PS Plus Deal Arrives for Top New Indie Game on PS5

Update [Tue 22nd Sep 2026, 7:15pm]: Well Dweller is now live on the PS Store, and it's worth pointing out that the critically adored Metroidvania costs less than many expected — with an extra discount for PS Plus members.

Original story: A PS5 game launched today carrying a 91 on Metacritic and a 90 on Opencritic. With Silent Hill: Townfall and Control Resonant not arriving until Thursday, the title in question is Well Dweller — a Metroidvania built entirely by solo developer Kyle Thompson.

If the name Thompson sounds familiar, that's because his last game, Crypt Custodian, earned plenty of praise in 2024, even landing a spot in end-of-year indie rankings. Now he's back with Well Dweller, and the reception has been nothing short of remarkable: the game currently stands among the highest-rated releases of 2026.

A near-perfect start

After 16 critic reviews on Opencritic, Well Dweller holds a score of 90, with 100% of reviewers recommending it. That places it as the fourth highest-rated game of 2026 on the site so far. Over on Metacritic, the PC version sits at a 91, though that figure is based on a smaller pool of reviews.

You can see the game in motion in its launch trailer.

What the game is about

Well Dweller is priced at £17.99 / $19.99 and is out now on PS5. The official description sets the scene: "Well Dweller is a dark fairy-tale metroidvania, full of charming characters living in a wretched kingdom. Play as Glimmer — a tiny bird armed with a matchstick — who must burn the wicked queen to save his family."

A tiny bird, a matchstick, and a wicked queen

Critics have been quick to sing its praises. Loot Level Chill awarded it 9.5/10, calling it "one of the most polished and captivating Metroidvanias I've played in years" and a must-play even in a crowded release season.

Worth Playing scored it 9/10, praising combat built on readable enemy tells and solid defensive options, tight platforming that keeps introducing fresh ideas, and exploration that stays balanced without becoming overwhelming. The reviewer also highlighted the abilities and trinkets as offering meaningful customization, noting the adventure nails both its difficulty curve and its length.

Cubed3, also at 9/10, described it as a darker take on the Metroidvania formula that blends quirky humor, rewarding exploration, and smooth movement — with helpful tools that make completion far less cryptic than most games in the genre.

What's next

Well Dweller is available right now on PS5, arriving just ahead of a packed Thursday lineup featuring Silent Hill: Townfall and Control Resonant. For Metroidvania fans weighing up their next purchase this busy season, the review consensus suggests this one deserves a spot at the top of the queue.

Source: the original publisher