The open-world adventure game Hela, developed by Knights Peak and Windup Games, gained major recognition at gamescom 2025 by winning in both categories it was nominated for: Most Entertaining and Most Wholesome. Inspired by Scandinavian folklore and created by the developers of the acclaimed Unravel series, the title takes players on a magical journey through the eyes of a small and courageous mouse. Scheduled for release in 2026 on Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®5, and PC, it has captured the hearts of both the jury and the public.

The story begins when a witch falls ill and her family sets out to find a cure. Players take on the role of the brave little mouse, exploring richly detailed landscapes, gathering ingredients, and crafting magical potions capable of healing her. This blend of fantasy and tenderness is enhanced by challenges that combine exploration and cooperation.

The experience can be enjoyed solo or shared, either through split screen or online play. Throughout the adventure, players traverse towering mountains, enchanted forests, and shimmering lakes, facing the obstacles that the wild world sets in their path. Cooperation plays a central role, reinforcing the idea that unity is key to overcoming adversity.

Beyond exploration, the game allows players to create personal stories through their choices. Collecting items, gliding through the air, and solving puzzles not only reveal new parts of the narrative but also shape the protagonist’s impact on the world. Acts of kindness become essential to the journey, gradually transforming characters and environments as the adventure unfolds.

Among its features are the magical backpack, which lets players interact with the environment and gather resources, and realistic physics, which make every interaction believable and meaningful. Dynamic environments, constantly changing, ensure that no two moments of exploration feel the same, adding layers of challenge and discovery.

By blending exploration, cooperation, and an engaging narrative, Hela emerges as both a magical and heartwarming experience. More than just a game, it is a celebration of imagination, friendship, and the transformative power of kindness, values that made it one of the biggest highlights of gamescom 2025.