Shellbound parasitic Metroidmania launches summer 2028 on PS5, Xbox, Switch 2

Shellbound, a parasitic Metroidvania by Fake Lobster Games, launches summer 2028 on PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC. Explore a living snail world.

Fake Lobster Games is developing Shellbound, a parasitic Metroidvania that changes how players navigate interconnected worlds. The game launches in summer 2028 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC via Steam. This wide platform support ensures that console and PC players can experience the title without needing niche hardware. Kinetic Publishing handles the distribution for this release.

Shellbound game art showing a parasite on a giant snail — Shellbound explores a living world on the back of a giant snail.

Players control a parasite riding a giant snail in a living world

Players take on the role of a parasite riding an enormous deific snail through a living world. The snail's biology reshapes paths as you explore, turning organs into labyrinths that react to your actions. Kill too many enemies of one species and they evolve into stronger forms with new abilities for your next visit. This dynamic environment means the level design shifts based on player behavior rather than remaining static.

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, PC (Steam)
Release Window: Summer 2028
Publisher: Kinetic Publishing
Genre: Parasitic Metroidvania

Shellbound features parasite power, enemy evolution, and biome transformation as core mechanics. You can control enemies and NPCs to use their unique movement, combat, and traversal skills. Harnessing these abilities helps you reach hidden areas, unlock new routes, and defeat powerful bosses. The game allows players to circumvent traditional ability gating through clever use of these enemy powers.

We looked at Crystals of Irm Set for Fall earlier while tracking Fake lobster games launches. The development team aimed to create a game full of secrets and exploration with a unique twist. Eric Frantzen, co-founder of Fake Lobster Games, stated that they were inspired to make the sort of game they love to play themselves. The world remains very literally living and breathing throughout the journey across the gigantic gastropod.

Shellbound will be available globally in summer 2028. The title brings a new kind of Metroidvania experience to multiple platforms. Players can expect a journey filled with friendly NPCs, quests, and a treasure trove of secrets to discover.