fairy-tale metroidvania by Kyle Thompson (Crypt Custodian, Islets). Play as Glimmer - a tiny bird armed with a matchstick - who must burn the wicked queen to save his family before they become part of her royal gown.
Venture forth into a whimsical but morbid fairy-tale landscape, and battle terrifying beasts whilst gaining new abilities to expand your world. Discover secrets, mysteries, and the riddles that rot in the underbelly of this wretched queendom.
The dark nooks and crannies throughout shelter powerful trinkets that are key to survival, and a cast of charming characters and allies - all trying to make their own way through the Queen’s twisted world - await befriending along your journey. Go camping with Ilda, a tiny mouse on the run from the Queen’s grasp. Explore an abandoned castle with Looter, a mysterious scavenger who searches the queendom for the best wares to steal.
Many more encounters and discoveries await along the way, punctuated by beautiful, hand-drawn medieval-style fairy-tale illustrations.
Not every fable or fairly-tale has a happy ending, and an imposing collection of beast and royally-sized challenges await. Step into the tiny shoes (or feathers) of Glimmer, and perhaps, just perhaps, you’ll be able to re-unite all your sheltered siblings, snatched from the nest one night in a turn of events that lead to the coming of an unlikely, little hero....
The next game from the developer of the critically acclaimed Crypt Custodian, WELL DWELLER marks the continuation of the partnership between Developer Kyle Thompson and Publisher Top Hat Studios, Inc.. WELL DWELLER will launch in 2026 for Nintendo Switch™ and PC.
Well Dweller links:
Steam - https://store.steampowered.com/app/3699590/Well_Dweller
Nintendo - Stay tuned!
About Top Hat Studios, Inc.
Top Hat Studios is your favorite publisher of fine indie delicacies, primarily supporting Japanese-inspired, retro-themed, and highly creative titles. As a company started by and working with grassroots developers and incubating developer talent, Top Hat Studios focuses on supporting games all the way from blockbuster productions through to niche and boutique experimentations.
Top Hat Studios' diverse portfolio includes hits such as WELL DWELLER, Labyrinth of the Demon King, MOTORSLICE, Alisa, and many more. Unique in its relationship to its partnered developers, Top Hat Studios is more than just a publisher but rather a strategic long-term partner, and provides a suite of resources to its developers, which include publishing, business development, corporate advisory, product & long-term strategy, creative media, tools, co-development, and engineering & porting expertise working with all major engines and codebases.
About Kyle Thompson
Hey! I'm Kyle and I like making Metroidvanias. My brother makes music for them. I made Crypt Custodian, Islets, and Sheepo, and hope everyone will enjoy Well Dweller!