Everything We Know About Constance, the 2D Hand-Drawn Game

As a gamer and a writer who obsesses over the intersection of art and interactivity, I’ve had my eye on a particular title for a while now. It’s a game that looks like a moving painting, a piece of art created not just to be beautiful, but to tell a deeply personal and meaningful story. I’m talking about Constance, the stunning hand-drawn Metroidvania from developer btf, set to make its debut on November 24, 2025. In a world where so many games chase hyper-realism, Constance stands out as a defiant, vibrant brushstroke of creativity.

I have spent a significant amount of time poring over every trailer, announcement, and developer interview to get a clear picture of what we can expect. What I’ve found is a game that is not just visually arresting but also thematically profound, tackling mental health with a delicacy and artistry that few titles even attempt. So, let me share everything I’ve learned about this upcoming masterpiece, from its core mechanics to its deeply personal narrative, and why I believe it has the potential to be a standout title in the indie gaming landscape.

The Canvas of a Mind in Turmoil

At its core, Constance is a 2D hand-drawn action-adventure game similar to the potential masterpiece we reviewed earlier, Mina the Hollower, that places you in the role of a paintbrush-wielding artist. The protagonist, also named Constance, is trapped in a surreal and decaying inner world that is a direct manifestation of her own declining mental health. This isn’t just a simple fantasy setting, it’s a symbolic landscape where every biome, enemy, and character represents a different aspect of her psyche and personal history. It’s a non-linear, interconnected world that invites exploration and introspection.

The narrative, as revealed by Game Director Sebastian Drews, is deeply personal. He himself has spoken about his own struggles with mental health and how the act of creating this game gave purpose to his pain. This isn’t a story told from a distance, it’s a journey born from lived experience. I think this emotional honesty is what will truly set Constance apart. We aren’t just exploring a fantasy world, we are navigating the intricate, often beautiful, and sometimes terrifying landscape of a human mind. The game’s story is one of catharsis, renewal, and self-discovery, and I for one am ready to dive into it headfirst.

The Brush is Mightier than the Sword, Gameplay Mechanics

Constance is an action-platformer in the Metroidvania tradition, meaning you’ll be exploring a sprawling world, unlocking new abilities, and backtracking to access previously unreachable areas. But my favorite part is how it uses its core theme of painting to influence the gameplay.

The protagonist’s main tool is her paintbrush, which isn’t just for combat but also for traversal and puzzle-solving. We’ve seen trailers showcasing her “paint-based mechanics,” which allow her to transform into paint to dive into the ground and walls, slice through enemies and the air, and use an array of unique brush techniques. This creates a state of “flow” that looks incredibly fluid and satisfying.

However, there’s a catch, a mechanic I find particularly brilliant. Using these brush techniques will “corrupt” your paint. If you rely on them too much, you become fully corrupted, and negative effects await. This creates a risk-reward dynamic, forcing you to find a balance between using your powerful abilities and exercising restraint. It’s a genius way to tie the gameplay directly to the game’s core theme of finding balance in one’s own mental health journey.

Other key gameplay features include:

• Non-linear, Interconnected World: The game promises more than six unique biomes, each with its own set of enemies and characters.
• Skill Progression: You’ll unlock new brush techniques and abilities as you progress, which will aid in combat, platforming, and puzzle-solving.
• Interactive Backstory: The game will feature playable flashbacks that delve into Constance’s personal struggles and past.
• Customization: You can find “inspirations” to sketch in your journal, which enhance and customize Constance’s capabilities. You can even upgrade these sketches into stronger artworks by gathering materials.
• Approachable Death System: A particularly nice touch for a Metroidvania, the game offers a choice upon death. You can either respawn at the last save point or persevere with a slight health reduction, providing a welcome layer of accessibility without compromising the challenge.

Releasing a Masterpiece, Platforms and Schedule

Constance is currently set for a PC launch on November 24, 2025. While that’s the primary focus, the developers have also confirmed that console versions are on the way. Here is a breakdown of the planned release schedule.

It’s clear that the PC launch is the priority for btf and their co-publishers ByteRockers’ Games and PARCO GAMES, which is understandable for a smaller studio. The 2026 console release for the other platforms gives them time to polish and optimize the game for each system. This staggered release approach is a smart move, ensuring that the initial launch is as smooth as possible.

The team has been incredibly transparent about their development process, even releasing a demo on Steam that has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback. This shows a confidence in their product and a commitment to listening to the community. They have already released patches based on player feedback, which is exactly what I like to see from an indie studio.

Constance vs. The Competition

When I think about Constance, my mind immediately jumps to other iconic hand-drawn games and Metroidvanias. Titles like Hollow Knight, Ori and the Blind Forest, and Cuphead come to mind. These are games celebrated for their art style, but Constance seems to be pushing the boundaries even further, tying its aesthetic directly into its narrative themes.

While Hollow Knight is a masterclass in atmospheric exploration, its world is more of a grim, somber ruin. Constance’s world, by contrast, seems to be a vibrant, albeit decaying, reflection of the protagonist’s inner life. The use of color and light in Constance looks to be a central part of its visual language, something that feels more akin to the Ori series, but with a unique, painterly twist.

And compared to the intense, frame-by-frame animation of Cuphead, Constance’s art style is more fluid and expressive. The combat and movement, based on what I have seen, seem to be focused less on rigid, old-school challenge and more on a sense of graceful, continuous motion. This is a game that looks like it’s meant to be played with a certain rhythmic grace, which I find very appealing.

Ultimately, Constance is not just another Metroidvania. It’s an artistic statement, a game that uses its genre trappings to tell a story that’s deeply personal and universally relatable. It’s a title that seems to be about healing and confronting one’s inner demons, an idea that feels more relevant than ever.

A Timeless Tale

Constance looks to be one of the most exciting indie titles of the year. Its stunning hand-drawn visuals, innovative paint-based mechanics, and deeply personal narrative make it a must-watch for any gamer who appreciates a unique and meaningful experience. The game promises to be a moving journey through a beautiful but troubled mind, and I can’t wait to pick up my virtual brush and help Constance find her way out.

I highly recommend adding Constance to your Steam wishlist today. With its PC release fast approaching and console versions on the way, this is one painted world you won’t want to miss. We will certainly be covering the game’s launch in our Gaming Insights section, so be sure to check back with us for our full, in-depth thoughts when the game releases.