With the Spyro franchise celebrating its 28th anniversary this year, developer Toys for Bob has given us a look at one of the zones in the upcoming 3D platformer Spyro: A Realm Beyond. Taking to social media, the studio released two pieces of concept art for the game for a new zone dubbed the Arcadian Vale.
Describing the zone, the studio said that it would define the dragon’s new adventure before noting that it offers a “calm, serene atmosphere.” Toys for Bob continued: “Across the scene are cascading waterfalls tumbling down from towering cliffs. Ancient stone structures and weathered monuments rise from the terrain while lush greenery blankets the valley floor, creating a destination that feels magical and alive.”
Fans of the classic franchise will recognize the general atmosphere of the Arcadian Vale as presented through the screenshots as being quite similar to some of the opening zones that the franchise is known for. While Toys for Bob hasn’t confirmed whether this is going to serve as an introductory level or if it will open up deeper into the game, the concept art indicates that it will give players plenty of chances to test out some of Spyro’s new abilities in Spyro: A Realm Beyond, including his ability to fly.
The studio has continued to work on the game in relative silence, only releasing a few screenshots and trailers every now and then. Studio head Paul Yan, however, spoke about the resurgence of the 3D platformer genre in recent times back in July, noting that he has been quite happy about it. In the same interview, creative director Lou Studdert said that it “warms my heart because that is totally my genre of choice.”
“It is so great because these are the experiences that, you know, the reason that I play games is because I grew up with those experiences.”
Back in June, Yan also spoke about how the team has been making sure that players have plenty of new tools to play with in Spyro: A Realm Beyond, including his ability to fly. Speaking to Xbox, he noted that the studio decided to enhance Spyro’s wingspan, and as a result, made him more capable while in the air.
“But this is absolutely the same Spyro you know and love, and that’s why we’re so thrilled to have Tom Kenny back to voice him! Tom’s performance delivers the plucky youthful courage that is such an important aspect of Spyro’s personality.”
On the subject of his flying abilities, Yan mentioned that the character will be able to “take to the skies and own the airtime.”
“In Spyro: A Realm Beyond, Spyro will experience the freedom of true dragon flight,” said Yan. “He’s small, but mighty, so we had to do a lot of different experiments to explore how he could be both nimble and still be very physical when actively pushing his way through the air.”
Spyro: A Realm Beyond is being developed for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2, and is set for release in Spring 2027.
