Publisher Whitehorn Games, in partnership with developers Ephemera Games, have recently announced that the roguelike action-RPG Kernel Hearts will launch digitally on 17th September 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC through Steam and Epic Games Store. Additionally, the main captain of the M.A.H.O.U. Squad, Ferret, is available as an outfit in Fortnite.
Kernel Hearts will see players join the M.A.H.O.U Unit and are tasked with climbing the Tower of Babel and eliminating angelic creatures to save a world drowning in ashes. The game offers rogulike action-RPG gameplay with optional online co-op multiplayer functionality.
About: As a member of M.A.H.O.U Unit — an elite fighting force of super-powered android magical girls — you and up to three allies are tasked with one thing: destroy a god to save the world from the brink of extinction. Starting from the base of the mythical Tower of Babel, you’ll fight your way through an array of powerful enemies from all sides, as you climb each level, gaining crucial skills and magical powers to help you surmount its pinnacle — and the new threats each floor brings. Defeat is no excuse; only the most resolute soldiers will reach the heavenly heights in order to dethrone their god — are you up for the task?
Features:
Ascend to the Ultimate Being of Destruction: In every run, hunt for temporary skills that enhance your attacks, spells, and movement, empowering you to unleash devastating strikes and combos. Use these abilities to conquer the relentless enemies on each floor and exterminate the fearsome boss guardians that rule each domain.
The End is Just the Beginning: Facing enemies of biblical proportions requires persistence and grit, but a sudden demise isn’t the end. After each run, your unit returns to the lab, where you can use the rewards from previous missions to unlock and equip up to 256KB of skill chips. Customize your unit with these chips to match your unique playstyle.
Magical Transformations: The curse of the Tower is ever-present, and spending too much time in one area draws out even more powerful enemies. Harness the Tower’s energy to dispel the curses, briefly transform into your ultimate magical form, and unleash punishing attacks on any foes standing in your way.
Squad Up: Play alone or with up to three friends, honing and synergizing your skills to become the ultimate fighting force to get you to the top.
Friends in High Places: Each celestial domain hosts unique allies to help you on your journey. Befriend them to deepen your bond and maybe find love along the way!
In regards to the M.A.H.O.U. Squad Captain outfit being available in Fortnite then different purchase options are available. Those that pre-purchase Kernel Hearts on Windows PC through the Epic Game Store will receive the outfit automatically. Those who do not purchase the game through the Epic Game Store can still purchase the outfit from late september through the Fortnite store.
In the meantime Kernel Hearts is scheduled to be released on the 17th September 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC. A playable demo is also available on Steam.
