It has been nearly ten years since The Witness challenged our perception of what a puzzle game could be. Now, legendary designer Jonathan Blow and his studio, Thekla Inc., have officially unveiled their next magnum opus: Order of the Sinking Star. Announced at The Game Awards 2025, this isn’t just another indie puzzler; it is a “massive narrative adventure” that aims to redefine the genre all over again.
Set to launch on PC in 2026, Order of the Sinking Star is described as a “super collider of game design.” It features over 1,000 hand-crafted puzzles spread across a vast, interconnected world. If you thought the island in The Witness was dense, prepare yourself—this game is built on a scale that is frankly intimidating, with hundreds of hours of gameplay promised.
Sokoban Meets Dungeons & Dragons
At its core, Order of the Sinking Star is a grid-based puzzle game, taking inspiration from the classic “Sokoban” (block-pushing) mechanics. But in true Jonathan Blow fashion, that is just the surface. The game infuses these mechanics with high fantasy archetypes. You don’t just move blocks; you control characters like the Warrior, who can smash obstacles, the Thief, who drags objects behind her, and the Wizard, who can teleport.
The game is set across four distinct realms—including the intriguing “Mirror Isles”—each with its own rules, story, and visual style. As you progress, these worlds begin to collide, merging their mechanics in mind-bending ways. The trailer showed puzzles that require managing multiple characters simultaneously, using their unique abilities to navigate complex, lethal contraptions.
A New Engine for a New Era
One reason for the long wait is that the game was built alongside a completely new programming language (codenamed “Jai”) and a custom game engine. Blow has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with standard industry tools like C++, and this project serves as a proof-of-concept for his new tech, which he plans to release as open-source.
This dedication to foundational tech means the game can handle complex, systemic interactions that other engines might struggle with. It is not just about solving a puzzle; it is about understanding the deep, underlying logic of the world itself.
Release Date and Platforms
Order of the Sinking Star is scheduled to release on PC (via Steam) in 2026. Console versions have been hinted at but not officially confirmed for launch. Given the scope and complexity, this is likely to be a game we will be dissecting for years after its release. Get your graph paper ready.
Conclusion
Jonathan Blow has a track record of creating games that respect the player’s intelligence, and Order of the Sinking Star looks to be his most uncompromising work yet. It is a game about epiphany, logic, and the joy of discovery. If you are ready to lose yourself in a world of pure puzzle design, 2026 can’t come soon enough.
FAQs
When is Order of the Sinking Star coming out?
The game is scheduled for release on PC in 2026.
Is it coming to consoles?
Currently, only a PC release is confirmed, but additional platforms may be announced later.
What kind of game is it?
It is a narrative puzzle adventure based on “Sokoban” (block-pushing) mechanics, but expanded with fantasy abilities, multiple characters, and a massive open world.
Who is the developer?
The game is developed by Thekla Inc., the studio founded by Jonathan Blow (creator of Braid and The Witness).
How long is the game?
The developer claims the game features over 1,000 puzzles and offers “hundreds of hours” of gameplay.