Hello Cryptid Catchers!
Cryptid Keeper Version 1.2.0 (release version) development is wrapping up over Christmas as we shift into final feature lock, polish, and launch prep. The game is firmly on track for an early 2026 release and I cannot wait for you to experience it.
Major Feature Changes:
Added Cryptid Breeding!
What happens if you mix a Bigfoot with Mothman? MothFoot, BigMoth?
Well now you can breed Cryptids to make wacky variants!
Zoo System Updated and Overhauled:
Fixes and updates to the zoo system have been implemented to make zoo life even more fun!
Updated Cryptid food/feeding system.
Updated Veg farming.
Visitors and pricing updates.
World Map Overhaul!
Major changes and updates to World Map.
Localised Areas to World Map - Easier to find way around.
Added Fast-Travel back to Camp - Gameplay flow improvement.
Minimap updates
HUD Updated and polished.
Story finalised and ready:
Winding storyline, with twists and turns aplenty!
Technical Fixes:
Optimization & Stability
Engine-Level Optimization: Navigation, background scene loading were refactored to reduce CPU spikes.
Code Cleanup: Code changes to better optimise gameplay/load system and several heavy loops rewritten for efficiency.
Art & Audio Polish
Final animations and code added for late-game cryptids.
Sound effects finalised - (Speech, sounds, Cryptids in Zoo)
Sound system tuned and balanced, more music added.
A Few Teasers Before Launch
Lots of enterable locations added to the map. Each with story/lore-driven gameplay.
Added CryptEx (Cryptid Exchange) where you can swap regular Cryptids for Rare, exclusive ones!)
Even more standard/rare/glowing Cryptids added!
What’s Next
The rest of winter is pure polish, QA, marketing attempts and ensuring the 1.2.0 release candidate is rock-solid. Full release is just around the corner.
Linux Version added!
With the news of the new Steam Machine release in 2026. I have added Linux (and Steam OS) version. Cryptid Keeper will be available on Steam OS (Steam Deck and Steam Machine) and modern Linux PC's! (Check requirements to check if it will run).
Final Trailer Coming Soon!
Currently working on the final release trailer, keep your eye out for it here on Steam and YouTube!
Wishlist Cryptid Keeper now on Steam!
Stay in touch:
Visit the DoubleJackdaw Website!
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays & Feliz Navidad.
Thank you.
Lee @ DoubleJackdaw
Cryptid Keeper Fun Stats...
Development Time: 2.53 years (Up to now)
Lines of code: Over 80,000
Artworks Created: Over 1700 items
Hours Spent Developing: Thousands.
Music tracks in soundtrack: Over 40 Tracks
Hairs lost on head: All