Updates on Descenders Next
Ragesquid’s latest venture, Descenders Next, has been anticipated as a worthy successor to the 2019 hit, Descenders. This new installment takes the exhilarating downhill biking mechanics of its predecessor and expands them into the realms of snowboarding and mountain-boarding. Last year, PC Gamer’s Shaun Prescott praised the sequel for capturing the essence of the original while enhancing the overall atmosphere, a crucial element that was previously lacking.
However, the journey to support Descenders Next has not been without its challenges. Since its early access launch in July, updates have been sparse, leading to concerns about the game’s trajectory. This week, Ragesquid broke the silence with a significant multiplayer-focused patch and provided insights into the development hurdles they have faced.
In a recent Steam post, Ragesquid’s Albers explained that the delay in updates was primarily due to simultaneous console development and unexpected challenges in crafting the multiplayer experience. He emphasized the importance of fine-tuning the game’s feel, a task that has proven more complex than anticipated. The player engagement numbers reflect this struggle; Descenders Next has seen a peak of only 169 players compared to the original’s impressive 1,954. Current daily concurrent players paint an even starker picture, with just four players enjoying the snowy landscapes of the sequel while 613 are still immersed in the original.
In an interesting turn of events, Ragesquid also released a substantial update for the original Descenders, introducing new maps and modes after over a year of silence. This raises questions about whether the original title is outperforming its successor in terms of sales on Steam and other platforms.
Adding another layer to the discussion is the impact of Game Pass. Both titles are featured on Microsoft’s subscription service, which has been lauded by publisher No More Robots as a boon for indie games. Following the launch of Descenders Next, Ragesquid reported over half a million players—a commendable figure for an indie title in today’s market.
Despite the challenges, progress continues for Descenders Next. The newly released multiplayer update introduces three game modes from the original: race mode, the exploration-focused follow-the-leader mode, and the freewheeling park mode. Players can now enjoy custom lobbies for private sessions with friends, along with a gear-unlock system reminiscent of the first game.
Looking ahead, Ragesquid has teased exciting developments for Descenders Next in 2026, including a career mode and a new map. Currently, both games are available at enticing discounts—Descenders is reduced by 75% to .24 (£4.87), while Descenders Next is offered at 15% off, priced at .49 (£21.24). These promotions will conclude on December 15, providing an excellent opportunity for players to dive into these thrilling experiences.
