If you have been hunting for a game that scratches that specific itch between creative problem solving and high stakes dungeon crawling, look no further. There’s Nothing Underground, the latest project from Palomar Games, is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing indie releases of late 2025. Scheduled for release on December 12th, this title promises to blend the open ended physics of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom with the chaotic, tool based gameplay of Mosa Lina.
It is not just another roguelike. The developers have crafted a moody, atmospheric experience where your wits are your best weapon. Whether you are gluing random objects together to bridge a chasm or building complex energy circuits to power a door, the game demands creativity over brute force. Let’s dive into what makes this underground adventure so special.
A “Mosa-Like” Experience?
The developers at Palomar Games have coined the term “Mosa-like” to describe their inspiration. Drawing heavily from the cult hit Mosa Lina, the core loop revolves around giving the player a randomized set of tools and asking them to solve hand crafted levels. There is no single “correct” solution. You might get a grappling hook, a rocket, or a simple crate. How you use them to reach the exit is entirely up to you.
This design philosophy creates endless replayability. You are not just memorizing level layouts; you are constantly adapting to the tools you have on hand. It creates those “Wile E. Coyote” moments where a plan comes together perfectly—or falls apart hilariously.
Key Features That Set It Apart
Beyond the physics sandbox, There’s Nothing Underground offers a robust set of mechanics designed to keep you experimenting. The team, which includes veterans who worked on Helldivers 2 and Arc Raiders, has clearly put a lot of polish into the systems.
- 100+ Handcrafted Levels: While the tools are random, the challenges are designed to test your lateral thinking.
- The Glue Mechanic: You can attach almost anything to anything else. Want to stick a rocket to a rock? Go for it.
- Circuit System: A freeform energy mechanic allows you to power machinery based on proximity, letting you build impromptu circuits to solve puzzles.
- Synthwave Soundtrack: The moody atmosphere is backed by a killer synthwave score that sets the perfect tone for deep exploration.
The Developer Pedigree
Palomar Games might be a small team, but they have big experience. Comprising a mix of AAA veterans and fresh talent, they have focused on creating a tight, polished experience. Their background in major titles shines through in the physics interactions and the game’s “game feel.” It is refreshing to see a studio pivot from massive shooters to a focused, cerebral puzzle game without losing that sense of quality.
Quick Look: Features Breakdown
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Genre | Roguelike Puzzle Platformer |
| Core Mechanic | Randomized tools & Physics |
| Vibe | Moody, Synthwave, Underground |
| Input | Controller Recommended |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is There’s Nothing Underground releasing?
The game is scheduled to launch on Steam on December 12, 2025.
Is there a demo available?
Yes, a demo is currently available on their Steam page, allowing you to try out the physics mechanics before you buy.
Does the game support controllers?
Absolutely. The developers actually recommend using a controller for the best experience, likely due to the precision needed for platforming.
What makes this a “roguelike”?
While the levels are handcrafted, the tools you receive are randomized on each run. If you fail, you restart, forcing you to adapt to a new loadout every time.
Is it coming to consoles?
Currently, the focus is on the PC (Steam) release. No console versions have been officially confirmed yet.
Conclusion
There’s Nothing Underground is shaping up to be a hidden gem for fans of creative puzzle games. It takes the “immersive sim” philosophy of big games and distills it into a tight, 2D roguelike package. With its moody atmosphere, clever mechanics, and infinite replayability, it is definitely one to add to your wishlist before December 12th.