Nivalis Nights Returns to Cloudpunk’s Cyberpunk City on September 29
ION LANDS and publisher 505 Games have officially renamed their cyberpunk life simulation game Nivalis to Nivalis Nights, confirming that the long awaited return to the world of Cloudpunk will launch for PC through Steam on September 29, 2026. An Epic Games Store version will follow at a later date, while PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo versions have not been announced.
The developer clarified that the new name does not represent a change in direction or a reboot. Nivalis Nights remains the same game players have followed throughout development, now presented with a refreshed title and logo that better reflects its focus on everyday life inside the neon city.
Players can watch the latest release date trailer, which introduces Ava and provides another look at the city’s districts, businesses, waterways, apartments, and residents. Unlike Cloudpunk, which followed Rania through a single night of dangerous delivery work, Nivalis Nights adopts a slower slice of life structure where players decide how to build their career, relationships, and reputation.
Players begin with modest opportunities such as operating a noodle stand, food stall, or small bar before expanding into restaurants and nightclubs. Ingredients can be purchased from marketplaces, grown personally, or gathered through fishing. Money can then be invested into new businesses, upgraded properties, home decoration, and additional opportunities throughout the city.
Exploration takes place both on foot and by boat, with hidden alleys, crowded plazas, canals, waterfront districts, and elevated areas available to discover. The simulation also includes changing weather, day and night cycles, friendships, romance, business competition, and a cyberpunk chess tournament. A mysterious serial killer will provide a darker narrative thread beneath the relaxed business and community systems.
“As an independent studio, developing this game meant overcoming hurdles we have never faced before, and we are incredibly grateful to our community.”
— Marko Dieckmann, Creative Director at ION LANDS
Nivalis Nights was originally announced in 2021 under the simpler Nivalis title. In 2023, 505 Games announced a planned 2024 release, but the project was later moved to Spring 2025 before development continued into 2026. ION LANDS said the additional time was required for testing, optimization, polishing, balancing, and the large amount of narrative and voice work needed to make the city feel populated and reactive.
“Watching it come to life has been an extraordinary and rewarding experience. We cannot wait to welcome players to the city.”
— Neil Ralley, President of 505 Games
The September 29 date places Nivalis Nights inside one of the busiest sections of the 2026 gaming calendar. Valheim reaches version 1.0 on September 9, while Valor Mortis arrives on September 24 and Onimusha: Way of the Sword follows on September 25. Minecraft Dungeons 2 is also scheduled for September 29, creating direct competition for attention on the same day.
Nivalis Nights is entering a crowded month, but its strongest advantage is that it is not competing directly with most of September’s action focused releases. Its combination of business management, exploration, relationships, home customization, fishing, and cyberpunk atmosphere gives it a distinct identity.
The longer development period has clearly placed pressure on ION LANDS, but confirming a precise date gives the project renewed momentum after several delays. The most important question is whether the city can support the freedom promised by its simulation systems. Running businesses and decorating apartments will provide an immediate gameplay loop, but the residents, stories, and consequences will determine whether Nivalis feels like a living city rather than a collection of attractive activities.
Will you build a peaceful life in Nivalis, or will the packed September 2026 release schedule force you to visit the city later?
