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Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault Launches September 2, Original Goes Free on Steam

The free distribution of the original Moonlighter, combined with the sequel's launch, is a coordinated push to bring new players into the franchise ahead of the September 2 release, a strategy that leverages the original's strong Steam reputation.

Key Facts

  • Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault officially launches on September 2, 2026, for PC (Steam and Microsoft Store), PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2.
  • The original Moonlighter is free on Steam from August 5 to August 9, 2026, and remains in players' libraries permanently.
  • Moonlighter 2 entered Early Access on November 19, 2025, and version 1.0 adds the Bomb Path combat skill, a shop level cap of 5, and the Infinite Endless Vault endgame mode.
  • The original Moonlighter has a 'Very Positive' rating on Steam from approximately 17,000 user reviews.
  • Pre-orders for Moonlighter 2 have started on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2, and a free demo is available on all platforms.

Reporting from 5 sources: 4Gamer.net, GAME Watch (Impress), Denfaminicogamer, Automaton, and 1 more.

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault Launches September 2, Original Goes Free on Steam

11 bit studios and Digital Sun announced on August 5 that Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault will officially launch on September 2, 2026. The sequel, which entered Early Access on PC on November 19, 2025, will leave Early Access with version 1.0, concluding the main story and adding new weapons, armor, and endgame content. The game is available on PC (Steam and Microsoft Store), PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2, and is also on PC and Xbox Game Pass. To mark the release date announcement, the original Moonlighter is being distributed free on Steam until August 9. The 2018 action RPG, developed by Digital Sun, combines dungeon exploration with shop management, and has a 'Very Positive' rating on Steam from about 17,000 reviews. The free distribution period is August 5 to August 9, and the game will remain in players' libraries permanently. A free demo of Moonlighter 2 is also available on all platforms, and pre-orders have started on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2.

  • Version 1.0 adds the combat skill "Bomb Path," which marks enemies with explosive symbols and detonates after a set number of hits, damaging surrounding enemies.
  • Will's shop can be expanded to its final stage at level 5, unlocking additional Bloblet companion slots and new cosmetic options.
  • Endgame content includes "Infinite Endless Vault," an escalating challenge for gold that appears after clearing the game, plus a hardcore mode where a single defeat means losing everything.
  • The sequel's Early Access period included two major updates: "Greed and Glory," which added the HEX combat pass, the dual pistols "Blo-Blitz," and the wave-based "Greed Colosseum," and "Blob-Life Balance," which introduced Bloblet shop helpers, the stackable Poison Path, and a very hard difficulty.
  • The original Moonlighter released on May 29, 2018, and celebrates its 8th anniversary this year. Its free distribution on Steam runs until August 9, and copies claimed during the period stay in players' libraries permanently.
  • The free version does not grant Steam trading cards, per the Steam store page notice.
  • The sequel supports Japanese display and is available on PC (Steam and Microsoft Store), PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2, plus PC and Xbox Game Pass. Pre-orders are open on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2.
  • Moonlighter 2 currently holds a "Very Positive" rating on Steam from about 2,400 user reviews, with 84% positive, according to Automaton.
  • The endgame merchant "Spark" is scheduled to appear in version 1.0, per Denfaminicogamer.

Synthesized by Yomimono from the 5 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault Moonlighter 11 bit studios Digital Sun

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