Heart Machine's Possessor(s) Locks in November 2025 Release Date

Last Updated: October 28, 2025


Possessor(s) key art featuring Luca and Rehm in a flooded city.

Heart Machine, the celebrated independent studio behind the iconic *Hyper Light Drifter*, has officially set a November 11, 2025 release date for its brand-new title, *Possessor(s)*. Published by Devolver Digital, the upcoming game is a fast-paced action side-scroller set in a deadly, interconnected world, marking a highly anticipated return to 2D for the developer.

Heart Machine has ignited the indie scene by confirming the launch date for its next major project. *Possessor(s)* promises to be a slick, high-octane action game set in a sprawling, quarantined city ravaged by an interdimensional catastrophe. The announcement solidifies the game as one of the most anticipated indie titles of the fall 2025 season. This news comes during a period of intense productivity for the studio, which also launched its 3D roguelike adventure, *Hyper Light Breaker*, into Steam Early Access in 2024.

What is Possessor(s)?

*Possessor(s)* plunges players into a grim, sci-fi world. The story follows Luca, the host, and her cynical, otherworldly counterpart, Rehm, as they navigate the treacherous, flooded streets of a city torn apart by disaster. The gameplay is built around a fast, fluid, and technical combat system inspired by modern platform fighters, emphasizing precision, creative combos, and a diverse arsenal of weapons.

The "possession" mechanic implied by the title is central to the experience, allowing players to manipulate the environment and turn the tide of battle. The game’s structure is described as a "sci-fi side-scroller with a story-driven, choice-based structure," suggesting player decisions will have a tangible impact on the narrative's progression and outcome. The world is composed of intricately designed, interconnected levels that encourage exploration and backtracking, promising a deep and rewarding gameplay loop for fans of stylish action and Metroidvania design.

A High Bar and Parallel Ambitions

The confirmation of a second major project highlights a period of significant growth and ambition for Heart Machine. The studio's other title, *Hyper Light Breaker*, a 3D co-op follow-up to their debut hit, is currently in development through its Early Access phase. Managing two distinct, high-profile games simultaneously is a massive undertaking, but it speaks to the studio's creative drive.

Heart Machine has a proven track record of excellence. The studio's debut, *Hyper Light Drifter*, remains a benchmark for indie action RPGs, lauded for its sublime pixel art, atmospheric soundtrack by Disasterpeace, and brutally satisfying combat. It set a high standard that the studio is measured against, and *Possessor(s)* appears poised to be the next evolution of its core design philosophies, blending challenging gameplay with cryptic, compelling world-building.

Anticipation Builds for November

With its November 11 release date now locked in, all eyes are on Heart Machine to deliver another standout title. *Possessor(s)* represents both a return to the studio's 2D roots and an ambitious new direction. Its combination of fast-paced, technical combat and a mysterious, choice-driven narrative has positioned it as a must-play game for late 2025. As the launch approaches, the community eagerly awaits a final look at the stylish, brutal adventure that awaits.