The highly anticipated cyberpunk platformer Replaced, developed by Sad Cat Studios, has officially been given a release date of March 12, 2026. This announcement follows a series of significant delays that have extended the development period for the title, leading to considerable anticipation and some player frustration. The game is set to launch on PC and Xbox Series X|S, with day-one availability on Xbox Game Pass.

Background on Replaced
Replaced is described as a 2.5D cinematic action platformer set in an alternative, dystopian 1980s America. Players assume the role of R.E.A.C.H., an AI trapped within a human body, exploring the neon-lit streets of Phoenix City. The narrative is intended to delve into themes of identity, humanity, and control, blending intense combat with narrative-focused segments. The game utilizes a distinct visual style, combining pixel art with environments that create a sense of depth, a technique the developers refer to as a 2.5D approach.
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Development Studio: Sad Cat Studios
Publisher: Thunderful Publishing
Genre: 2.5D Cyberpunk Action Platformer
Setting: Alternative 1980s America, Phoenix City
Protagonist: R.E.A.C.H. (AI in a human body)
Key Themes: Identity, humanity, control
Timeline of Delays and Announcements
The journey to Replaced's release date has been marked by several postponements. Initially announced some years prior, the game has seen its expected release windows pushed back multiple times.

| Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| August 2023 | Delayed into 2024 | 13 |
| August 25, 2025 | New release window set for Spring 2026 | 10, 11, 12, 15 |
| December 4, 2025 | Official release date announced: March 12, 2026 | 2, 6 |
| December 8, 2025 | Confirmation of March 12, 2026 release date | 1, 14 |
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been cited as a significant external factor impacting development, as the Belarus-based Sad Cat Studios had to relocate. Game Director Yura Zhdanovich has acknowledged the prolonged development cycle and expressed gratitude for player patience.
Gameplay Mechanics and Features
Replaced aims to offer a multifaceted gameplay experience, incorporating elements of platforming, combat, and narrative exploration.
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Platforming: Players will encounter challenges requiring precision and timing, drawing comparisons to classic cinematic platformers.
Combat: The game features a "free-flow" combat system with visual cues to assist players in parrying or dodging enemy attacks. It includes both melee and ranged combat mechanics.
Narrative: The story unfolds through cinematic sequences interwoven with gameplay, exploring the protagonist's AI nature and the dystopian world.
Visuals: The game is noted for its striking pixel art style, presented in a 2.5D perspective, blending 2D animations with 3D elements and camera work to create depth.
Platform Availability and Pricing
Replaced is confirmed for release on:
PC (via Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG)
Xbox Series X|S
Xbox One
The game will be available on Xbox Game Pass for both console and PC subscribers from its launch day, making it accessible without an additional purchase for those on the service. Pricing for standalone purchase has not yet been released.
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There are no announcements regarding releases on PlayStation or Nintendo platforms, though timed exclusivity for Xbox could allow for future releases elsewhere.
Player Reception and Anticipation
Despite the delays, there appears to be substantial excitement for Replaced. A recent trailer amassed over 650,000 views in less than 24 hours, indicating strong interest in the title. The game's unique aesthetic and cyberpunk theme have resonated with fans, including those who enjoy titles like Cyberpunk 2077.
A hands-on preview after playing two hours suggests the game was worth the wait for some, while others remain cautiously optimistic.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
With a firm release date now set for March 12, 2026, Replaced is poised to enter the market after a prolonged development period. The game's availability on Xbox Game Pass presents a low-risk entry point for subscribers interested in its distinct blend of cyberpunk aesthetics and 2.5D platforming action. The developers have stated that nearly every aspect of the game has been revised and enhanced during its extended development.
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Sources:
Article 1: Altchar - Cyberpunk platformer Replaced finally gets March 2026 release date after multiple delays (Published: December 8, 2025) https://www.altchar.com/game-news/cyberpunk-platformer-replaced-finally-gets-march-2026-release-date-after-multiple-delays-aIQrW3k33McA
Article 2: Noisy Pixel - Cyberpunk Platformer REPLACED Launches March 12 On PC & Xbox With New Trailer Reveal (Published: December 4, 2025) https://noisypixel.net/replaced-cyberpunk-platformer-march-2026-release/
Article 3: Screen Rant - Cyberpunk 2077 Fans Need This March 2026 Game On Their Radar (Published: December 5, 2025) https://screenrant.com/replaced-release-date-steam/
Article 4: Bleeding Cool - Cyberpunk Action Platformer Replaced Arrives This March (Published: Not specified) https://bleedingcool.com/games/cyberpunk-action-platformer-replaced-arrives-this-march/
Article 5: Replaced Game Official Site - REPLACED - 2.5D Sci-Fi Cyberpunk Platformer Game (Published: Not specified) https://replacedgame.com/
Article 6: Eurogamer - After being delayed, delayed, and then delayed again, Cyberpunk platformer Replaced finally gets a release date (Published: December 4, 2025) https://www.eurogamer.net/cyberpunk-platformer-replaced-release-date-following-delays
Article 7: Notebookcheck - Cyberpunk platformer Replaced launches on PC, Xbox, Steam, GOG, and Epic in March 2026 after years of delay (Published: December 6, 2025) https://www.notebookcheck.net/Cyberpunk-platformer-Replaced-launches-on-PC-Xbox-Steam-GOG-and-Epic-in-March-2026-after-years-of-delay.1179360.0.html
Article 8: Rom-Game.fr - Replaced : date de sortie confirmée pour le platformer cyberpunk en pixel art (Published: December 7, 2025) https://www.rom-game.fr/news/6366-Replaced.html
Article 9: Polygon - We played two hours of Replaced, the next big Game Pass game — here's what we think (Published: Not specified, appears recent) https://www.polygon.com/replaced-hands-on-preview/
Article 10: Wccftech - 2.5D Pixel-Art Cyberpunk Platformer Replaced Will Launch in Spring 2026 (Published: August 25, 2025) https://wccftech.com/replaced-release-date-spring-2026-cyberpunk-platformer/
Article 11: Kotaku - Gorgeous Cybernoir Thriller Replaced Finally Has A New Release Date (Published: August 25, 2025) https://kotaku.com/replaced-release-date-cyberpunk-pixel-art-batman-arkham-2000620061
Article 12: DualShockers - Long-Awaited 2.5D Cyberpunk Game Scheduled To Launch In Spring 2026 (Published: August 25, 2025) https://www.dualshockers.com/replaced-cyberpunk-game-launch-spring-2026/
Article 13: Eurogamer - Cyberpunk platformer Replaced delayed into 2024 (Published: August 22, 2023) https://www.eurogamer.net/cyberpunk-platformer-replaced-delayed-into-2024
Article 14: Screen Rant - Xbox Game Pass' First Major 2026 Game Is For Cyberpunk 2077 Fans (Published: December 8, 2025) https://screenrant.com/xbox-game-pass-replaced-release-date/
Article 15: PCGamesN - I can't wait to play this stylish cyberpunk game, but I'm going to have to (Published: August 25, 2025) https://www.pcgamesn.com/replaced/delayed-2026
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