Ratatan confirms new Early Access date after its delay on Steam

Ratatan, the highly anticipated spiritual successor to Patapon developed by Ratata Arts, announced that its early access on Steam will take place on September 19, 2025, following a change from the initial plan that scheduled it for July. The team explained that they needed  "a little more time to polish the game" and thus deliver a more solid experience to players.

Before the launch, the developers will stream a special event where they will reveal never-before-seen updates about the title's content, a preview that is already generating anticipation among fans.

A success born on Kickstarter

Ratatan made a strong impact on the gamer community from its Kickstarter campaign in 2023, where it became the most funded video game project of that year. It reached its initial goal of 20 million yen (about $130,000) in less than an hour, and ended up surpassing 219 million yen, equivalent to more than $1.5 million with the support of nearly 15,000 backers.

Thanks to that success, the development of console versions and the collaboration of renowned composer David Wise, famous for his work on Donkey Kong Country, were confirmed. Additionally, the game received the main Vermillion Gate award at Japan's BitSummit festival, solidifying its reputation in the indie scene.

A strategic and well-received delay

Although delays in the industry often generate criticism, in this case the announcement was met with some understanding. The team's transparency and the short duration of the postponement helped maintain fans' trust, who appreciate that quality is prioritized over immediacy.

The decision aims to avoid performance errors or technical issues that could mar the launch, a frequent challenge in recent titles that hit the market before they were truly ready.

Gameplay with rhythm and strategy

Ratatan offers a rhythmic roguelite experience in which players lead an army of magical creatures called Cobuns, exploring the world of Redo to the beat of the music. Unlike Patapon, this game offers greater control over the protagonist, opening the door to more dynamic strategies and personalized battles.

The first map, Rataport Island, will be the starting point, and the possibility of recruiting allies will allow players to build an army to face enemies solo or in online co-op mode. With a proposal that combines exploration, incremental progression, and rhythm, Ratatan aims to become a benchmark among musical roguelites.