If you’ve been craving a fresh 2D platformer that feels like it escaped from a Game Boy Color fever dream, Colorgrave just gave you an early Christmas present. The indie studio behind the cult hit Curse Crackers: For Whom the Belle Toils just released a teaser trailer for their next game, Curse Chapter: Dawnthief, and it’s shaping up to be their most ambitious project yet.
Dropping on December 25th, the trailer showcases acrobatic movement, fluid combat with a chain mace, and a strong focus on plundering your way through exotic wilderness. If the name Colorgrave doesn’t ring a bell, these are the folks who’ve been quietly making some of the most satisfying indie platformers you’ve probably never played. And based on this teaser, they’re not slowing down.
What We Know So Far
Curse Chapter: Dawnthief puts you in control of the Dawn Clown, described as enigmatic and quiet, which is a refreshing change from the typical loud protagonist shouting catchphrases every five seconds. You’re leading a small crew north into hostile wilderness with one clear objective: undermine diplomatic ties and steal valuable treasures hidden deep in overgrown regions.
The core gameplay loop revolves around fast, acrobatic movement where your chain mace serves double duty as both a weapon and a traversal tool. You can jump, kick, and sling your chain mace to smash obstacles, climb vertical surfaces, and presumably bash enemies into next week. The trailer shows the Dawn Clown swinging across gaps, scaling walls, and engaging in what looks like genuinely dynamic platforming.
The Chain Mace Changes Everything
What sets Dawnthief apart from other platformers is how central the chain mace is to everything you do. It’s not just another weapon you equip and forget about. The trailer demonstrates using it to grapple onto surfaces, swing across chasms, and smash through barriers blocking your path. Think of it like if Castlevania’s whip had a baby with a grappling hook and decided to major in acrobatics.
This kind of movement-focused design is Colorgrave’s specialty. Their previous game, Curse Crackers, built its entire identity around bouncing, vaulting, and using your bell companion Chime to navigate tricky platforming sections. Dawnthief appears to be taking that foundation and cranking it up several notches with more aggressive combat and exploration mechanics.
The combat looks equally satisfying. You’ll face off against aggressive wildlife, hardened Hearthen warriors, and elite knights guarding secrets beneath the great soul tree. The trailer shows what appears to be boss encounters with larger enemies, suggesting the game won’t just be about avoiding threats but actively taking them down.
Colorgrave’s Track Record
For anyone unfamiliar with Colorgrave, they’ve built a solid reputation in the indie scene for games that prioritize tight controls and satisfying movement. Curse Crackers: For Whom the Belle Toils released in August 2022 on PC and later came to Nintendo Switch in 2023. It’s a criminally underrated gem that fans describe as one of the best platformers they’ve played in years, even if they discovered it late.
The studio also developed Prodigal in 2020 and Veritus in 2024, both of which leaned into retro aesthetics while maintaining modern quality-of-life features. Their games tend to have a distinctive visual style mixing nostalgic pixel art with fluid animations that feel contemporary. Based on the Dawnthief trailer, they’re continuing that tradition with gorgeous sprite work and environmental details.
The Lore Connection
Here’s where things get interesting for fans of Colorgrave’s previous work. The name Curse Chapter: Dawnthief suggests this might exist in the same universe as Curse Crackers. Fans on Reddit immediately picked up on the Colorgrave connection and are theorizing about how the games might link together narratively.
Some speculate that Dawnthief could be a prequel showing events before Curse Crackers, possibly explaining the origins of certain characters or the curse mechanic that features prominently in their games. The trailer shows locations that might appear in Curse Crackers or their other title Claire a la Mode, including what looks like ship interiors and forested areas that could connect to previously established lore.
One popular theory involves Cigrid, a character from Curse Crackers whose identity remains mysterious. Could Dawnthief finally reveal who they are? The teaser text mentions secrets will be unmasked, which has fans buzzing with speculation about what connections might be revealed.
Release Window and Platforms
Curse Chapter: Dawnthief is scheduled to release sometime in 2026 on PC via Steam. No specific date has been announced beyond a general 2026 window, and console versions haven’t been confirmed yet. Given Colorgrave’s history of bringing their games to Nintendo Switch after initial PC releases, it’s reasonable to expect Dawnthief will eventually make the jump to consoles.
