Swap between DAWN and SHADE forms to unleash devastating abilities, wield Instruments as weapons, and rewrite reality itself in a world on the brink of annihilation by the SHADE Protocol.

Set in a dying world overtaken by Elythium, a sentient metal that has turned against the world, players assume the role of Zura, a prototype Replica that can recompile reality. As the last hope for humanity and free-willed machines, she must navigate the ruins of civilization, master lost technologies, and defy an enemy that has rewritten the fabric of existence itself.

Seamlessly switch between DAWN and SHADE modes, altering combat styles and gameplay dynamics. Wield Instruments, powerful code-based weaponry inspired by music, each serving a unique role in battle and exploration. Engage in high-speed, skill-based combat, parrying and countering enemies in a world that demands mastery. Explore vast, interconnected Bastions, where every discovery alters the fate of the war between SHADEs and Xaviors, and the all-consuming SHADE Protocol.

The war is lost. The song is rewritten. Will you take the stage?

Independent developer Little Legendary is excited to announce that Shade Protocol has released a Kickstarter campaign to allow the community to expand the development and also receive unique digital and physical rewards, which may include items like art prints, pins, plushies, stickers, apparel, a collector box, or other special pieces inspired by the game characters, instruments, and world.

As the raised amount increases, collaborations with renowned composers will also be activated, including Amy Evans (Dark Souls, Monster Hunter, NieR: Automata), SHIRAKUMO Nagi (Alabaster Dawn, CrossCode), and Manami Matsumae (Mega Man, Shovel Knight), among others.

“Indie at heart we always knew that we wanted to do a kickstarter. We feel strongly at Little Legendary that crowdfunding is one of the most community first forms of funding a game. Kickstarter allows us to get the resources needed to build such a large and expansive game while still making sure we have our fans' desires, opinions and critiques at the forefront of our development pipeline.” - Kendall Kinones, CEO and Game Director at Little Legendary Studios.

"As the campaign grows, we want to invest directly into the game, including more content, polish, music, localization, animations, bosses, areas, and rewards for the community. Stretch goals are not about making the game possible. Shade Protocol is already in development. They are about helping us make the game bigger, stronger, and closer to the version we believe it can become."

THE PROTOCOLS

Protocols are special modifiers that change how Zura fights, explores, and survives. They let you shape your playstyle without locking you into one path.

Some Protocols may improve your defensive options, strengthen certain Instruments, change how abilities behave, or create new ways to approach combat. As you discover more of them, you can experiment with different builds and find combinations that match the way you like to play. They are are designed to make progression feel personal. Even players using the same Instruments may experience combat, movement, and exploration in different ways.

Key Features:

• UNISON System – Rewrite Reality – The world of SHADE Protocol exists as code. Wield it to manipulate events, relive key moments, and choose their ultimate outcome, shaping the fate of entire factions.
• Dynamic Combat System – Mix precision melee combat with specialized Instruments, executing devastating combos, parries, and counters. Swap between DAWN and SHADE modes to adapt to different playstyles in real-time.
• Unique Defensive Mechanics – Perfectly timed parries and counters restore Echo, a vital energy source for powerful Instrument attacks and defensive maneuvers.
• Instruments – Weapons That Sing – Wield an arsenal of musical weapons, including the Twilight Spear, Sunrise Great Axe, and Midnight Chakram, each with distinct combat and exploration abilities.

Shade Protocol is coming to PC (Steam) in 2026.