Indie developer poncle has announced Vampire Survivors is getting its first free expansion pack inspired by the Square Enix-developed SaGa franchise.

The new “Emerald Diorama” expansion pack, based on the latest game in the series SaGa Emerald Beyond, is now available for the popular survival-action game for all platforms, entirely free.

“We have another big surprise for SaGa fans: a collaboration between Vampire Survivors (yes, that Vampire Survivors!) and SaGa Emerald Beyond,” said SaGa series general director Akitoshi Kawazu in a press release. “You may be wondering what could have possibly brought a bullet hell, survival roguelike and SaGa together. This collaboration was realized thanks to Luca from poncle being a fan of the SaGa franchise. I would never have imagined that SaGa would continue to expand in this way, so at the same time as being totally surprised, I feel a new, fresh kind of joy.

“To the SaGa fans out there who haven’t experienced Vampire Survivors yet: please seize this opportunity to jump in and enjoy Vampire Survivors. And I would love for Vampire Survivors fans to try playing SaGa Emerald Beyond as well. But first, let’s enjoy Vampire Survivors: Emerald Diorama. I’m going to be playing too – until my fingers hurt!”

SaGa series producer Masanori Ichikawa added, “Firstly, I’m truly delighted that this day has arrived. Thank you so much to Luca and all the creators at poncle for your love of SaGa Emerald Beyond. I’ll also be diving in and enjoying this collaboration!”

Here’s a rundown on the new update, plus a trailer:

In a universe where a single level up choice can change everything, the SaGa: Emerald Beyond characters stand shoulder to shoulder with the Vampire Survivors, united to face their next adventure together. Will the Vampire Survivors be graced by the presence of a vampire? We doubt it, but never say never.

As the Junction opens, the Vampire Survivors are thrust into a strange system of interconnected worlds, from a wondrous enchanted witchdom to a sinister realm of bloody nightmares. Equipped with the power of Glimmers and befriended by those that understand this strange universe better than anyone, onward they step in to the unknown; united in cause, wanting to survive, and bereft of fear. Well maybe a little bit of fear.

12+ New characters

An eclectic cast of bizarre SaGa protagonists join the Survivors, including:

• Tsunanori Mido – A fate-forged master of Kugutsu combat puppets.
• Ameya Aisling – An undercover witch searching for her lost magic (and cats)
• Bonnie & Formina – A duo of daring detectives who fight side-by-side with fists and firearms.
• Diva No.5 – A songstress mech forsaken for singing a forbidden melody, travelling between different worlds (and robotic bodies) to rediscover her memories.
• And Many More! – including a teacher of heroes, an Emperor unthawed, and a Dismal King with some bloodthirsty tendencies…

16+ New Weapons & the Glimmer mechanic

40 new ways to attack, including base weapons, evolutions, and the sensational Glimmer mechanic from the SaGa series. Whenever you attack with these weapons, there’s a chance to spontaneously learn a special technique through the Glimmer system. Swords, magics, punches, and missiles: all the variety of SaGa gets represented!

• Fleuret – stab enough encroaching enemies and you’ll Glimmer the Crystalline Carve, letting you freeze foes whilst cutting them down.
• Pressure Point – unleash a barrage of martial arts blows at close range to Glimmer the far-reaching fire jab Shenlong Firefist.
• Hecaton Machine Gun – shoot a blistering salvo of interestingly inaccurate bullets to Glimmer the Bombarding Fire technique, blasting baddies with a massive upheaval of the earth.
• Hyperion Bazooka – master these high-power missiles that explode as they penetrate through hordes of foes to Glimmer the Cosmic Rave to massively multiply your firepower.

Character Parties

No JRPG DLC is complete without a squad of odd allies to pal around with. Level up Tsunanori Mido to summon up to 4 Kugutsu combat puppets, fighting independently with their own weapons in a defensive cross formation. Pick either Bonnie or Formina to play as both intrepid investigators, combining punches and pistols for a powerful partnership. And in the darkness of Yomi, rumours swirl of a Dismal King who can enthral defeated foes to make his own army of allies…

Showstopper

Survivors never give up! When a SaGa character reaches critical HP they fight back from the brink with a Showstopper, a brief burst of bonus Might, decreased Cooldown, and a little extra Luck to help them survive whatever precarious situation you’ve put them in with a tempest of powered-up projectiles.  

A New World-Weaving Stage

Follow the Emerald Wave through a diorama of interwoven worlds, the perfect setting to walk sideways while mowing down masses of unusual monsters and bonkers bosses.

Remixes of Stupendous SaGa: Emerald Beyond Tracks

• A Fierce Engagement
• A Quick Warm-Up
• Against All Odds
• CCPD, Moving Out!
• Darkness Incarnate
• Emerald Destinies
• Feel The Beat
• The World’s Heartbeat
• Yumeha, Chipper As Ever!

Vampire Survivors has been available for Windows PC (via Steam and the Microsoft Store), Xbox consoles, both Xbox and PC Game Pass, Switch, PS4, PS5, and smartphones.