Ethan Crossfield 
Players looking for a new Zelda-style adventure with multiplayer should keep Isles of Reveries on their radar. The upcoming indie game combines old-school dungeon exploration with puzzles, town building, and local co-op. It is scheduled to launch on September 4 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Steam, and Xbox.
What makes Isles of Reveries different
Isles of Reveries draws heavily from the visual language and structure of classic Zelda, with Link’s Awakening specifically cited as an influence. Its dungeons and puzzles are designed around that older adventure-game formula, while the playable hero, an owl named Lief, travels with a magical fairy companion. The game also expands beyond dungeon crawling through town-building mechanics, giving players another activity between expeditions. That combination makes it more than a straightforward retro homage, even if its core identity is clearly Zelda-inspired.
Who should pay attention to the co-op mode
The local co-op feature is aimed at players who want to tackle multiplayer dungeons with a friend. This is a meaningful distinction for a genre that has traditionally focused on solo exploration. Zelda has experimented with cooperative play before through Four Swords, Four Swords Adventures, Tri Force Heroes, and the Hyrule Warriors spin-offs, but those projects have been exceptions rather than the standard. Isles of Reveries offers a smaller-scale alternative for players who want classic-style puzzles and dungeon progression without playing entirely alone.
What comes next for Zelda fans
Nintendo has not announced a release date for its next major Zelda title. The available information identifies that project as an Ocarina of Time remake for Nintendo Switch 2, although its scope remains unclear after Nintendo showed only a brief cinematic featuring Link sleeping in his house. Rumors point to a Nintendo Direct in September, potentially with Zelda-related news, but no reveal should be treated as confirmed. Until Nintendo provides more details, Isles of Reveries may be worth following as an independent option for fans waiting on the franchise’s next official adventure.
What players should know
- Isles of Reveries launches on September 4.
- It is planned for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Steam, and Xbox.
- The game includes Zelda-inspired dungeons, puzzles, town building, and local co-op.
- Local multiplayer supports completing dungeons with a friend.
- The game is developed by desertcucco.
Expert View
Isles of Reveries appears most relevant to players who value traditional dungeon design but want the option to share that experience locally. Its Zelda influences are obvious, yet the town-building systems and owl protagonist give it room to establish its own identity. The co-op mode is a strong reason to watch it, though its final quality will depend on how well the puzzles and multiplayer dungeons work in practice. For now, it looks like a promising game to follow rather than a guaranteed replacement for Zelda.
