Spyro’s next game adds full flight, expands levels

Toys for Bob says the next main Spyro game, Spyro: A Realm Beyond, will give Spyro full flight for the first time in the main series. The change replaces the series’ glide mechanic and will affect how levels are built. Activision will publish the title, which is due in 2027 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows and Xbox Series X|S.

The developer told reporters that flight required a redesign of levels to balance aerial movement with traditional platforming. Teams increased vertical space and added larger, more open areas and climbable surfaces so flying fits alongside running, charging and jumping.

Associate Creative Director Paul Yan described the design goal as expanding movement while preserving the original feel: “The core of what we fell in love with with Spyro is the fluidity of his movement. That includes running around, charging, finding these nice lines, jumping at the right time, and then gliding to points. We want flight to be an extension of that. So now it’s a larger part of that kit and that active decision-making as you’re going through a space that is purposely built for this expanded kit.” Yan said the team worked to make flight enhance platforming rather than replace it.

Yan added that the ability to take off at a moment’s notice increased the required scale of environments and introduced new design questions, since players can now reach and explore areas that were previously inaccessible.

Designer Lou Studdert emphasized exploration as a core focus: “Exploration is a key tenet. We want to make sure that you are scouring these environments for things that you need or want and want to collect. Obviously, gems are an absolutely foundational part of that.” The team expects players to spend more time examining small corners of each area.

Spyro: A Realm Beyond is billed as the next main entry and the first original Spyro game since 2008. Toys for Bob plans to use the expanded movement and redesigned levels to update controls and world design for current consoles and PC.