Kena: Scars of Kosmora Announced for 2026: New Powers, Bigger World, and an Older Kena

The beloved indie darling Kena: Bridge of Spirits is officially getting a sequel, announced as the marquee reveal of Sony's February 2026 State of Play. Titled Kena: Scars of Kosmora, the reveal instantly rekindled the warmth and wonder that defined Ember Lab’s 2021 debut. The trailer promised not just a return to a cherished world, but a profound evolution: an older, wiser protagonist, a vast and mysterious new island, and a transformative new gameplay pillar centered on elemental alchemy. For fans who fell for the original’s poignant blend of Pixar-esque charm and challenging combat, the journey is far from over.

The Official Announcement: What We Know

The sequel’s unveiling followed a now-classic PlayStation formula: a stunning, narrative-driven gameplay trailer premiering during a State of Play broadcast. This strategic placement immediately established Kena: Scars of Kosmora as a flagship upcoming title for the platform. Developer Ember Lab confirmed the title and a release window of 2026, though a specific date remains under wraps. Critically, the announcement noted the game is “in development with support from PlayStation Studios,” signaling a significant publishing and support partnership (though not necessarily indicating first-party development status) that likely provides Ember Lab with greater resources than they had for their first foray into game development.

As for platforms, the confirmed destinations are PlayStation 5 and PC. The absence of any mention of PlayStation 4 or other consoles suggests Ember Lab is fully leveraging the current-generation hardware to realize their expanded vision. This focus allows the team to build upon the original’s already stunning visual fidelity without technical compromise.

A New Chapter: Story, Setting, and an Evolved Hero

Kena: Scars of Kosmora fast-forwards the timeline, introducing players to an older, more experienced Kena who has become a renowned Spirit Guide. This is not the novice we first met; her journey has continued, shaping her into a more seasoned traveler. Her new destination is the mysterious island of Kosmora, a land shrouded in secrets that promises a starkly different environment from the verdant, village-centric regions of the first game.

Her quest is deeply personal, driven by two core motivations. She seeks a cure for a lifelong affliction, a narrative thread that adds a new layer of vulnerability to the capable guide. Furthermore, she hopes to reconnect with a friend from her past, suggesting the story will delve deeper into Kena’s own history and relationships. The core conflict emerges when a powerful spirit fractures her iconic staff—the very tool of her trade. This catastrophic event forces Kena to survive by mastering a forgotten, more primal form of Spirit Guiding, setting the stage for both narrative and gameplay reinvention.

Evolving the Gameplay: Elemental Alchemy and New Companions

The most significant gameplay evolution comes in the form of elemental alchemy. This new core mechanic will redefine how players interact with the world. Kena will manipulate elemental powers—likely earth, water, fire, and air—to solve environmental puzzles and engage in combat. This system promises to add a strategic, layered approach to exploration and battles, moving beyond the Rot-based abilities of the original.

Accompanying this new power set are Elemental Spirit Companions. The trailer showcased a vibrant green fox spirit, implying a new cast of allies to replace or join the beloved Rot. Each companion will possess unique elemental abilities tied to the alchemy system. Ember Lab has indicated that these companions’ powers will grow and evolve as their bond with Kena deepens, suggesting a progression system that is intrinsically linked to the narrative and character development.

The studio has also promised broader enhancements built on this new foundation. Players can expect deeper combat systems, more intricate and dynamic boss fights, and a larger world to explore. Importantly, Ember Lab emphasizes that this expanded scope will not come at the cost of deliberate design. The world will be composed of tightly designed regions, ensuring the curated, intentional experience that prevented the first game’s world from feeling empty or padded.

Vision and Scope: Building on a Beloved Foundation

The announcement of Scars of Kosmora marks a pivotal moment for Ember Lab. The studio’s growth from a first-time developer to one steering a major sequel with first-party support is a testament to the resonant success of Bridge of Spirits. The backing from PlayStation Studios is particularly noteworthy, as it provides the stability and resources to aim higher while protecting the studio’s distinct creative voice.

The goal appears to be a careful balancing act: scaling up the adventure’s physical and mechanical scope while retaining the intimate, emotional heart that defined the original. Ember Lab has explicitly reaffirmed its commitment to that heartfelt narrative core. The sequel is not abandoning what made Kena special; it is expanding the toolkit to tell a more complex, personal story about an older hero facing different kinds of scars—both physical and emotional.

With a 2026 release window, Ember Lab has time to refine its ambitious vision. Scars of Kosmora represents a critical test: can a studio scale up its world and mechanics without losing the intimate magic that started it all? If successful, this sequel won't just continue Kena's story—it could cement Ember Lab's place as a master of heartfelt, visually stunning action-adventure.

Tags: Kena: Scars of Kosmora, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, Ember Lab, PlayStation 5, Game Announcement