---
title: "Katana Zero DLC Still Alive, Now the Size of a Full Sequel"
url: "https://www.nintendoreporters.com/en/news/nintendo-switch/katana-zero-dlc-still-alive-now-the-size-of-a-full-sequel/"
description: "Katana Zero DLC update: developer says the expansion has grown to near-sequel size with an expanded soundtrack and more updates on the way for fans."
author: "Patrick Dankers"
published at: "2026-10-31 21:42:26"
image: "https://www.nintendoreporters.com/storage/files/katana-zero-dlc-still-alive-now-the-size-of-a-full-sequel.jpeg"
markdown url: "https://www.nintendoreporters.com/en/news/nintendo-switch/katana-zero-dlc-still-alive-now-the-size-of-a-full-sequel.md"
---

Katana Zero DLC Still Alive, Now the Size of a Full Sequel | Nintendo Switch News | NintendoReporters

 [![Katana Zero DLC Still Alive, Now the Size of a Full Sequel](https://www.nintendoreporters.com/storage/files/katana-zero-dlc-still-alive-now-the-size-of-a-full-sequel.jpeg "Katana Zero DLC Still Alive, Now the Size of a Full Sequel")](https://www.nintendoreporters.com/storage/files/katana-zero-dlc-still-alive-now-the-size-of-a-full-sequel.jpeg)**Summary:**

The Katana Zero DLC is very much alive. Developer Justin Stander (Askiisoft) recently posted an update on X confirming active work on the expansion and saying it’s grown far beyond the original plan. After years of silence fans will welcome that reassurance: the project’s scope has ballooned to nearly sequel-level size and it includes a significantly expanded soundtrack. A teaser trailer released during the Triple-I Initiative in April 2025 reinforced that the DLC remains free and is approaching completion. For NintendoReporters readers who own Katana Zero on Switch, recent signals matter: this isn’t vaporware but a slow-burning, passion-driven expansion. Stick around for more official updates and follow the main channels for the developer’s next posts.

---

## [](#katana-zero-developer-update-what-justin-stander-actually-said)Katana Zero – Developer update: what Justin Stander actually said

Justin Stander, the solo mind behind Askiisoft, posted a short update on X confirming he’s still actively working on the Katana Zero DLC. The message was concise but pointed: the project has expanded substantially and more news will follow. That alone matters after years of quiet — a single-line post can feel like a lighthouse when you’ve been waiting seven years. Fans have been speculating about scope creep for a while, and Stander’s message essentially confirmed that what started as a modest DLC grew into something much larger. The tone of the update was grateful and matter-of-fact, thanking supporters and promising further information rather than offering a release date. That’s both realistic and respectful for a small-team indie development process.

### [](#how-big-is-the-dlc-now-scope-and-scale-explained)How big is the DLC now – scope and scale explained

Multiple outlets that covered the teaser confirmed the DLC’s scope has grown to near the size of the base game, which explains the long development timeline. When an update balloons from a handful of levels to something approaching a full game, every part of production – level design, enemy variety, scripting, testing, and localization – multiplies. That’s especially true for a title like Katana Zero, where tight one-hit-death combat and handcrafted encounters require careful tuning. For players this means a denser, richer experience with more content to replay and master, and for players who like completionism it implies more hours of new material to discover. The flip side is patience: an expanded DLC needs time to land without bugs, and Stander’s update reflects that trade-off.

#### [](#music-and-the-soundtrack-expansion)Music and the soundtrack expansion

Music has always been a core part of Katana Zero’s identity, and the update suggests the DLC will lean into that strength with an expanded soundtrack. Whether that means dozens of fresh tracks or extended themes, the takeaway is clear: audio will play a big role in shaping the DLC’s atmosphere. New music can alter pacing, highlight new characters, and elevate combat setpieces, so hearing that the soundtrack is getting a meaningful upgrade is exciting for fans who still listen to the OST on repeat. Expect new composers and returning contributors to add fresh synthwave and darksynth textures that complement the game’s neo-noir world, making the expansion feel distinct while staying true to the original tone.

##### [](#trailer-triple-i-initiative-and-recent-proof-of-life)Trailer, Triple-I Initiative and recent proof of life

A teaser trailer shown during the Triple-I Initiative in April 2025 gave the clearest signal yet that the project is not dead. The trailer focused on atmosphere and hints: new characters, settings, and gameplay beats rather than a release window, but it did the important job of proving progress. For indie projects, a short, well-cut trailer often communicates confidence — the developer is willing to show work-in-progress footage because they want fans to know development is moving forward. The trailer also reiterated that the DLC is planned as a free update for existing owners, which is a notable promise in today’s market and one that keeps goodwill high among the player base.