The Steam page is already live, allowing interested players to wishlist the game and stay updated on development progress. Early pricing hasn’t been revealed, but Curse Crackers launched at $14.99, so expect something in that range unless they’re significantly expanding the scope.
Why You Should Care
The indie platformer space is crowded, but Colorgrave consistently delivers quality experiences that stand out from the pack. Their games nail the fundamentals of tight controls, responsive movement, and satisfying progression. If you’ve been disappointed by platformers that look great in trailers but feel clunky to actually play, Colorgrave’s track record suggests Dawnthief will deliver where it counts.
The chain mace mechanic alone looks like it could carry the game, offering a unique twist on traditional platforming that rewards creativity and experimentation. Add in what appears to be a compelling story about heists, betrayal, and treasure hunting in a fantasy wilderness, and you’ve got something genuinely interesting cooking.
For players tired of yet another Metroidvania or roguelike platformer, Dawnthief seems to be charting its own path. The focus on team-based plundering missions with specific objectives rather than aimless exploration could provide the structure some players prefer without sacrificing freedom of movement.
FAQs
When does Curse Chapter: Dawnthief release?
The game is scheduled for release in 2026 on PC via Steam. No specific date has been announced yet beyond the general 2026 window. Console versions have not been confirmed but are likely given Colorgrave’s history.
Is Curse Chapter: Dawnthief connected to Curse Crackers?
While not officially confirmed, the similar naming convention and developer suggest they may exist in the same universe. Fans are speculating about potential lore connections, but Colorgrave hasn’t revealed specific story details linking the two games yet.
What platforms will Curse Chapter: Dawnthief be on?
Currently, only PC via Steam has been confirmed. Based on Colorgrave’s previous releases, Nintendo Switch and potentially other consoles are likely candidates for ports after the initial PC launch.
Can you play Curse Chapter: Dawnthief co-op?
The trailer mentions playing with your team, but it’s unclear if this refers to AI companions or actual co-op multiplayer. Curse Crackers was primarily a single-player experience, so Dawnthief might follow the same model with NPC teammates rather than true co-op.
Who is the Dawn Clown?
The Dawn Clown is the main protagonist of Curse Chapter: Dawnthief, described as enigmatic and quiet. They lead a crew of rogues on plundering missions into hostile wilderness. Beyond that, not much has been revealed about the character’s backstory or motivations.
Do I need to play Curse Crackers before Dawnthief?
There’s no official word on whether the games require playing in order. If they share a universe, Dawnthief might be designed as a standalone experience that references earlier events without requiring prior knowledge. We’ll know more as release approaches.
What makes the chain mace special in this game?
The chain mace serves as both a weapon and traversal tool. You can use it to swing across gaps, climb walls, smash obstacles, and fight enemies. It appears to be central to the game’s movement system rather than just another combat option.
Will Curse Chapter: Dawnthief have boss fights?
Yes, the trailer shows encounters with larger enemies including elite knights and what appear to be boss-style encounters. The game promises fights against beasts and hopeful heroes trying to stop your plundering missions.
The Bottom Line
Curse Chapter: Dawnthief is shaping up to be one of the more interesting indie platformers on the 2026 horizon. Colorgrave has proven they understand what makes platformers feel good to play, and this teaser suggests they’re building on that foundation with more ambitious mechanics and scope.
The chain mace traversal system looks genuinely innovative, offering something different from the standard double-jump and dash abilities that dominate the genre. Combined with what appears to be a focus on heist-style missions and treasure plundering, Dawnthief could carve out its own identity in a crowded field.
For fans of Curse Crackers, this is an immediate wishlist. For everyone else, it’s worth keeping an eye on as we get closer to 2026. Colorgrave doesn’t make games that set the internet on fire with hype, but they consistently deliver quality experiences that satisfy in all the right ways.
If you’re the type of player who values tight controls, satisfying movement, and games that respect your time, Curse Chapter: Dawnthief deserves a spot on your radar. Just don’t expect it to hold your hand. Based on the teaser, this is a game about skilled acrobatics, aggressive plundering, and taking what you want from a world that definitely doesn’t want to give it up.
The Dawn is approaching in 2026, and it’s bringing a chain mace with your name on it.