Aeterna Noctis

Aeterna Noctis

Released Dec 2021

Aeterna Noctis is a challenging metroidvania that majestically combines action, exploration and adventure. With 2 game modes and difficulty based on action or the exclusive Noctis mode where a level of difficulty is added in precision platforming never seen in the metroidvania genre.

74% positive · 2,097 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
Medium confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
Medium confidence

Where to buy

Steam $29.99 Green Man Gaming Steam key $29.99
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Evaluation

Aeterna Noctis launched on December 14, 2021 and received a substantial run of post-launch content. The developer shipped a major free DLC called "Pit of the Damned" on May 22, 2023, adding new areas, enemies, bosses, gems, and missions. This was followed by the paid "Virtuoso" DLC on November 9, 2023, which introduced a boss rush mode and new boss fight. All seven DLC entries listed on the store are marked as released, with the most recent shipping on November 9, 2023. Since the Virtuoso release, developer communications on this game's Steam page have shifted entirely toward new projects: a sequel called Aeterna Lucis (demo released June 2025, targeting a September 2025 launch), a co-developed new IP called Future Knight (announced February 2026), and a new studio project called Farmageddon (demo available at Steam Next Fest in June 2026). None of these posts announce or hint at additional content for Aeterna Noctis itself. The store description still references "a new free DLC that adds more enemies, new final bosses and more game areas" — this language describes the Pit of the Damned content that has already shipped, and there is no indication of further additions planned. With all DLC released, no outstanding commitments, and the studio's focus clearly directed at successor and new projects, the game appears to be content-complete as of the Virtuoso DLC release on November 9, 2023.
Evidence
Aeterna Noctis 'Virtuoso' DLC released, adding a boss rush mode, new boss fight, and new achievements. This is the most recent content release for the base game.
news post · Nov 9, 2023 source content shipped
high
Free 'Pit of the Damned' DLC released, adding 3 new areas, new enemies, 2 new final bosses, new gems, new missions, and timed trials.
news post · May 22, 2023 source content shipped
high

Content

7 of 7 released · no outstanding content
Released
Nov 2023

Media

Details

Publisher
Aeternum Game Studios S.L
Achievements
142
Platform
Windows
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Verified
Players
Single-player · Multiplayer · PvP

About this game

Aeterna Noctis is a challenging 2D hand-drawn action platformer, a Metroidvania with thrilling combat that will keep you on the edge of your seat and heart-stopping platform sections that will put your skills to the test. Play as the King of Darkness and explore 16 connected areas in an epic journey to regain your powers. 

The Supreme God Chaos created the Universe and the world of Aeterna, and populate it with different races and creatures. Soon his creations turned against him, seeking to take the world for themselves. Chaos was angered, and in his terrible wrath, he cast a terrible curse upon the rebellious leaders. He named them King of Darkness and Queen of Light, and condemned them to keep fighting each other forever, until the end of time...

  • A huge non-linear story full of sidequests.

  • The world and animations have been brought to life with hand-drawn traditional frame-by-frame animation.

  • An emotion-inducing soundtrack.

  • Gameplay and mechanics that force the best out of the player.

  • Voice-acted cutscenes in 8 different languages.

  • Hours upon hours of challenges, with an emotional story full of twists and turns.

  • A new free DLC that adds more enemies, new final bosses and more game areas.

Fluid gameplay mechanics

In a game with such a difficulty curve that scales with progression, Aeterna Noctis features extremely responsive controls, allowing for precise movement and combat.

High mobility

Intuitive world design allowing the players to exploit the precise movement controls of the character, allowing you to overcome each challenge in a multitude of ways. As you become more skilled in the game, it allows you to get even faster completion times. 

Deep, beautiful plot

Featuring an immersive and emotional story with incredible moments, filled with unexpected twists that will immerse the players into the rich world of Aeterna Noctis.

Traditional 2D Art

Worldbuilding in Aeterna Noctis is completed by handcrafting each asset, animation and environmental detail in the game using traditional illustration methods by the art team, giving rise to a vibrant and beautifully assembled world.

Freedom of choice

Aeterna Noctis features a defined path for the storyline, but allows the player to take whatever path and pacing to navigate the expansive non-linear map featuring 16 different zones, interconnected in a classic Metroidvania style. 

More than 40 music tracks

Aeterna Noctis features over 40 unique tracks each with its own theme. Once the game is made available, the OST will be released with special covers of the main songs as a piano collection

Difficulty level

Aeterna Noctis features two game modes. If you are a lover of Metroidvania games, in Aeterna Noctis there is a perfect game mode for you, the Aeterna Mode. However, if extreme challenges and platforming are what you want, you are a Noctis Mode player. But do you know what the differences are between these game modes? We explain it to you.

- Aeterna Mode (A pure Metroidvania experience)

In essence, the game has been completely redesigned to offer you as a player a 100% Metroidvania experience where action and exploration are the protagonists.

- Noctis Mode (Platforms and extreme challenges)

By playing on this mode, you will not only have to explore and recover your powers, but you will also face constant puzzles, platform sections and challenges only recommended for the most demanding players.

What if I started in Noctis mode and the difficulty is too much for me? Or... What if I started in Aeterna mode but want a more challenging experience?

The player can switch between one mode or the other at any time without losing progress and reloading the game at the last save point, allowing the Aeterna Noctis experience to be shaped at your will. However, there are achievements that can only be unlocked on Noctis Mode.

Last evaluated Jun 23, 2026
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