Great news, adventurers! Janosik 2 is officially Steam Deck Verified, meaning you can now experience the thrilling highland journey wherever you go. Whether you're commuting, relaxing at home, or even exploring the real Slovakian Highlands, Janosik and his friends are ready to join you whenever, and wherever.
The "Verified" status means that Janosik 2 is fully optimized for Steam Deck, and theres never been a better time to dive into the action. Don't wait and grab your Deck, prepare your thumbs, and get ready to venture into the highlands!

Upcoming Cloud Saves Update

Hey Adventurers! We hope you all had a chance to rest over the winter break and cranked the party meter up for New Years! Heres to unforgettable gaming moments, epic adventures that would make Janosik himself proud, and a fantastic 2025. As we reflect on the first month since Janosik 2 launched, one thing is clear - the number 9 has been our lucky charm.
It all started with our release on December 9th. Since then, weve been thrilled to see a 95% positive review score from players. The cherry on top? GameGrins Dylan Pamintuan surprised us with a glowing 9.5/10 review - what a way to kick things off! But the biggest "9" came just before we wrapped 2024 Just two days after launch, Janosik 2 was nominated for the Indie of the Year Award on IndieDB, standing tall alongside 99 other incredible indie games, including the Game of the Year nominee, Balatro. We were beyond happy to be considered for the award so soon after launch, but when the final results came in, our excitement reached new heights:

Janosik 2 was crowned the 9th best indie game of 2024!

Hey Adventurers! We're happy to see so many of you exploring the colorful world of Janosik 2 and enjoying the platforming challenges. To make your journey even better, we've released Patch #2, which focuses on resolving some pesky bugs and improving your gameplay experience. Here's what we've fixed:

• Fixed broken English dialogue for Mocarz when selling the Belt of Ammo upgrade.
• Resolved an issue where Janka's ice ability did not work because it overlapped with the dash ability.
• Fixed the incorrect switch position in Chain Reaction 3.
• Fixed a bug where players could get stuck in a rock pillar when using the electroshock ability.
• Corrected an issue where the potion count display was partially covered by hearts when reaching double digits.

Last Day to Vote!

A Page From the Dev Diary #3

Only 2 Days Left to Vote!

A Page From the Dev Diary #2

Only 3 Days Left to Vote!

A Page From the Dev Diary #1

Hey Adventurers! First of all, thank you for playing Janosik 2, and all the feedback and bug reports over the course of last week. We've been looking closely at forums, comments, and Discord to make sure no message goes unnoticed. We've already pushed a couple of mini-updates containing changes to single lines in the dialogues and/or their localization. Today, we're releasing a first, full-fledged, patch for Janosik 2. Here are the patch notes:

• Janka's wall clinging no longer emits the lantern sparkle sound.
• After getting an enchantment from the witch, the spellbook notification now clears immediately.
• Hugo's coffin no longer displays the hint E even if the controller is enabled.
• Fixed typos
  • "But you don't perish in sunlight nd don't drink blood." - and
  • "Ans what's the third option?" - And
  • "You well business idea was very creative." - Your
  • "My souls is saved!" - soul
  • "Hello, Hubertus. We've met a ghosts not too far from here..." - ghost
  • "It was once a battle shield, it's made from real steal." - steel
• Corrected a misattribution
  • "What's worse, something happened in the nearby village. (...)" - this whole block had Janosik's portrait. It is now correctly attributed to Cyprian, the Treasure Fisher
• Slow effect from the large spider's web now clears immediately when the web disappears
• All levels achievement is now properly triggering
• Windowed mode no longer goes into MAXIMIZED between levels
• In the Chinese version of the game, after the dialogue with the Crazy Scientist in Level 20, the electric shock jump upgrade for Hugo is now working properly.
• Cloud sync should now work properly with Steam Deck
• The dialogue with Rob, who sells the bow, no longer appears a second time when visiting the Hunting Grounds level. As a result, he sells the same upgrade twice.

