Fans of intense prison escape RPGs have reason to celebrate as Back to the Dawn will finally launch on Switch 2 and Switch on March 5, 2026, publishers Clouded Leopard Entertainment and Spiral Up Games, alongside developer Metal Head Games, announced. The announcement also teased a PlayStation 5 release later in 2026, with details to follow.
This marks the next step in the journey for the game, which first appeared in Early Access on PC via Steam on November 3, 2023, and later saw a full release for Xbox Series, Xbox One, and PC on July 18, 2025.
Enhanced Experience for Switch 2 and Switch Players
The upcoming Switch 2 and Switch versions will offer enhanced localization for all subtitle languages, plus brand-new Japanese and Chinese voice acting. Fans can expect Shugo Nakamura to voice Thomas the Fox in Japanese, while Yasuhiro Mamiya will voice Bob the Panther. Additional cast announcements are planned in the coming months.
Clouded Leopard Entertainment will distribute physical editions in Japan and Asia, giving players options between a Standard Edition and a Limited Edition, each with unique features.
Limited Edition Highlights
The Limited Edition promises a premium experience for collectors:
Original newly illustrated box
Exclusive acrylic diorama stand featuring five pixel-art characters set against a prison backdrop
Original pins representing the two main protagonists
Digital art book and digital soundtrack, capturing the game’s atmospheric world
Downloadable content including the “Supporter Pack” with bonus customization items, convenience items, and limited skin sets
Limited Edition-exclusive content called “Original Item”
First-print buyers of either edition will also receive a microfiber cloth featuring the main visual and Switch 2 / Switch-exclusive “Prison Skin” DLC.
An Immersive Prison Escape RPG
Back to the Dawn is not just a game, it is an intricate prison escape thriller. Players step into the shoes of an animal inmate navigating a harsh prison life while plotting their escape. With crime, conspiracy, and hidden traps at every corner, every choice matters.
The game allows players to explore, grow, and strategize, while building relationships with other inmates. Beyond survival, the story revolves around uncovering schemes and fighting not just for personal freedom, but for the future of the city itself.
A Hardboiled Storyline
Set in a city of animals torn by corruption, players can choose between two protagonists: a wrongfully convicted journalist or an undercover investigator. Allies on the outside help gather evidence and follow leads without leaving a trace. Every step draws the player deeper into a gripping narrative of justice, betrayal, and survival.
Rich Gameplay and Content
Back to the Dawn offers over 20 hours of gameplay per protagonist, with encounters involving three powerful gangs, 47 unique inmates, dozens of NPCs, and over 100 quests. Players can experience multiple escape routes, richly branching endings, and a script exceeding one million characters.
Multiple escape strategies
Diverse character interactions
Deeply branching storylines
This level of content ensures players will encounter fresh surprises with every playthrough.
Uncover Hidden Prison Secrets
The prison may appear orderly, but danger and intrigue lie beneath the surface. Suspicious figures, mysterious noises, and locked corridors provide players with constant challenges. Gathering clues and sneaking out during lights-out are crucial for uncovering conspiracies within the prison walls.
Interact with 47 uniquely designed inmates
Explore hidden areas including the kitchen backdoor, sewers, and rooftops
Plan your moves carefully to avoid guards and rival factions
Character Growth and Customization
Players can develop skills and craft tools to match their preferred play style. Whether relying on brute force, stealth, or charm, the game provides a deep RPG experience with meaningful character growth.
Choose to be a model prisoner or a notorious troublemaker
Join a gang or operate solo
Build relationships, manipulate rivals, and rise through prison ranks
Planning the Perfect Escape
Every inch of Boulderton Prison holds secrets for those sharp enough to notice. From cells to infirmaries to the rooftops, creativity and cunning are the keys to success. Players must blend seamlessly into prison life while seeking opportunities to break free, testing both patience and strategy at every turn.
The anticipation for the Switch 2 release reflects the game’s growing popularity, as fans eagerly await new ways to experience its unique mix of thriller storytelling, complex gameplay, and rich world-building.
Back to the Dawn is shaping up to be a must-play for RPG enthusiasts and fans of crime-filled, story-driven adventures. Share your thoughts on the upcoming release and let friends know about this thrilling prison escape experience.
