Rediscover a zen platforming masterpiece for free: Knytt Classic

Has it really been 20 years?

If you were a fan of the indie freeware scene in the mid-2000s, you likely remember the name Knytt. Created by visionary Swedish indie developer Nifflas (the mastermind behind Ynglet), the original 2006 release was a breath of fresh air. Now, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this iconic title, Bit Kid (Chasm) has just dropped Knytt Classic on Steam.

The best part? It’s completely FREE to play!

What is Knytt Classic?

Knytt Classic is an atmospheric, zen-like 2D platformer that focuses on exploration and pure platforming pleasure rather than combat or complex puzzles.

You play as the Knytt, an adorable and peaceful being who was minding their own business before being unceremoniously abducted by aliens for a joyride across the solar system. Things go horribly wrong, and you end up crash-landing on a mysterious, maze-like planet. Your mission? Explore a sprawling, gorgeous 2D wonderland to collect the scattered pieces of your spaceship so you can finally go home.

As IGN famously noted about the series, playing Knytt is “the video game equivalent of curling up and unwinding with a nice, relaxing book.” The soundscape is deeply soothing, the atmosphere is unmatched, and there’s absolutely zero combat to stress you out.

Why you need to play it (again, or for the first time!)

Even if you played the original back in 2006, Bit Kid has rebuilt this pixel-perfect port from the ground up for modern machines, packed with fantastic quality-of-life updates and new content:

• Massive exploration: Over 1,500 screens to traverse across the original base game and three bonus modes!
• Brand new challenges: Ready to test your platforming skills? Dive into UltraTough (a brand new mode by Bit Kid), Knytt XH (a famously brutal mod by Baba Is You creator Hempuli), or the remixed world of Brutally Unfair Knytt.
• Modern features for a retro classic: Full gamepad support with remappable controls makes exploring feel smoother than ever.
• Nostalgic display filters: Play exactly how you want with multiple aspect ratios and display effects, including gorgeous retro CRT and handheld LCD filters.
• Speedrunner friendly: Features an optional in-game timer and fastest completion time tracking!
• Fully compatible: Ready to play on Windows, Mac, Linux, and it’s built to run beautifully on the Steam Deck.

Ready to unwind?

Whether you’re looking for a heavy dose of mid-2000s nostalgia or just need a cozy, low-key adventure to wind down with after a long day, Knytt Classic is an absolute must-play.

Grab your controller, put on some headphones to soak in the incredible ambient soundscape, and help the Knytt find their way home.

Click here to download Knytt Classic for FREE on Steam right now!