## [](#why-this-matters-to-nintendoreporters-readers-and-the-nintendo-community)Why this matters to NintendoReporters readers and the Nintendo community

At NintendoReporters our audience values Nintendo-focused news and context, and Katana Zero’s DLC intersects with that audience because of the Switch port and the passionate fanbase on Nintendo platforms. News like this matters because it reduces the noise: rather than following multiple general gaming outlets, fans can look to updates and curated reporting to stay informed about Switch-related developments. The DLC’s growth suggests fresh content for speedrunners, streamers, and completionists who prefer action platformers on Nintendo hardware. It also shows the indie scene’s health — small teams can still deliver ambitious expansions that feel like full games, and that’s a win for Switch players who enjoy exclusive indie experiences on the platform.

### [](#impact-on-nintendo-switch-players-and-what-to-expect)Impact on Nintendo Switch players and what to expect

If you own Katana Zero on Nintendo Switch, expect the DLC to arrive across platforms when it’s ready, but don’t bank on a simultaneous launch window until the developer confirms it. Console certification, patches, and platform-specific testing add time, so the Switch release may follow PC or arrive alongside it depending on how Askiisoft structures the launch. The Switch’s audience is also uniquely tuned to indie hits, and an expanded DLC that lands on Switch would be a welcome addition to the system’s catalog. From a practical standpoint, follow official channels and NintendoReporters for development updates and coverage that ties the DLC to Switch-specific controls, performance expectations, and any exclusive features worth noting.

#### [](#a-short-timeline-dlc-history-from-announcement-to-trailer)A short timeline: DLC history from announcement to trailer

The DLC was first mentioned shortly after the game launched in 2019, and over the years its scope has grown, with periodic developer notes indicating continual work. By 2020 and 2021 the project had already expanded beyond initial plans, and the April 2025 teaser was the most visible public update since then. That timeline shows a typical indie arc: early promise, ambitious redesigns, and long stretches of focused solo development. For readers tracking this through our site, the important milestones are: the original announcement, periodic size increases reported by the developer, and the Triple-I Initiative teaser which reaffirmed the project’s progress. Keeping those dates in mind helps set expectations and gives context for how scope changes affect release timing.

##### [](#what-to-expect-next-and-how-to-follow-updates)What to expect next and how to follow updates

Stander’s message closed with a promise of more updates to come, which is the signal most fans want: continued transparency without false deadlines. The best way to follow is to watch the developer’s official X and Devolver channels, monitor store pages for patch notes, and check NintendoReporters for summaries and platform-relevant takeaways. Expect occasional short posts or clips rather than long developer diaries until a stable release window appears. Meanwhile, consider revisiting the base game or its soundtrack to refresh your memory — it’s a nice warm-up while waiting. If you want to be first to know, enable notifications on the official trailer and the developer’s feeds and bookmark our Nintendo News section for consolidated coverage and commentary.

##### [](#conclusion)Conclusion

This update is a welcome reminder that the Katana Zero DLC is still in development and has matured into a much larger project than originally planned. The teaser and the developer’s message point to a richer, potentially near-sequel experience with notable musical expansion. While there’s no release date yet, the signs are positive: the project is alive, being polished, and will be free for existing owners when it launches. Keep an eye on the official channels and on NintendoReporters for the next confirmed details — patience should pay off for fans when this expansion finally arrives.

##### [](#faqs)FAQs

- **Is the Katana Zero DLC still coming?**
    - Yes. The developer has confirmed ongoing work and released a teaser in April 2025 indicating the DLC is nearing completion.
- **Will the DLC be free?**
    - According to the teaser and developer statements, the DLC is planned as a free update for players who already own the base game.
- **How big is the DLC compared to the original game?**
    - Reports and developer comments say the expansion’s scope has grown substantially and is now close to the size of the base game, which explains the extended development timeline.
- **Will there be new music?**
    - Yes. The developer mentioned an expanded soundtrack for the DLC; expect new tracks that build on Katana Zero’s synth-heavy score.
- **When will the DLC release on Nintendo Switch?**
    - No release date has been announced. Platform-specific timing depends on certifications and testing, so watch official channels for a confirmed launch window.

##### [](#sources)Sources

- [Katana ZERO DLC teaser trailer, development “nearing completion”](https://www.gematsu.com/2025/04/katana-zero-dlc-teaser-trailer-development-nearing-completion), Gematsu, April 10, 2025
- [Six Years Later, Katana Zero DLC Is Still Coming And Still Free](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/six-years-later-katana-zero-dlc-is-still-coming-and-still-free/1100-6530790/), GameSpot, April 10, 2025
- [Katana Zero DLC Still Coming, It’ll Still Be Free, And It’ll Be Almost As Big As The Original Game](https://wccftech.com/katana-zero-dlc-still-coming-itll-still-be-free-and-itll-be-almost-as-big-as-the-original-game/), Wccftech, April 10, 2025
- [Katana ZERO DLC – Official Teaser Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDq3kdMRPhY), Askiisoft / Devolver Digital (YouTube), April 10, 2025

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