Nidhogg 2
Sequel to Nidhogg with new weapons, actions, and characters.
Nidhogg 2 is a fighting game from 2017, created and released by Messhof. It follows up on the 2014 title Nidhogg, building on its core dueling concept by adding fresh weapons, moves, and character options. The game launched on Microsoft Windows, macOS, and PlayStation 4 in August 2017, with an Xbox One version arriving in July 2018 and a Nintendo Switch port in November 2018. Critics gave it generally positive reviews.
In the game, two players face off in a duel. The goal is to reach the far end of the opponent’s side first. Players can slide, leap, and deflect incoming attacks. New tools include daggers, throwing knives, and bows, and a character creator lets players customize their fighter.
The project was first announced in September 2016 and shown at TwitchCon that year and the 2017 E3 Indie Megabooth. Unlike the original’s minimalist look, creator Mark Essen and artist Toby Dixon chose a more detailed, higher-resolution art style. Essen saw Nidhogg 2 as a “spectator game,” and the richer visuals gave viewers more to watch during matches. In 2022, DSM Arcade released an arcade cabinet version priced at $5,999.
The art style split fans from the announcement onward, with some disliking it and others embracing it. Still, the game earned generally favorable scores on Metacritic. *GamesMaster* called it “an excellent sword-fighting game that at times has trouble remembering its brilliant roots.” *Game Informer* noted it “adds layers of depth to a simple formula without breaking what made it so appealing.” *Destructoid* praised its expanded mechanics and soundtrack, though it noted limited solo content. *PlayStation Official Magazine – UK* highlighted its “wicked local multiplayer appeal,” while *GamesTM* described it as “fast, intense, but flawed.” The game was nominated for Best Fighting Game and Best Multiplayer in IGN’s Best of 2017 Awards.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Nidhogg 2
- Developer
- Messhof
- Designer
- Mark Essen
- Artist
- Toby Dixon
- Composer
- Mux Mool
- Engine
- GameMaker Studio
- Platforms
- Windows / macOS / PlayStation 4 / Xbox One / Nintendo Switch / Arcade
- Released
- Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4WW · August 15, 2017Xbox OneWW · July 18, 2018Nintendo SwitchWW · November 22, 2018
- Genre
- Fighting
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Nidhogg 2 was announced in September 2016 and demonstrated at the 2016 TwitchCon and 2017 Electronic Entertainment Expo Indie Megabooth. It was released on August 15, 2017, on macOS, PlayStation 4, and Microsoft Windows platforms. A Nintendo Switch version followed on November 22, 2018, and an Xbox One version in July 2018. In 2022, an arcade cabinet version was released by DSM Arcade for $5,999 USD.
The game's creator Mark Essen and artist Toby Dixon chose a more detailed graphical style with higher resolution than the original's minimalistic art, partly to make it a better 'spectator game' with more visual interest for viewers. The art style received mixed reactions from fans both before and after release, with some resenting it and others embracing it.
The game received generally favorable reviews on Metacritic. Critics noted its excellent sword-fighting and local multiplayer appeal, though some found it lacking for solo players. It was nominated for 'Best Fighting Game' and 'Best Multiplayer' in IGN's Best of 2017 Awards.
Reader's Guide
Nidhogg 2 is significant as a sequel that deepened the simple duelling formula of its predecessor while introducing new weapons such as daggers, throwing knives, and bows, as well as a character creator. Its reception was generally positive, with critics praising its local multiplayer and soundtrack, though the art style remained divisive. The game's nomination for IGN's Best of 2017 Awards in fighting and multiplayer categories underscores its impact in the genre. Its legacy includes expanding the original's appeal to spectators through a more detailed visual style, and its eventual arcade cabinet release in 2022. For players seeking competitive local multiplayer, Nidhogg 2 offers refined mechanics and variety, though solo content remains limited.
Did You Know?
- Nidhogg 2 was announced in September 2016 and demonstrated at TwitchCon 2016 and E3 2017 Indie Megabooth.
- The game's art style was changed from the original's minimalistic look to a more detailed, higher-resolution style to improve spectator experience.
- An arcade cabinet version was released in 2022 by DSM Arcade for $5,999 USD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nidhogg 2?
Nidhogg 2 is a two-player dueling game released in August 2017 by developer Messhof. It serves as the direct sequel to the 2014 original Nidhogg, expanding the head-to-head combat concept with additional weapons, moves, and selectable characters.
What are the core mechanics and player role in Nidhogg 2?
Each player controls a fighter in a side-view duel, aiming to be the first to reach the far edge of the opponent's territory. Combat revolves around sliding, leaping, deflecting incoming strikes, and using a wider arsenal of tools compared to the first entry.
Which platforms can I play Nidhogg 2 on?
The game launched on Microsoft Windows, macOS, and PlayStation 4 in August 2017. An Xbox One version followed in July 2018, and a Nintendo Switch port arrived in November 2018.
How does Nidhogg 2 differ from the original Nidhogg?
The sequel broadens the dueling formula by introducing fresh weapons, new actions, and a character creator that lets players customize their fighter. These additions give matches more variety while keeping the tight, reactive one-on-one structure of the 2014 title.
How was Nidhogg 2 received by critics?
Reviewers generally gave the game positive marks, praising its refined dueling feel and the meaningful expansion of the original's toolkit. It is widely regarded as a successful follow-up that deepened what made the first Nidhogg appealing.
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