Dark fantasy action roguelite Cinderia unveiled its new "2-player co-op mode" at Tokyo Game Show 2026 (TGS 2026). Having surpassed 100,000 copies sold in roughly 10 days after launching in Steam Early Access on March 30, the game is preparing for its official release by adding new bosses, characters, and other content.
Cinderia is set in a kingdom burned down by a powerful witch. Players explore the dark fairy-tale atmosphere of the "Ash Kingdom," combining spell cards, passive skills, and items to build their combat style and face off against the witch who reduced the kingdom to ashes. The game also won the Best Independent Game Award at the ChinaJoy × Game Connection INDIE GAME Development Awards.
There are currently four playable characters available, with each character able to use over 180 types of skills. With up to 130 upgradable accessories, players can create distinct combat styles and combos even when choosing the same character, depending on their abilities and item loadout.
On the 19th, Producer Xiaoyu and Japan Publishing Lead Nyaho took part in a special stage event at the 4Gamer.net booth. 4Gamer's Orecchi and Nyaho demonstrated 2-player co-op gameplay for about 10 minutes using different characters and builds.
The demonstration showcased two players chaining their abilities together, rescuing fallen teammates, and trading items. It also introduced features such as communicating via emotes and choosing items together at shops to complete their builds.
On the 20th, during the TGS 2026 Cinderia New Information Presentation Stage, the game's systems and development process were introduced. The latest trailer for the upcoming "2-player co-op mode" was revealed for the first time, and the presentation was broadcast live across global streaming platforms. Organizers stated that the broadcast reached the Top 5 trending ranking on Niconico Live.
During the developer interview, the design philosophy behind the combat system and the process of making improvements based on player feedback were discussed. Producer Xiaoyu explained that after playing Dead Cells on a friend's recommendation, he thought, "Could we try making a game like this too?" which kicked off development. He explained that through experiments freely linking various skills together, they finalized the current combo-focused combat system.
The development team reworked systems they found lacking in fun during actual play, and adjusted the reward structure, buff effects, and enemy difficulty based on feedback regarding path choice rewards. Producer Xiaoyu noted, "Even for systems we've already built, if we feel they aren't fun enough when we play them ourselves, we often remake them," emphasizing that player enjoyment is a key consideration in development.
Moving forward, they plan to add new bosses, characters, and the "2-player co-op mode," while enhancing the story, presentation, and elements that deepen world immersion. The specific update schedule for the co-op mode has not been finalized, though a potential release about two months from the time of the interview was mentioned. Depending on development progress, other new content may be added first.
Producer Xiaoyu shared, "While continuing to expand the fun the game currently offers, we plan to thoroughly build out the story, presentation, and immersive elements before the official launch," adding, "We want to create a game where, as you play with new bosses, characters, and co-op mode added, hours pass by before you even realize it."
