Rain Games Releases Knuckle Jet Demo for PC in 2026

Rain Games has officially released a playable demo for Knuckle Jet, their upcoming jetpunk-themed action platformer, providing players on PC with an early look at the title's mechanics. Following the developer's previous work on the Teslagrad series, which earned multiple industry nominations including honors from the Annie Awards and the Nordic Game awards, this new project shifts toward a faster, momentum-based approach to movement and combat.

Rain Games Knuckle Jet Announcement Details

The studio, based in Norway, first introduced the project to the public in March 2025. According to official communication from the developer, the team intended to build upon their experience with physics-driven platforming while pivoting toward a more aggressive, arcade-oriented style. The demo, which is currently live on Steam, serves as an unfinished build meant to gather community feedback as development continues through 2026.

The aesthetic direction of the game draws inspiration from Saturday morning cartoons and toy-based media, resulting in a distinct visual identity that separates it from the more muted tones of the Teslagrad franchise. Despite this shift in visual style, the narrative remains tethered to the same fictional world. Players familiar with the studio's previous titles will encounter recurring characters and environmental details that link the two properties, even though the story of Knuckle Jet is designed to function as a standalone experience.

Gameplay Mechanics and Momentum

The core of the experience revolves around what the developers describe as "jet-fueled knuckle acrobatics." The movement system prioritizes speed and momentum, tasking players with navigating levels while intentionally bypassing traditional physics constraints. The gameplay loop encourages constant motion, rewarding players for chaining together crashes and smashes to maintain flow throughout the environments.

Combat is integrated directly into the movement mechanics. Players control the protagonist, Anastasia, who utilizes jet-powered strikes to defeat a variety of mechanical and organic enemies. The game features a wide array of gear that players can collect and equip. These items are designed to alter gameplay significantly, allowing for specialized builds that can be optimized for specific challenges. The gear system also includes cosmetic options, enabling players to customize their character's appearance regardless of the functional stats of their equipment.

The World of Motorland and Cooperative Play

The game takes place in a region known as Motorland, a setting defined by industrialist architecture ranging from soot-covered forests to high-rise clockwork cities. The primary antagonist, Tychoon, serves as the main driver of the conflict, having seized control of the region's infrastructure. The narrative premise involves the rescue of an orphanage, with the children having been forced into labor by the villain's mechanical death machines.

For those interested in multiplayer gaming, the title includes a cooperative mode. Players can join forces to navigate the main campaign together. Additionally, the game includes a dedicated mode called Knuckleball, which functions as a competitive arena for players to engage in combat against one another. This inclusion of both cooperative and competitive modes is intended to provide longevity beyond the standard single-player campaign.

Platform Support and Technical Context

Knuckle Jet is confirmed for release on PC, with native Linux support explicitly mentioned by the developers in their initial outreach. The game's performance on these platforms is a focal point for the current demo phase. As part of our coverage here at In Game News, we note that the developer is actively seeking input on the feel of the controls and the balance of the combat systems during this pre-release window.

While the game shares a genre with classic titles like Jet Set Radio—which set a high bar for momentum-based movement in 2000 with its 94 Metacritic score—the developers at Rain Games are aiming to differentiate their project through its specific focus on "smashy" combat and industrial-themed platforming. The transition from the puzzle-heavy nature of Teslagrad to the high-speed, arcade-action of this new project represents a major shift in the studio's output.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Knuckle Jet set in the Teslagrad universe?

Yes, Knuckle Jet is set in the same narrative universe as the Teslagrad games, featuring recognizable characters and background threads.

What is the gameplay style of Knuckle Jet?

Knuckle Jet is a physics-driven, jetpunk-themed action platformer that emphasizes high-speed momentum, precision movement, and arcade-style combat.

How to play the new Knuckle Jet demo?

The Knuckle Jet demo is currently available for download on PC via the Steam platform, allowing players to experience the game's early build.