Xanadu Next

Xanadu Next is an exploration-focused action RPG set on Harlech Island. You play a fallen knight who accompanies scholar Charlotte L. Wells as she investigates the phantom Castle Strangerock. After a mysterious swordsman kills him, ancient magic gives the knight a new lease on life; to ensure his survival, he must seek the legendary sword Dragon Slayer.

The mystery of Xanadu

Harlech Island’s Castle Strangerock appears through the mist over Lake Orwell, then vanishes as sailors approach. While Charlotte researches the castle, you explore the island for artifacts that may reveal the origins of the ephemeral stronghold. The island’s ruins lead to Xanadu, an ancient paradise partly inspired by tales of the Mongolian emperor Kublai Khan.

Stone tablets and old letters written in an ancient tongue reveal fragments of Xanadu’s past. Charlotte translates them in real time, helping you piece together a story of magic, war, an ancient dragon and a mysterious figure known as the Black Bride.

Explore the island

You travel through one interconnected map where icy peaks connect to fiery caverns, old waterways, mystical forests and magical ruins. Secret passageways, alternate routes, shortcuts, hidden items, deadly bosses and new techniques reward exploration.

Real-time combat

You fight hordes of enemies in real time with a range of skills. Skills are tied to weapons and learned through repeated use, so finding a new weapon can also open up abilities to master.

Character systems

You can level down to adjust your stats, fuse with Guardians to gain passive abilities, and learn spells. You can also carve keys from monster bones, reducing the need for pre-made keys.

Visuals and music

The game takes inspiration from 1980s dungeon RPGs and the gritty medieval look of its predecessor, presenting that style in 3D with detailed environments. Its soundtrack was composed by Falcom’s Sound Team jdk.