If you’re looking to start off the new year with a new game that’s eerily nostalgic, you’ll be happy to hear that Craftlings’ 1.0 update has locked down its release date to mid-January, bringing the indie strategy game out of its closed testing phase.
Published and developed by Ariano Games, Craftlings is described as a “throwback to problem-solving strategy games from the 90s” blending strategy, city builder, resource management, and automation elements into a charming pixel art-driven 2D side-scrolling experience.
Craftlings 1.0 Update Release Date
Having locked down its release date to January 15, 2026, Craftlings’ 1.0 update promises 12 unique, handcrafted levels that are unlocked right from the start.
“I tried to offer a different experience and a different type of challenge in every map. Some levels have layout or resource restrictions; others focus more on combat, including boss fights; and some feel more like a sandbox with freedom and plenty of resources to experiment with,” the developer explains.
“It was difficult to design them with a steady and consistent difficulty curve where unlocking them one-by-one made sense. So I decided to open all levels from the start — letting everyone experience Craftlings in their preferred way and according to their own playstyle.”
When Craftlings 1.0 update releases, we can expect more than 20 hours’ worth of content, with replayability boosted by a global rank system “which has 7 unique ranks for those who seek a bit of challenge and enjoy speedrunning.”
In addition, the developer and beta testers are currently focused on squashing bugs, improving stability and performance, balancing, and quality-of-life improvements, which will likely be reflected in the game’s full version.
Craftlings’ demo has been removed “for the moment” because it was outdated and no longer reflected the current state of the game.
The title’s solo developer describes the move as “a simple prioritization decision,” caused by the limited resources a solo dev has at their disposal, and intends to bring it back, in an updated form, after work on the 1.0 version concludes.
When it fully releases, Craftlings will be available on PC, via Steam, for the price of $14.99 or your regional equivalent. The title will also benefit from a launch discount.
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