Giant Squid, the visionary studio behind ABZÛ and The Pathless, has unveiled its most ambitious project to date: Sword of the Sea. Announced during PlayStation’s June 2025 State of Play, this atmospheric adventure promises to blend high-speed movement with a deeply emotional narrative.
At the heart of Sword of the Sea is the Hoversword—a unique traversal mechanic that combines elements of snowboarding, skateboarding, and hoverboarding. Players control the Wraith, a resurrected being navigating the Necropolis of the Gods. The Hoversword allows for fluid, exhilarating movement across shifting terrains, enabling players to perform flips, spins, and wall rides as they explore ancient ruins and vast landscapes.
Set in a desolate realm where the terrain flows in constant waves, Sword of the Sea offers a dynamic environment that evolves in real-time. Players will traverse seas of sand, magma, and ice, uncovering submerged tombs, shipwrecks, and petrified battlefields. As they journey, they aim to restore life to the land, reviving giant shoals of fish and other creatures along the way.
Beyond its innovative gameplay, Sword of the Sea promises a deeply emotional experience. The game is designed to be meditative and introspective, with minimal dialogue and a focus on visual storytelling. The Wraith’s quest to unveil a lost ocean serves as a backdrop for themes of renewal, connection, and the passage of time.
Complementing the game’s visuals is a dynamic score composed by Austin Wintory, known for his work on Journey and ABZÛ. The music adapts to the player’s actions, enhancing the emotional depth of the experience and immersing players further into the world of Sword of the Sea.
Sword of the Sea is slated for release on PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam on August 19, 2025. The game will support DualSense features, including adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, to enhance the immersive experience.
With Sword of the Sea, Giant Squid aims to redefine the adventure genre by combining innovative movement mechanics with a rich, emotionally resonant narrative. For fans of games like Journey and ABZÛ, this title promises to be a must-play experience that pushes the boundaries of interactive storytelling.
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