PS5 lands free taster for new GOTY contender that Hollow Knight gamers will adore

Hollow Knight: Silksong is yet to detail when we can expect its Sea of Sorrow DLC, but fans of that particular title have a worthy rival they can now dive into.

Well Dweller launched just yesterday, on September 22, and it’s yet another ‘game of the year’ contender, securing a wildly impressive score of 91 on Metacritic.

This impressive metroidvania comes from indie developer Kyle Thompson, who also delivered us Crypt Custodian back in 2024.

Well Dweller describes itself as a “dark fairytale metroidvania” with players stepping into the role of tiny bird Glimmer.

Armed with a matchstick, Glimmer must make his way through a “wretched kingdom” with his goal to burn the wicked queen and save his family.

Well Dweller currently sits as the year’s fourth highest-rated game

Kyle Thompson, Top Hat Studios, Inc., Doyoyo Games

Throughout your journey, you’ll befriend allies, solve puzzles, and fend off enemies. As you gain new abilities, the map will also expand.

“Among the rotting ruins are a charming cast of characters just trying to get by. Go camping with Ilda, a tiny mouse who is on the run from the queen’s grasp,” the game teases.

“Explore an abandoned castle with Looter, a mysterious scavenger who searches the kingdom for the best wares to steal. And find and reunite with all of your sheltered siblings who were snatched up one night by a crazed hunter.”

Glimmer’s matchstick is incredibly important, much like Hornet’s needle and thread is in Hollow Knight: Silksong.

It’ll act as both a torch and your main weapon. Throughout your journey, you’ll uncover trinkets which will unlock new abilities.

Well Dweller is an incredibly reasonable new title, setting you back just £15.99 / $19.99, with the game available across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

On Xbox, you can play the game for free via Xbox Game Pass’ Ultimate and PC tiers.

For those on PlayStation 5, a free taster has arrived with a demo now available to sample on the PlayStation Store, with no PlayStation Plus required.

The demo should take you around 20 to 25 minutes to complete, with the full version of Well Dweller lasting for around 10 to 17 hours depending on how comprehensive you are in terms of exploration.

It’s no surprise that players are loving the demo with a score of 4.74, correct at the time of writing, with 87% of players awarding a perfect score of five stars.

With a score of 91 on Metacritic, Well Dweller is actually the fourth-highest rated game of the year, sitting behind Sektori, Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter, and Big Walk.

READ MORE: Big Walk offers secret real-life prize for those who complete PlayStation Plus GOTY contender

That score is based on just seven critic reviews though, so it could fluctuate slightly as more come in.

A game like Marvel’s Wolverine, for example, has its Metacritic score based on 131 critic reviews, so it’s worth keeping that context in mind.

That being said, Well Dweller looks like a quality title that ticks every box you could possibly want a metroidvania to tick.

The question is: will it be remembered by the time GOTY nominations come around? We’re certainly hoping so.