After 7 years of development, Katana Zero DLC is now “the size of a full sequel”
By Cult classic independent game Katana Zero has taken a page out of Hollow Knight Silksong’s book, somewhat – the much-anticipated Katana Zero DLC has now expanded to sequel proportions, as revealed by the game’s principal developer Justin Stander.
Katana Zero initially achieved remarkable popularity over seven years ago, thanks to its stunning pixel graphics and rapid-fire gameplay that resembled a blend of Hotline Miami’s pulse-pounding violence and Sekiro’s swordplay counterattacks. A mysterious narrative and an impressive soundtrack also contributed to its success.
Katana ZERO DLC – Official Teaser Trailer – YouTube
After numerous years, the anticipated Katana Zero DLC remains elusive, but don’t worry. Justin Stander recently took to social platforms to inform fans he’s “still diligently striving” on the endeavor. The development is simply taking longer than initially thought due to the DLC continually increasing in scope… I can’t help but wonder where I’ve encountered that before?
“We expanded it. It has grown to the size of a complete sequel and includes a soundtrack with over 30 new tracks,” Stander tweets. “More updates are on the way. We appreciate your ongoing support!”
A minor yet significant distinction between this and Hollow Knight Silksong (which also began as a simple expansion before exploding in scope) is that, for the time being, the Katana Zero DLC remains as DLC, not a separate sequel. However, this isn’t the first occasion the project has expanded its scope.
In 2020, the independent developer stated that the Katana Zero DLC had increased to three times its initial size. As of last year, it was “almost” as extensive as the original game. Now? It appears that it may be even larger.
No release date has been announced yet for the continuation of Katana Zero, but we did receive a brief and stunning trailer last year.
Sign up for our Switch 2 Spotlight newsletter to ensure you receive the latest updates on Nintendo’s new console and its games weekly
Make sure to explore the upcoming indie titles for 2026 and beyond
