Crystal Dynamics Announces Legacy of Kain: Ascendance for 2026 Release, Alongside Defiance Remaster

Legacy of Kain Returns with "Ascendance" After Two Decades

Crystal Dynamics has officially announced Legacy of Kain: Ascendance, marking the first new installment in the beloved series in over two decades. The game is slated for release on March 31, 2026.

Ascendance will take players on a journey as a retro pixel sidescroller platformer. Players are expected to spend equal time with each of the four distinct playable characters.

The confirmed playable roster includes:

• Kain
• Two forms of Raziel: his vampiric self and his human form as the leader of the Sarafan
• Elaleth, a character previously introduced in the graphic novels

The game promises a unique blend of visual and auditory styles. Key features include retro pixel art, complemented by hand-drawn anime-style cinematics. Additionally, certain art sections are designed to evoke the distinct PS1-era 3D style reminiscent of earlier Legacy of Kain titles.

Electronic rock musician Celldweller will compose the game's score, building on his previous work for the Soul Reaver: The Dead Shall Rise graphic novel soundtrack. Fans will also be pleased to know that the original voice actors for Kain, Raziel, Ariel, and Moebius are confirmed to return.

Upon its release, Legacy of Kain: Ascendance will be widely accessible across multiple platforms. It will be available on PS5, PS4, Switch, Switch 2, Xbox, and PC platforms, including Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store.

In a separate but equally significant announcement, Crystal Dynamics confirmed a remaster of Legacy of Kain: Defiance. The Deluxe Edition of this remaster will offer an exclusive demo of the previously unreleased and cancelled game, Legacy of Kain 6, which was widely rumored under the title The Dark Prophecy.