Senua is not Hellblade III, Ninja Theory confirms new gameplay focus
Senua launches in 2027 on Xbox, PC, Steam and PlayStation 5.
Ninja Theory has revealed Senua, a new action-adventure game following the events of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II. The game was shown during the Xbox Games Showcase 2026 and is planned for release in 2027.
The game is not called Hellblade III. According to Ninja Theory Studio Head Dom Matthews, the new title reflects a change in scope and design. Senua keeps the character and story continuity from the Hellblade games but shifts toward a broader action-adventure format.
More combat, puzzles and traversal
Matthews said the game will have more player agency, deeper combat and an interconnected world. The team is targeting a more even split between combat, traversal and puzzle solving rather than a combat-heavy action game.
Source: Xbox
Combat now includes multiple enemies, vertical spaces, environmental elements and more weapon options. The trailer shows Senua using a long axe, short axe, dual wielding and thrown weapons. Focus Abilities will also be used across combat, traversal and puzzles.
The world is still built around a linear story, but Ninja Theory says the map is roughly twice the size of Hellblade II. The game uses a single interconnected map with returning areas, optional exploration and secrets tied to Senua’s perception of the world.
Project Mara no longer in development
Matthews also confirmed that Project Mara is no longer in development. Ninja Theory has moved its full 85-person team to Senua, which the studio says is the first time it has focused the whole team on one project in more than 12 years.
Source: Xbox
Senua will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, cloud, Steam and PlayStation 5. It will also launch with Game Pass and support Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing Xbox and PC access at no additional cost under the same purchase.
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