Companion-Based Abilities

Summon magical companions that change how you explore and fight, such as a flying unicorn or friendly companions that assist in gathering resources.

Parkour-Based Action

Dash, leap from ceilings, dodge enemies, and strike from behind with tight, responsive controls. Ollie’s fluid movement makes exploration fast, dynamic, and full of surprises.

Branching Paths

Explore a richly crafted 2D metroidvania world filled with unique biomes, hidden lore, and ancient secrets. Your choices, and how far you're willing to explore, shape how the story's outcome.

The story so far...

The magical world of Hitonero is crumbling...

Dreams, the lifeblood of creation, have stopped flowing, and feral monsters now roam freely across the land.

You are Ollie, a catfolk scout from Kindleburg, a village in the magical world of Hitonero, nestled at the edge of the Dryadic Forest. As part of a scouting party sent to investigate a growing unrest, you’re swept into a chain of events where foes become friends, and betrayal comes from the ones you'd expect the least.

Immerse yourself in a world of magic and mystery in this handcrafted metroidvania adventure. Join Ollie on a journey through cursed lands, ancient ruins, and forgotten dreams, where every step brings you closer to the truth.

A pantheon of archons

Hitonero is governed by six holy Archons, each embodying a fundamental force of reality.

Once, there may have been more, but most have vanished as the dream energy that sustained the Archaic Plane drained away.

The Archons guide the world through sacred spheres and hand-chosen Ministers, but with the fading of dreams, their power weakens.

On his journey, Ollie will cross paths with these divine beings and earn their trust.

Each Archon grants powerful boons, from combat abilities to changing how Ollie moves about the world, allowing players to reshape how they play and explore.

Explore the world of Hitonero

Hitonero teeters on the brink of collapse. Once bound by dreams, its realms now fray apart... yet remnants of forgotten wonders still linger.

Travel through the lush Dryadic Forest, ruled by the dryad queen Gyrian, or wade into the Pretty Swamp, home of the Frogfolk. Journey onward to a levitating island, buried temples, godly prisons, and sealed sanctuaries as you uncover the mystery overshadowing Hitonero.
Each handcrafted area features its own architecture, culture, traversal challenges, and soundtrack.

Key features

  • Play as Ollie, a sword-wielding catfolk hero, and battle through beautifully animated enemies

  • Explore 12+ interconnected regions, each with unique secrets, lore, and bosses

  • Master dynamic traversal: wall jumps, levitation, dodging, and ceiling flips

  • Summon 6 Archons, each granting unique powers for combat or movement

  • Ride a winged unicorn through unreachable zones and shoot 'em up sequences

  • Fast travel across an interconnected world via a magic-integrated system

  • Defeat and befriend a stone golem who becomes your personal battle mecha

  • Unlock multiple endings, including an early ending and a secret true ending

  • Upgrade your sword to enhance combos and special abilities

  • Discover labyrinthine areas that change as you play

  • Collect relics tied to the game's mythology that change or enhance gameplay

  • Find 5 lore cards that piece together forgotten history

  • Recruit companion pets and learn new skills from NPCs

  • Includes a stylized in-game instruction manual in line art

 

 

FAQs

When will the game be launched?

The game is planned for release on PC via the Steam store between Q4 2025 and Q1 2026. If you'd like to be notified as soon as it's available, be sure to wishlist it on Steam

Are there plans to release the game on other platforms?

At this time, there are no plans to bring the game to other platforms such as the Nintendo Switch, however this is not excluded in the future.

Can I edit how Ollie plays?

Absolutely. While Ollie has a defined role in the story, how that story unfolds, and how you play, are up to you. Unlock a variety of abilities and magical pets to suit your preferred playstyle, whether that means quick mobility, heavy attacks, or support powers.

Even the narrative isn’t fixed in stone. Your choices, how much you explore, and even how the game impacts you emotionally can lead to different outcomes, including early endings or a hidden true ending.

Are there mounts in the game?

Yes! Ollie will gain access to unique rideable summons throughout the journey. You'll unlock a flying unicorn for swift traversal and befriend an Altergeist, a magical creature that shapeshifts and manifests as a golem you can ride into battle. These mounts aren’t just for show; they’re essential for solving puzzles, reaching new areas, and taking down tough enemies.

Is this really a metroidvania? How do flying mounts fit the genre?

Yes, it is! Ollie and the Merchant of Dreams is a 2D metroidvania, a genre known for deep exploration, ability-based progression, and interconnected areas. While grounded in classic platforming and action mechanics, the game introduces flying and rideable summons to expand how you traverse the world and tackle puzzles. These mounts are part of the game's magical setting and add variety without breaking the core metroidvania experience.

Gallery