- End of Abyss release date: October 1, 2026, confirmed for all platforms
- Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC via Epic Games Store
- Price: $29.99, with a 10% PS Plus pre-order discount until launch day
- Developer: Section 9 Interactive, a Malmö studio founded by Little Nightmares veterans
- Genre: Top-down sci-fi horror twin-stick shooter with Metroidvania structure
End of Abyss Release Date and Platforms
The End of Abyss release date is officially October 1, 2026 — today marks launch day for one of the most distinctive horror debuts of the year. Developed by Section 9 Interactive, a small studio out of Malmö, Sweden, the game arrives on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC through the Epic Games Store, priced at $29.99.
Video Highlights:
- You play Sel, a technician sent into a silent underground facility
- Twin-stick combat mixed with a Metroidvania exploration loop
- Enemies respawn on death, punishing careless backtracking
- Founded by ex-Tarsier Studios developers behind Little Nightmares
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | October 1, 2026 |
| Developer | Section 9 Interactive (Malmö, Sweden) |
| Platforms | PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S |
| PC Storefront | Epic Games Store |
| Price | $29.99 |
| Pre-order Bonus | 10% discount for PS Plus members until launch day |
PlayStation Plus members get a 10% pre-order discount that runs until launch day. If you're on PS5, this is the cheapest way to grab End of Abyss at release.
Gameplay Overview: What to Expect at Launch
End of Abyss is not a helpless-kid horror game like the Little Nightmares lineage might suggest. It plays closer to a top-down Metroid-style twin-stick shooter: left stick to move, right stick to aim in full 360 degrees, layered over a Metroidvania structure. You're not just running from monsters — you fight back, badly at first, and grow stronger as you descend.
| Gear | Ammo | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma Gun | Infinite | Starting weapon, low stopping power |
| Shotgun | Limited, crafted | Tougher enemies, crowd control |
| Flares | Limited | Lighting dark areas, distracting enemies |
| Grenades | Limited, crafted | Burst damage and area denial |
Exploration is built around the scanner tool and unlockable abilities that open previously sealed corridors — a classic backtracking loop, but with a twist that changes everything.
Dying respawns every enemy in the compound. Shortcuts you cleared on your last run are gone, and you'll fight through the facility the hard way again. Treat every descent like it could be your last.
Launch Day Setup Guide
Follow these steps to get the most out of your first session.
Pick Your Platform
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or PC via the Epic Games Store — all versions launch October 1, 2026. PS Plus members should claim the 10% discount before it expires on launch day.
Learn the Twin-Stick Basics
Master 360-degree aiming early. The plasma gun has infinite ammo but weak stopping power, so precision matters more than volume of fire in the opening hours.
Manage Resources Relentlessly
Shotgun shells, flares, and grenades are crafted from enemy drops. Don't waste crafted ammo on weak enemies — save it for crowds and bosses.
Scan Everything
Use the scanner tool to map sealed corridors and track unlockable abilities. Mark backtrack targets so you don't waste a run.
Study Boss Patterns
Hands-on previews describe a hulking ooze-based boss that grabs a steel beam mid-fight. Pattern memorization wins fights, not button mashing.
Since death resets every enemy in the compound, unlock shortcuts before pushing into risky new zones. A cleared path back is worth more than an extra minute of exploration.
Why the Release Matters: The Team Behind It
The End of Abyss launch is a debut worth watching because of who built it. Section 9 Interactive was co-founded by brothers Mathias and Marcus Ottwall alongside Gustav Heinerwall — all three previously worked at Tarsier Studios, the team behind Little Nightmares and 2026's Reanimal.
Tarsier DNA
- Same design lineage as Little Nightmares
- Atmosphere-first horror direction
- Body horror with intent, not shock value
Standout Debut
- First release from Section 9 Interactive
- Named among the most anticipated Summer Game Fest reveals
- Called one of the most unsettling experiences on the horizon
Fair Price Point
- $29.99 launch price
- Ambitious scope for a debut studio
- PS Plus pre-order discount available
| Aspect | End of Abyss | Classic Little Nightmares |
|---|---|---|
| Perspective | Top-down twin-stick | Side-scrolling 2.5D |
| Combat | Fight back with guns and gear | Mostly evasion |
| Structure | Metroidvania backtracking | Linear chapters |
| Horror Style | Sci-fi body horror, The Thing-inspired | Fairy-tale dread |
Preview coverage has been strong: one outlet flat-out called it one of the most anticipated games from Summer Game Fest, while another described it as one of the most distinctive and unsettling experiences on the horizon — high praise for a debut release.
Launch Readiness Checklist
Before Your First Descent:
- Confirm your platform: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or Epic Games Store
- Claim the PS Plus 10% pre-order discount before launch day ends
- Learn twin-stick aiming and plasma gun limits
- Stockpile crafted ammo, flares, and grenades early
- Memorize boss patterns instead of mashing attacks
FAQ
Q: What is the End of Abyss release date?
End of Abyss launches on October 1, 2026. The game is available day one on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC through the Epic Games Store.
Q: How much does End of Abyss cost?
The game is priced at $29.99. PlayStation Plus members receive a 10% pre-order discount that runs until launch day, October 1, 2026.
Q: Is End of Abyss on Steam or Nintendo Switch?
At launch, the PC version is exclusive to the Epic Games Store, and no Switch version has been announced. The confirmed platforms are PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Epic Games Store.
Q: Who developed End of Abyss?
Section 9 Interactive, a debut studio from Malmö, Sweden, co-founded by Mathias and Marcus Ottwall and Gustav Heinerwall. All three previously worked at Tarsier Studios on Little Nightmares and Reanimal.