The Indie Informer

Well Dweller Review: Fantastic Terrors

Well Dweller

Developer Kyle Thompson • Publisher Kyle Thompson, Top Hat Studios, Inc., Doyoyo Games • Release September 22, 2026 • Reviewed On PC

There is something sharply pleasant about watching an artist become a master; and make no mistake, Well Dweller is developer Kyle Thompson’s masterpiece. The creator behind Islets and Crypt Custodians has long been honing and perfecting his signature take on the classic, sprawling Metroidvania. His latest project oozes with unbelievable skill gained over years, both delicate and commanding, as well as gloriously dark fantasy. I won’t here attempt to measure whether story, art, mechanics, audio, setting, or characters loom larger in my esteem, because all are uniquely keen. What I will hazard to say, is that indie fans should be playing this game, or else risk missing one of the year’s best.

Deep into that darkness peering, I began rereading this tale I’d started once before. The PAX East version of Well Dweller’s demo had already enchanted me into quoting dark poetry. In that case, a childhood favorite, but, having reached the conclusion of the story, Poe’s more subtle and somber genius felt more fitting.

This virtual work of art is equally gothic and romantic, taking inspiration from monstrous fairy tales. But in another telltale aspect of a Kyle Thompson story, all the sad and twisted paths can leads to a curiously comforting ending.

Perhaps the best hint of this early on is the developer’s choice of protagonist. No dashing night or cinder-covered maidens carry the burden of this tale. Rather, our hero takes the form of a tiny — and rather reluctant — bird.

This choice also introduces a poignant snap of humor, highlighting and balancing the grimmer game elements; of which, there are many.

The world is full of terror, death, and pain.

You can’t take one step from the safety of your nest — which itself is crowned by a gruesome skull — without being attacked by grotesque enemies.

The tutorial plays out through emergent and explicit means to swiftly get me up to speed. My weapon, a metaphor-stuffed matchstick, does little damage while a satisfying slide makes me invincible to danger for a split second.

My powers, like the world map, slowly unfurl their momentous secrets. Abilities like hurling my matchstick into a wall allowing me to jump on it like a springboard are as unpredictable as they are invaluable. And traversal methods are deeply useful when it comes to uncovering every enticing corner of a world that, if I had seen the full map all at once from the beginning, might have felt intimidating.

Between smooth action, stimulating powers, lovable characters, challenging fights, epic landscapes, impeccable pacing, masterful level design, sensational art, and thoughtful mechanics intended to help me experience it all, Well Dweller is one of 2026’s best games.

Even in this crushing time of year where indies bear down like an avalanche, I couldn’t stop playing. With no time to play anything, I made time to get every achievement in the game, something I rarely ever do. And I would do it all over again if I could.