The Dark Queen of Mortholme launches on Xbox on 3 December 2026. It’s a short pixel-art action game that flips the hero’s journey around: you play the final boss, and the Hero just keeps coming back.
It’s available to pre-order now for £4.29 / $4.99, and it’s an Xbox Play Anywhere title, so it covers Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC. Publisher Monster Theater says it will be discounted for its first seven days.
You are the Dark Queen
As the Dark Queen, the most powerful being in your universe, beating the Hero who invades your domain is easy. The trouble is that death doesn’t stop them. They climb the stairs to your throne room again and again, growing stronger every time, and you start to suspect that while their defeat is inevitable, yours might be too.
You fight with the Dark Queen’s ever-evolving set of attacks, and your choices shape an unconventional relationship with your opponent. There are multiple outcomes, and the game is designed to be beaten in a single sitting.
From solo project to console
The game comes from solo developer Mosu and first launched in 2025, picking up an Indie Game Award nomination. Monster Theater worked with Mosu on the console release, adding achievements, multiple languages and bug fixes.
“We saw something special in The Dark Queen of Mortholme and wanted to help bring it to a larger audience. Working with Mosu to expand the game’s reach has been eye-opening.”
Eldar, founder of Monster Theater
The Dark Queen of Mortholme on Xbox
- Release: 3 December 2026
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC (Xbox Play Anywhere)
- Price: £4.29 / $4.99, pre-order now
- Game Pass: not included
- Players: single player
- Age rating: PEGI 7
- Developer: Mosu
- Publisher: Monster Theater
- Store: Microsoft Store
For the full rundown, read everything we know about The Dark Queen of Mortholme, and find all our coverage on The Dark Queen of Mortholme hub.
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