Shantae and the Seven Sirens hair-whips onto Xbox this December

It is a rare franchise that survives two decades largely by having its protagonist whip enemies with a purple ponytail, but Shantae has never been one for convention. While the series began its life as a late-cycle Game Boy Color rarity, it has since become a staple of the modern 2D platforming landscape.

According to a listing on the Xbox Store, the latest entry, Shantae and the Seven Sirens, is scheduled to launch on Xbox consoles on December 18, 2025. This marks the fifth main installment for WayForward’s half-genie hero, bringing the tropical adventure to Microsoft's hardware.

Fusion Magic and Metroidvania Maps

The store listing describes an "expansive, interconnected world above and below the sea," which confirms the series is sticking to the non-linear exploration structure fans expect. The primary mechanical addition for this entry is "Fusion Magic," a system that allows players to instantly change between new creature forms. This appears to be a snappier alternative to the traditional transformation dances found in previous games, though purists will be relieved to know the listing confirms you can still "belly dance to activate machinery, restore health, and more."

WayForward notes that this is Shantae's "biggest, most thrilling quest yet," featuring multiple towns and more labyrinths than previous titles. The game also includes "gorgeously animated TV-style cutscenes," continuing the studio's trend of high-quality 2D animation work.

Collectibles and Cast

For those who enjoy staring at stat screens, the game introduces a "Monster Cards" system where players collect and power up abilities. The narrative brings back the standard ensemble cast, including Rottytops, Sky, Bolo, and the perennial antagonist, the pirate Risky Boots.

The release of Seven Sirens on Xbox ensures that the Shantae library remains accessible on modern hardware. In an era where 2D action-platformers are often relegated to smaller indie projects, WayForward's commitment to keeping this specific style of character-driven adventure alive is notable. If you have been waiting to traverse a sunken city while whipping monsters with hair, mark your calendar for December 18.