Preview: Wheel World | Out This Month

Nidhogg creators has announced that their open-world cycling adventure Wheel World will launch on 23rd July 2025. The game will be available on Xbox Series X|S as part of Game Pass, PlayStation 5, and PC, with a new trailer premiering during the PC Gaming Show that showcases previously unseen locations players will explore on two wheels.

Saving the Universe, One Pedal at a Time

Wheel World casts players as Kat, a young cyclist tasked with preventing the collapse of the titular world. This premise provides the foundation for what Messhof describes as an “easy-going, open world biking adventure” that balances relaxed exploration with high-stakes racing competition.

The game promises a diverse range of environments, from rolling countryside to bustling urban areas, all designed to be experienced at cycling pace. This approach to open-world design could offer a refreshing change from the typical vehicle-based exploration found in most games, encouraging players to appreciate environmental details at a more human scale.

Customisation and Competition

Central to the Wheel World experience is bike customisation, with players able to scour the world for rare parts to build their ideal ride. The system appears comprehensive, allowing for both aesthetic personalisation and performance tuning, with options ranging from “sleek speedsters to off-road beasts” depending on player preference and terrain requirements.

Racing forms a core component of the gameplay, with players competing against “elite cycling teams and quirky rivals” in what are described as high-stakes races. The mention of “colorful cast of bike gangs” suggests that Wheel World embraces a more stylised, arcade approach to cycling rather than simulation realism.

The Great Shift Ritual

The overarching narrative revolves around recovering stolen Legendary parts to perform “The Great Shift ritual” and save the world. This quest structure provides clear progression goals whilst maintaining the game’s lighter tone, with Messhof noting the world-saving mission is “no big deal” in their characteristic tongue-in-cheek style.

The soundtrack comes from Italians Do It Better, promising to energise both racing sequences and exploration moments. Given Messhof’s track record with audio design in their previous titles, the musical component could be a significant factor in the overall experience.

Accessible Adventure

With an estimated completion time of 4-6 hours, Wheel World appears designed as a focused experience rather than an endless time sink. This approach aligns with Messhof’s previous work, which has consistently prioritised tight, polished gameplay over sprawling content.

A demo remains available on Steam for those wanting to sample the cycling mechanics before the full release. The inclusion on Game Pass from day one should also provide easy access for Xbox players curious about this unique take on open-world adventure gaming.

Wheel World represents an intriguing departure from Messhof’s typically competitive fighting games, suggesting a studio comfortable with exploring new genres whilst maintaining their distinctive design sensibilities.