Hello, Adventurers! The IndieDB Indie of the Year 2024 Awards are in full swing, and Janosik 2 has been nominated in the Platformer category! This is your chance to help Janosik 2 gain recognition among the best indie games of the year. Every vote counts, and it only takes a moment of your time! Follow this link to vote for Janosik 2: IndieDB Voting Page (No registration required, so feel free to spread the word!) The voting ends on December 21, so dont wait too long to support Janosik 2! If we secure enough votes, Janosik 2 will advance to the Top 100 list and get closer to earning a Top 10 spot! [previewyoutube=KHsiIeIlNLo;full][/previewyoutube] Your support means the world to us. Whether it's by voting or sharing the game with others. Lets take Janosik 2 to new heights together!

Hey everyone!

The Wait is Over: Janosik 2 is Here!

Get Janosik 2 now:

Hey everyone! We've got a double dose of exciting news for you today! We've prepared a major update for Janosik with brand new content and features. On top of that, we're finally ready to let you all know when you will be able to embark on the next adventure in Janosik 2.

Janosik 2 is launching on December 9, 2024!

Wishlist now:

Major Update for Janosik

• Robin Hood: A green outfit inspired by the legendary outlaw, perfect for a highlander known for stealing from the rich to give to the poor.
• Knight: Gleaming silver armor that reflects the valor and strength of a true hero, who isn't afraid of any challenge.
• Warlock Guy: Inspired by the Project Warlock series, a dark ensemble that channels the power of forbidden magic.
• Musketeer: A bold yellow outfit that captures the flair and swashbuckling spirit of a daring adventurer.

Play Janosik for free now:

Hey, Adventurers! In the last Dev Update weve talked about music being your companion throughout the game, anywhere you go, the music is there. Today wed like to share more details about the pixel-art and cinematics that are present in Janosik 2, and spill some tea about their creation process.

Creating Sprites and Backgrounds

Rotoscoping Magic

Wishlist Janosik 2

A Glimpse into Western Fashion

Wishlist Undead West

Hey adventurers, We've talked about Janosik's companions in the previous Dev Updates, but there is something else that will accompany you during your journey into the Highlands - the music! The man behind Janosik 2's soundtrack is Juhani Junkala, a talented composer from Helsinki, Finland. We first came across Juhani's work on OpenGameArt, where several of his tracks immediately caught our attention. In fact, we liked them so much we reached out to him with a proposal to collaborate on Janosik 2. Thankfully, he was up for it, and that's how the music for the game came to life! While Juhani has since stepped away from creating music for games, were thrilled that Janosik 2 was one of his last stops in the industry. His work quite literally puts the fairy in our tale, bringing the magic of the game to life in ways we couldnt have expected. [previewyoutube=TZZXOTxAUYQ;full][/previewyoutube] When it comes to inspiration, we wanted the soundtrack to have the same folk-inspired atmosphere that we had in the original Janosik. The goal was to stay true to that vibe while evolving the sound to match the new gameplay in Janosik 2. The sound design was an entirely different tale... A lot of sound effects you'll hear in the game, from the sound of coins being picked up, to punches, various effects, and even the character voices and... grunts - all of these were recorded by none other than Marcin "Onix" himself. In addition to the homemade sounds, we also obtained a fantasy sound pack, which included various magical sound effects, helping to round out the games audio experience.

Play Janosik 2: Prologue now:

Do you hear that saloon music?

Hello adventurers, Were excited to announce that Janosik 2: Prologue is now available! This free prologue introduces you to the world of Janosik 2, featuring a standalone story set just before the events of the main game. Join Janka on her adventure as she prepares for a date night with her boyfriend. But her evening takes an unexpected turn when the sinister Baron de Blonde, servant of the wicked Countess Bathory, disrupts her plans. Along the way, youll unlock new abilities like double jumping, freezing enemies, air dashing, illuminating darkness, and wall climbing. Use these powers to overcome obstacles and conquer 8 challenging levels! https://store.steampowered.com/app/2945900/Janosik_2_Prologue/
For those looking for another adventure, our friends at Deathless Games have just released a demo for their western-themed roguelike bullet hell, Undead West. You play as a cowboy killed in a revolver duel against the Man in Red, but Death offers you a chance at revenge by bringing you back to life. Try it out for free in the demo: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2527880/Undead_West/

