Hela: The Mouse's Journey Demo Hits Steam Next Fest

Ever wanted to be a tiny mouse on a big magical quest? Hela: The Mouse's Journey just dropped a limited-time demo, and it's live right now on Steam Next Fest and the Epic Games Store.

This fairy-tale adventure comes from Windup Games, a studio based in Umeå in northern Sweden, and it's being published globally by Knights Peak alongside Boltray Games. The demo is built specifically as a tailored introduction to the game, using its own standalone map so newcomers can soak up the vibe without spoiling the main story.

So what are you actually doing in it? You'll wander a natural landscape inspired by northern Sweden, helping a witch restore the magic of her protective barrier while collecting enough Glimmer to find your way back to her home. Along the way you're free to explore, poke at physics-driven scenery, solve puzzles with a magic-infused Froggy Pack, uncover hidden secrets, and lend a hand to the creatures you meet.

The Froggy Pack is your main puzzle-solving tool, and the world leans heavily on physical interaction, so expect plenty of poking, prodding and experimenting as you go. It's the kind of setup that rewards curiosity rather than rushing from objective to objective.

Playing solo? You're not alone. The game includes an inventive Shade System that lets you summon a magical copy of yourself to help clear obstacles and tackle trickier challenges. If you'd rather team up, there's also local split-screen co-op support.

As for the full release, Hela: The Mouse's Journey is set to launch on December 1, 2026, with the PC digital version arriving on both the Epic Games Store and Steam. The game is also listed for PC, PS5, NS2 and Xbox Series X|S.

Windup Games describes itself as a studio built around playfulness, comfort and growth, currently working on a multiplayer 3D adventure. Knights Peak Interactive is the publishing arm of MY.GAMES, partnering with studios worldwide, while Boltray Games focuses on bringing quality titles to a global audience.

If a cozy Nordic puzzle adventure with a magic frog backpack sounds like your thing, the demo is only around for a limited time. Are you going to give it a try during Steam Next Fest? Let us know what you think of the Shade System if you do.