Pony Island 2: Panda Circus

Pony Island 2: Panda Circus is a surreally told single-player adventure by Daniel Mullins Games, the studio behind Inscryption and the first Pony Island. A young nomad dies before he can reach his goals and lands in the so-called Earth Prison, an in-between world controlled by headstrong underworld rulers.

Instead of a traditional pony game, the main character faces a web of puzzles, unusual arcade games and interference with their rules. The goal is to reclaim their own soul and find a way out. Which truth lies behind the individual games is part of the deliberately enigmatic story.

The PC release is planned for April 27, 2027. Daniel Mullins first named this date in August 2026 and reconfirmed it in October. Until then the title remains an announced game, not a full version already available.

In October 2026 the developer opened a Steam playtest sign-up. Interested players can register, but do not automatically get access: more testers are to be invited over time. Limited betas took place before too. This test should not be equated with an early access sale or a regular demo.

The only confirmed native version is for Windows PC via Steam. A separate release for PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, macOS or Linux is not confirmed. Community speculation or possible compatibility is not proof.

Steam lists the game explicitly as a single-player experience. For the PC version, Steam achievements and cloud saves are listed. If you want to sign up in advance, use the playtest feature on the official Steam product page.

The nomad enters games ruled by the gods of the underworld. According to the official description, skill is not the only thing required: some puzzles can be solved by understanding the intended rules, manipulating technical systems and looking for ways outside the game itself.

The presentation switches between 3D environments and noticeably differently designed arcade game worlds. A USB stick, a mount and the ability to use game mechanics against their creators are described as tools in the official product description. The developer has not promised a fixed sequence of all game genres.

Steam lists as the historical minimum requirement a 64-bit Windows PC with Intel Core i5-760 or AMD Athlon II X4 645, 4 GB RAM, GeForce GTX 550 Ti or Radeon HD 6850, and 4 GB free storage. The store also names older Windows versions, but the current Steam client now requires Windows 10 or newer.

Recommended includes 8 GB RAM, a Core i5-3470 or AMD FX-4350, and a GeForce GTX 1050 or Radeon RX 460. The details apply only to the announced PC version.

The settings draw on different traditions. An official developer post names the China of the Song dynasty, stories from ancient Iran about Rostam and the world of the Rus. The journey does not take place merely among decorative backdrops: arcade cabinets serve as gateways to places shaped by different underworld rulers.

The characters presented include King Yan, Ahriman, Mara and Lucifer. The games of these rulers differ in theme, from a virtual sports contest to a grim criminal investigation. How the different levels ultimately connect is still part of the story.

The developer has presented several voice roles: SungWon Cho voices King Yan, Arian Moayed plays Ahriman and Caitlin Reilly Mara. Kevin Saxby voices Lucifer, who is already linked to the first Pony Island.

The game links these roles to different games-within-games. The fact that voice actors and motifs from the developer's earlier works return does not on its own say anything about other possible guest appearances or the exact storyline.

The Steam product page lists German menus and subtitles, but no German voice audio. The English version is said to be fully voiced; additional on-screen languages include French, Spanish, Japanese and Korean.

Steam lists single-player, achievements and cloud saves. Online co-op, competitive multiplayer or full console controls are not confirmed. As the game is still in development, details may change before release.