Hey everyone, As we're getting closer and closer to the release of Janosik 2, we're happy to share more about the world we're building and the legends that inspire it. Aside from being an action-packed adventure, the journey you will soon embark on leads straight into the heart of Slavic folklore, where the history and myths intertwine. Let's start with the man himself - Janosik was a real historical figure who lived in what is now Slovakia at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries. Like a Slavic Robin Hood, Janosik was known for helping the poor by robbing the rich. As a leader of a band of outlaws he became famous for his bravery and cunning.
However, Janosik 2 draws inspiration from folk legends surrounding Janosik, rather than true story of his life. In these stories, Janosik has often been portrayed with superhuman abilities bullets couldnt harm him, and he could leap great distances thanks to his shepherd's axe. Always one step ahead of his enemies, Janosiks journey in the game will lead him to face not only human foes but also legendary creatures like witches, devils, and vampires.
You already know that Janosik isn't fighting alonehe's joined by Bogdan, the Werewolf, and Hugo, the (vegetarian) Vampire. Together, they stand against the resilient forces of the nefarious Countess Bathory and work to save Janosik's beloved, Janka, from the grasp of Baron de Blonde. As a formidable team, they will face countless challenges, combining their unique strengths and abilities to overcome the dark threats that lie ahead.
Speaking of Countess Bathory, she is the primary antagonist in the game, drawing inspiration from the historical figure Elizabeth Bthory, who was rumored to be a vampire. As Janosik's most significant challenge, she embodies the dark and eerie atmosphere that echoes through the Highlands, setting the stage for intense confrontations.

Janosik 2: Prologue Releases October 1st

A Journey Into the West

Hey everyone, During your adventures in the Highlands, you will face a vast array of enemies, each more dangerous than the last. As you venture through treacherous mountains, dense forests, and dark dungeons, Janosiks journey is filled with fearsome bosses, Countess Bathorys goons, wild animals, and creatures straight from myths and legends, all determined to stop the fearless Highlander in his tracks. From cunning bandits to ancient spirits, every encounter is designed to challenge not just your combat skills, but your ability to adapt and strategize on the fly and think creatively. The toughest of your adversaries will often require you to switch characters and use their abilities in the right order to bring them down.
You meet the Crossbow Man early in the game. This enemy is much tougher and more dangerous than regular goons. He shoots two arrows when he notices you, but the good thing is that youll already be able to switch to Bogdan and block these attacks. Later in the game, you can also get a nice upgrade to reflect his arrows and use them against the Crossbow Man.
Rondel is the first boss in Janosik 2. Hes not a good man (obviously) and treats people really badly. When you first encounter Rondel, Janosik has no weapons. This is where a little creativity and use of the environment will come in handy.
A maniac in a rabbit mask. A giant at least 10 feet tall, mumbling something about sacrificing all the time. Hes a very powerful enemy that youll meet later in the game. Jan Rabbit has different types of attacks, like throwing hammers, causing huge stones to fall from the sky, and well, youll see. We dont want to spoil it for you. As the dust settles after each hard-fought battle in Janosik 2, youll realize that every clash with an enemy sharpens your skills. From minor threats to towering bosses, each encounter is a significant part of your journey. The challenges you face are more than just obstacles; they are parts of a story, and each triumph brings you closer to rescuing Janosik and his friends from Countess Bathorys grasp.

ONGOING STEAM PLAYTEST

Hey everyone! The first-ever Janosik 2 Steam Playtest is now live! It is the first time you can play our game, and we strongly encourage you to try it out, and let us know your thoughts. We're eager to see, hear and read as much feedback as possible as it will help us make Janosik 2 the best game it can be. At the same time, we're running another playtest for Undead West, an upcoming western-themed roguelite shooter. Both are pixel art character driven stories, with Janosik 2 putting emphasis on fairy tale platforming action and Undead West opting for wild west combat roguelite. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2527880/Undead_West/ In the Janosik 2 Steam Playtest, you'll have access to the initial 8 levels of the game - explore the Highlands, and let us know what you think! Our Steam Playtest is open, and everyone can join, here's how:[olist]

Scroll down until you see this section (it's below the "Planned release date" box)

