Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel is a Norse-mythology survivor roguelike built around battling enemy waves, completing run objectives, and assembling character builds. Its reviews point to satisfying combat and progression, but the experience is not a universal recommendation: mission variety and platform performance matter, particularly if you are considering the Nintendo Switch 2 version.
What kind of game is Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel?
Developed by Games Farm and ARTillery and published by Grindstone, Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel left Early Access for full release on September 3, 2025. Its Steam listing dates the start of Early Access to January 21, 2025. The publisher describes it as a Norse-mythology horde-survivor roguelike: choose a hero, fight waves of mythical enemies, pursue run objectives, develop abilities, and face bosses. That is the official framing of the game, not a claim of independent hands-on testing. Steam product listing
The central appeal is the familiar survivor-like cycle with more structure than simply staying alive: objectives and missions give a run additional direction, while character abilities and combinations provide room to shape a build. If you enjoy the genre but want a more elaborate 3D presentation, class-based progression, and boss encounters, this is the part of the game its reviews most often support.
What do reviews say about Jotunnslayer?
The reception snapshot is positive overall, though the underlying samples are limited and can change. When accessed in 2026, Steam showed 84% positive from 2,972 English reviews overall and 73% positive from 61 recent reviews. Metacritic showed a 75 Metascore based on 11 critic reviews: eight positive and three mixed. These are separate, time-sensitive snapshots—not guarantees of quality or a direct comparison between platforms. Steam · Metacritic
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall#1 Best Overall
- Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions through haptic feedback
- Experience varying levels of force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
- Chat online through the built-in microphone and connect a headset directly through the 3.5mm jack
- Switch voice capture on and off using the dedicated mute button
- Play on more devices using the USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth to connect easily to Windows PC and Mac computers, Android and iOS mobile phones as well as your PlayStation 5
Critic excerpts praise the combat, progression, and the appeal of starting another run. Other criticism points to recurring mission and map structures that can make the action feel repetitive. That trade-off is important: build progression can make repeated battles rewarding, but it cannot make the core loop feel fresh for a player who tires quickly of repeating objectives.
How does Jotunnslayer run on Nintendo Switch 2?
Switch 2 reviews include both praise and technical criticism, so it is worth treating that version separately from the game on other platforms. Metacritic reproduces a Pocket Tactics review dated August 14, 2026, which praises satisfying combat and meaningful progression while noting that a shaky frame rate occasionally disrupts the action. Other Switch 2 review excerpts cited on Metacritic report audio dropouts and crashes. These are reported review experiences, not controlled performance tests, and they do not establish that the same issues occur on PC, Xbox Series X, or PlayStation 5. Check recent feedback for the specific platform and version you plan to play. Metacritic review listings
Rank #2
- Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons. .Operating temperature : 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)
- Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
- Built-in microphone and headset jack - Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
- DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
- PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.
Does Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel have co-op?
Steam lists single-player and shared/split-screen co-op, and the Steam Community hub also promotes playing solo or in local co-op. That supports couch co-op; the cited listings do not confirm online co-op. If playing with a friend is essential, verify the mode and platform details on the storefront for your version before buying. Steam product listing · Steam Community hub
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who is Jotunnslayer worth it for?
- Likely a good fit: survivor-like fans who want a 3D Norse setting, hero and ability progression, missions, bosses, or local co-op.
- Think twice if: repeated maps and objectives quickly lose their appeal, or you are especially sensitive to performance problems on Switch 2.
- Check your platform first: the available technical criticism is tied to Switch 2 reviews, not evidence of a cross-platform problem. Historical Early Access Steam posts also raised concerns about repetition, balance, grind, and task focus; those are individual accounts from an earlier period, not a current consensus. Steam user reviews
Overall, Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel looks most appealing to players who enjoy repeating a strong combat loop in pursuit of better builds and progression. The key question is not simply whether the reviews are positive, but whether the mission structure suits you—and, for Switch 2 players, whether current platform-specific feedback gives you confidence in its performance.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 1 case of 45 Packs, 45 Count Total
- Please note that if your PS-5 console is running version 14.0 or higher, you need to update the controller firmware to restore vibration and speaker functions. Upgrade address: we.tl/t-yAwofXJL9YOyyq3K Upgrade Guide: youtu.be/06jAORFjkf4 The firmware update must be performed on a Windows PC.
- 【Quick Connect & One Touch Wakeup】The controller can be connected wirelessly or wired to PS5 and PC (but is not compatible with PS4). Press the home button to quickly wake up the PS5 console. The first time the controller connects to the PS5 it needs a wired connection, after a successful connection it can be connected wirelessly.
- 【Controller with Speaker】Listen to higher fidelity game sound in supported games through the built-in speakers, but does not contain a microphone. Microphone functionality can be achieved by connecting headphones via the 3.5mm TRRS connector (not compatible with Apple 3.5mm headphones).
- 【Multi-Function】Built-in dual vibration motors, touchpad, integrated light bar, speakers, and 3.5mm stereo headphone jack provide gamers with a variety of new audio options. The share button allows you to easily share exciting gaming moments with the click of a button.
Rank #4
- Dual Connection Modes & Stable Performance: Features advanced Bluetooth 5.3 technology for a 10m lag-free wireless experience, plus a wired USB-C connection. While a USB cable is required for the initial pairing, you can wake up your PS5 console with a single press afterward, ensuring a seamless gaming transition.
- 6-Axis Motion Sensing & Immersive Feedback: Equipped with a built-in 3D accelerometer and gyroscope, the controller precisely captures X/Y/Z axis acceleration and Roll/Pitch/Yaw movements. Perfectly suited for action, racing, and sports games like NBA 07 and Ridge Racer, it delivers a more immersive and intuitive gaming experience.
- Customizable Functions & LED RGB Lighting: Supports Turbo auto-fire (10 shots/second) and macro programming (records up to 24 key presses). Two programmable back buttons (P1/P2) allow for personalized control setups. The vibrant RGB light bar offers multiple color modes, easily switchable via the Light button, which is great for distinguishing players in multiplayer games.
- Versatile Audio & Ergonomic Design: Connect your wired headphones to the 3.5mm jack for in-game chat (Note: No built-in microphone; Apple headphones are not compatible). The built-in speaker reproduces high-fidelity game audio. Designed with an ergonomic shape that fits comfortably in your hands, reducing fatigue during long gaming sessions. It also features a dual-point capacitive touchpad for intuitive controls.
- Wide Compatibility & Long-Lasting Battery: Compatible with the PS5 console and Windows 10/11 PCs. The large 1000mAh rechargeable battery provides extended playtime, freeing you from battery anxiety. Supports firmware updates via a PC to ensure compatibility with future PS5 system updates.
Rank #3
- Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*
- Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online through the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button
- A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games
- Multi-device connectivity - Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range of blockbuster PC titles.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
