Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault Launches September 2, Original Goes Free on Steam
The free distribution of the original Moonlighter, which has a 'Very Positive' rating from about 17,000 Steam reviews, gives new players a low-cost entry point into the series just before the sequel's full launch.
Key Facts
- Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault officially releases on September 2 for PC (Steam/Microsoft Store), PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2.
- The original Moonlighter is free on Steam from August 5 to August 9, 2026.
- Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault has been in early access since November 19, 2025, and has received two major updates.
- The original Moonlighter holds a 'Very Positive' rating with 82% of approximately 17,000 Steam reviews being positive.
- A free demo of Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault is available on all platforms, and pre-orders have begun on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2.
Reporting from 3 sources: Denfaminicogamer, Automaton, Game Spark.
11 bit studios and Digital Sun announced on August 5 that Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault will officially release on September 2. The sequel, which has been in early access since November 2025, will launch on PC via Steam and Microsoft Store, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2, with Japanese display support. It is also available through PC and Xbox Game Pass. The game follows Will and his party as they leave the village of Rinoka and arrive at the devastated village of Tresna, where they manage a shop and explore dungeons. The graphics have shifted from pixel art to 3D. Version 1.0 adds new content including the Bomb Path combat ability, an expanded shop level cap of 5, additional decoration slots, a new reachable stage in Endless Vault VII, and a hardcore difficulty where all relics are lost upon defeat. The endgame merchant Spark is also scheduled to appear. To mark the release date announcement, the original Moonlighter is being distributed for free on Steam from August 5 to August 9, and a free demo of the sequel is available on all platforms. Pre-orders have begun on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2.
- Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault leaves early access after roughly eight months, having started Steam Early Access on November 19, 2025.
- The sequel holds a "Very Positive" rating on Steam, with 84% of about 2,400 user reviews positive.
- Two major updates preceded version 1.0: "Greed and Glory" added the HEX combat pass, dual pistols "Blo-Blitz," and the wave-based "Greed Colosseum"; "Blob-Life Balance" introduced Bloblet shop companions, the stackable Poison Path, new weapons, and a very hard difficulty.
- Version 1.0 concludes the main story and adds Endless Armour alongside the four Endless Weapon types, plus an expanded perk tree.
- The "Infinite Endless Vault" is an endgame challenge that escalates in pursuit of gold.
- The Bomb Path ability marks enemies with explosive symbols that detonate after a set number of hits, damaging nearby foes.
- Shop investment in village residents unlocks better weapons, armor, and upgrades as the economy recovers.
- The original Moonlighter, released in May 2018, is free on Steam until August 9 and stays in the library permanently once claimed.
- The original's Steam rating sits at 82% positive from about 17,000 reviews, also "Very Positive."
- Digital Sun developed both games; 11 bit studios publishes.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 3 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.