Hey everyone! If you watched Janosik 2's trailer, you're probably familiar with the scene of Janosik blissfully running towards Janka, only to find out it's a trap and fall into the hands of Countess Bathory... But what led to that dramatic twist? That's where Janosik 2: Prologue comes in.
Set directly before the events of the main game, the prologue serves as a prelude to the unforgettable adventure awaiting Janosik. This time, you take on the role of Janka, Janosik's sweetheart, as she gets read for what was supposed to be a wonderful date with her boyfriend. However, her plans are rudely interrupted by the cunning Baron de Blonde, acting on behalf of the devious Countess Bathory, In this bite-sized adventure you'll guide Janka through 8 challenging levels filled with tricky enemies, enviromental obstacles, and hidden secrets. As you progress through the prologue, Baba Yaga, who runs a magical shop filled with powerful upgrades, will help you learn how to freeze enemies, double jump, dash through the air, or scale walls without breaking a sweat. Each ability not only helps Janka overcome future challenges but also opens up new pathways and secrets in areas you've already explored.
Janosik 2: Prologue is more than just a teaser; its a full-fledged adventure on its own. A true prologue, one might say, as it gives you a unique chance to experience Jankas side of the story and see what led to Janosiks unfortunate encounter with Countess Bathory's goons.

Wishlist Janosik 2: Prologue. Coming Soon!

Upcoming Open Steam Playtest

Another Playtest!

Hey everyone! The Highlands are a beautiful place, flourishing with flowers, trees, and all kinds of plants, A sight to behold, you might say. Unfortunately, the presence of Countess Bathory and her goons makes them a really dangerous place. Janosik found this out the hard way having gotten captured and thrown into a dungeon when trying to make it to his date. To help you survive the Highlands, and deal with the Countess' army, kind people around the village will offer to sell a variety of items that will surely boost your combat prowess, or make exploration easier. These items are not required to progress further in the game, but will surely come in handy when you want to become a treasure hunter, or explore all of the Highlands.
Map of the Village - Allows you to check your surroundings, and see where all cool people, including vendors, and certain people of interest, hang out. Golden Compass - The magical compass unveils the location of treasures scattered around the levels on the map. Once you purchase this, all maps found in the future will have the treasure markers on them.
Harpoon - Janosik and his friends surely are great swimmers, but, unfortunately, they didn't learn how to use their weapons underwater. Instead, they rely on the Harpoon, which makes the underwater combat possible. Another advantage of buying this weapon is the ability to break rocks underwater to reveal hidden passages.
Eel Ring - Janosik once had the Sturgeon Ring in his possession. It allowed him to breathe underwater, Unfortunately, he lost it while he was taking a bath... Thankfully, the Witch at the Village has a similar trinket in her collection. The Magical Eel Ring will also let Janosik and his friends breathe underwater, hopefully they don't lose it this time. Ring of Dexterity - Janosik would make a great Gymnast, as he has honed the ability to roll around to perfection. Ring of Dexterity is an icing to the cake, as it allows Janosik to dodge enemy projectiles, while rolling.
Potions - The witch is carefully brewing Potions in her hut, and offers them to people in need. These magical concoctions will completely refill your Health. Make sure to always have some tied to your belt, they will come in handy in the midst of battle. To tackle the dangers of the Highlands, preparation is key. Whether youre searching for hidden treasures, battling underwater foes, or when bullets are flying right at you, the right tools will make all the difference. Equip yourself wisely and take advantage of the items offered by friendly villagers. With their help, you'll be ready to face the challenges ahead, uncover the secrets of this treacherous land, and take fight directly to Countess Bathory. Make sure to join our Discord server to join our Community and stay up to date with all things Janosik. Until next time!

Hey everyone, We're thrilled to announce the upcoming Janosik 2: Prologue. This free prologue serves as a prelude to the main game, offering a unique and standalone adventure that sets the stage for the epic journey ahead. Janosik 2: Prologue tells the story of Janka, Janosiks beloved, as she prepares for a romantic date night. However, things take a turn when her plans are interrupted by the evil Baron de Blonde, acting on behalf of the even more wicked Countess Bathory. Get ready to explore vibrant levels, uncover hidden secrets, and face a variety of challenges that will test your reflexes and wit. The prologue provides a taste of the unique gameplay that Janosik 2 has to offer. Dont miss your chance to get an early look at the exciting world of Janosik 2 and experience the beginning of an exciting new chapter. The prologue will be free to play, so be sure to add it to your wishlist now to stay updated and be among the first to know when it becomes available! https://store.steampowered.com/app/2945900/Janosik_2_Prologue/ See you in the highlands!