Levers and Chests: Everything We Know About Notch’s New Roguelike Game in 2025

Levers and Chests: Everything We Know About Notch's New Roguelike Game in 2025

Marcus "Notch" Persson, the legendary mind behind Minecraft, is back with a fresh venture-Levers and Chests, a first-person roguelike dungeon crawler from his new studio, Bitshift Entertainment. Announced in April 2024, this voxel-powered game has gamers buzzing with anticipation. But what exactly is Levers and Chests, and how do its titular levers and chests shape its gameplay? Here's everything we know so far about Notch's latest project as of March 2025.

Notch's Return to Game Development

After selling Minecraft to Microsoft for $2.5 billion in 2014 and stepping away from Mojang, Notch took a break from the spotlight. Fast forward to 2024, and he's re-entered the scene with Bitshift Entertainment, a studio dedicated to crafting innovative games. Levers and Chests is their flagship title, blending Notch's signature voxel aesthetic with a roguelike twist inspired by heavyweights like Borderlands and Diablo. Fans of exploration, loot, and unpredictable mechanics-this one's for you.

What Is Levers and Chests?

Levers and Chests is a first-person roguelike dungeon crawler currently in pre-alpha. Think procedurally generated dungeons, permadeath, and a focus on risk-reward gameplay. Notch has teased a mix of "cursed items" and "ridiculously broken mechanics," promising a challenging yet quirky experience. The game's voxel graphics echo Minecraft's blocky charm, with recent screenshots showcasing creepy mobs, sprawling caves, and fractal-like designs.

Development updates shared via X show steady progress. From implementing player collision and custom key bindings to adding jumping mechanics, Notch is actively shaping the game. However, as of March 2025, there's no confirmed release date-Notch himself noted in a July 2024 X post that it's still TBD.

The Role of Levers and Chests in Gameplay

The title isn't just catchy-it's a clue to the core mechanics. Based on Notch's hints and community speculation, levers are likely interactive elements that trigger environmental changes. Think opening doors, activating traps, or solving puzzles to progress through dungeons. Chests, meanwhile, seem to be the heart of the loot system. Some may hold powerful gear, while others could be cursed, introducing a gamble every time you crack one open.

This setup draws parallels to classic roguelikes and dungeon crawlers. For example, in UnderMine, cursed chests offer high stakes, a mechanic that might inspire Levers and Chests. Notch's past flirtation with a Minecraft expansion called "Dungeons and Levers" also suggests he's been brewing these ideas for years.

A Nod to Notch's Roots and Influences

While Levers and Chests leans into roguelike territory, it carries Notch's creative DNA. The voxel art style ties it to Minecraft, but the first-person shooting and loot focus pull from Borderlands and Diablo. Imagine exploring a cave, flipping a lever to reveal a hidden room, and looting a chest-only to find a cursed item that turns the tide of your run. It's a formula that could blend nostalgia with fresh chaos.

Development Updates and Community Buzz

Notch has kept fans in the loop through X, sharing screenshots and quirky posts-like a "totally legit ad" in May 2024. Recent March 2025 updates highlight graphical tweaks (including ray tracing bugs) and new mob designs, fueling excitement. The unofficial subreddit r/leversandchests is abuzz with theories, with some fans clamoring for gameplay footage after a promised 2024 public test didn't materialize.

What to Expect Next

With no release date locked in, Levers and Chests remains a tantalizing mystery. Will it deliver the unpredictable brilliance of Minecraft in a roguelike package? The gaming community is hopeful, especially given Notch's track record. Keep an eye on Bitshift Entertainment's site and Notch's X for the latest-2025 could be the year this dungeon crawler opens its doors.

Why Levers and Chests Matters

Notch's return isn't just a nostalgia trip-it's a chance to see how his vision has evolved. Levers and Chests promises a mix of old-school roguelike charm and modern flair, with levers and chests at the heart of its dungeon-delving action. Whether you're a Minecraft veteran or a roguelike fan, this game is one to watch.