- Steam Release: Play the newly optimized non-VR version of moss the forgotten relic steam starting July 16, 2026.
- Dual Controls: Guide Quill with standard movement keys while manipulating environmental objects as the Reader.
- Integrated DLC: Enjoy the full adventure containing Book I, Book II, and the Twilight Garden expansion.
- Optimization Tips: Achieve stable performance on PC and Steam Deck with our verified graphics configuration.
Moss the Forgotten Relic Steam Launch and Platforms
Polyarc Games is officially launching the moss the forgotten relic steam edition on July 16, 2026, for a base price of $19.99. This release represents a massive milestone for the franchise, accumulating over 100,000 Steam wishlists prior to launch. Unlike previous iterations of the series, this package is a dedicated flat-screen reimagining designed specifically for standard monitors and handheld displays. It completely removes the requirement for a virtual reality headset while incorporating advanced rendering techniques and revised control schemes.
The compilation brings together three massive pieces of content: the original Moss campaign, the Twilight Garden expansion, and the complete Moss: Book II sequel. Players can experience the entire story of Quill and the Reader in one seamless package.
| Platform | Release Date | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam | Jul 16, 2026 | $19.99 | Keyboard support, Steam Cloud, Achievements, 4K resolution |
| Steam Deck | Jul 16, 2026 | $19.99 | Officially Verified, native handheld controls, optimized UI |
| PlayStation 5 | Jul 16, 2026 | $19.99 | Redesigned camera presentation, enhanced haptics, non-VR |
| Xbox Series X/S | Jul 16, 2026 | $19.99 | Smart Delivery, 4K Ultra HD, 60 FPS+, cloud saves |
| Nintendo Switch | Jul 16, 2026 | $19.99 | Free upgrade to native Switch 2 version, portable mode |
This flat-screen edition is built from the ground up for standard controllers and mouse-and-keyboard inputs. You do not need a PlayStation VR, HTC Vive, or Oculus Rift headset to play.
Dual-Control System and Beginner Guide
The core mechanic of this adventure revolves around the unique partnership between two distinct entities: Quill, a brave young mouse who handles platforming and melee combat, and the Reader, a giant magical presence controlled directly by the player. Succeeding in this world requires you to coordinate both characters simultaneously.
Quill is controlled using standard directional inputs for running, jumping, dodging, and attacking. Meanwhile, the Reader uses a mouse cursor or controller analog stick to grab heavy blocks, rotate ancient mechanisms, heal Quill during battle, and restrain hostile Arcane forces.
| Action | Keyboard & Mouse | Controller (Xbox / PS) | Gameplay Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quill Move | WASD | Left Analog Stick | Controls Quill's walking, running, and climbing |
| Quill Jump | Spacebar | A Button / Cross | Used for platforming and crossing short gaps |
| Quill Attack | Left Click | X Button / Square | Performs basic sword swings and melee combos |
| Quill Dodge | Shift | B Button / Circle | Evades enemy attacks and moves out of danger zones |
| Reader Interact | Right Click + Drag | Right Trigger + Analog | Moves blocks, heals Quill, and controls Arcane units |
Select Book I to Start
Begin your journey by selecting Book I from the main menu. This introduces you to Quill and the foundational puzzle mechanics in the correct narrative order.
Master Dual Character Controls
Practice moving Quill with your left hand while simultaneously controlling the Reader's magical cursor with your right hand to clear obstacles.
Analyze the Environment
Search for scratch marks on ledges and walls. These visual indicators highlight climbable surfaces and movable puzzle objects.
Utilize Arcane Enemies
Do not destroy every enemy immediately. Use the Reader's cursor to hold beetle-like Arcane units and place them on active pressure plates.
Keep an eye out for visual cues in the background. The developers have hand-painted scratches on walls and ledges to indicate exactly where Quill can climb or jump.
Complete Walkthrough and Chapter Progression
The narrative is structured as a living storybook. For the most coherent experience, players should complete Book I first, enter the Twilight Garden portals as they appear, and then transition directly into the expanded world of Book II.
The game features regular autosaving at the beginning of each diorama screen. If Quill falls in battle or misses a platforming jump, she will immediately respawn at the entrance of the current room without any loss of progress.
| Book & Section | Chapters Included | Primary Objective | Core Gameplay Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Book I: Opening | Chapters 1 to 2 | Establish Reader bond, leave home | Basic movement, simple switches, early combat |
| Book I: Ruins | Chapters 3 to 5 | Cross Mire Temple, find portals | Pressure plates, raising platforms, puzzle solving |
| Twilight Garden | Portals 1 to 3 | Complete optional trials, earn gear | Advanced challenge rooms, hidden path revelation |
| Book I: Finale | Chapters 6 to 7 | Push through Sarffog's Domain | Fast-paced platforming, chase sequences, boss fight |
| Book II: First Half | Chapters 1 to 4 | Gather allies, gain Nature power | Growing climbing vines, managing larger dioramas |
| Book II: Last Half | Chapters 5 to 9 | Navigate Pinnacle, defeat Tylan | Charged weapon puzzles, mirror routing, final bosses |
Make sure to enter the hidden portals in Chapters 3, 4, and 5 of Book I. Completing these trials early rewards you with advanced equipment that makes the final chapters much easier.
Weapons, Traversal Abilities, and Combat Strategies
As the journey progresses, Quill's combat tools and the Reader's magical abilities expand significantly. Book II introduces multiple weapons that can be swapped on the fly, allowing you to solve complex environmental puzzles and defeat armored enemies.
The Reader can also assist directly during combat. By grabbing an enemy, you can prevent them from attacking Quill or even force them to shoot at their own allies.
The Melee Sword
- Primary weapon for fast, close-range combat.
- Upgraded in Book II with the powerful Sword Dash ability.
- Essential for cutting ropes and crossing wide gaps.
The Ranged Chakram
- Obtained during Sahima's journey in Book II.
- Perfect for striking distant switches and remote targets.
- Can be charged with Reader assistance for high damage.
Cariel's Heavy Hammer
- Slow, crushing strikes ideal for armored enemies.
- Triggers the Hammer Trap to slow down fast targets.
- Destroys heavy barricades blocking optional routes.
If you find the combat encounters or boss fights too challenging, you can enable the Skip Combat option from the pause menu at any time to focus purely on the story and puzzles.
Collectibles, Technical Performance, and FAQs
For completionists, the game features dozens of hidden collectibles. Finding these items requires thorough exploration of every diorama. Look behind foreground structures, examine high ledges, and use the Reader's powers to reveal hidden paths.
On the technical side, the Steam version is highly optimized, requiring only 15 GB of storage space. It is officially Steam Deck Verified, running at a locked 60 frames per second on handheld devices with optimized text readability and controller mapping.
Key Collectibles and Secrets:
- Collect 31 Forgotten Fragment Scrolls in Book I to restore the stained-glass artwork
- Locate all 3 Twilight Garden portals hidden in Chapters 3, 4, and 5
- Gather 48 Stained-Glass Fragments across the 6 major realms in Book II
- Break every crate and barrel to collect Relic Dust for unlocking secret armor shrines
- Use Chapter Select to clean up missed items after completing the main story
For optimal battery life on the Steam Deck, set the in-game resolution to 1280x800, enable FSR, and lock the system refresh rate to 60Hz. This ensures a perfectly smooth experience.
Q: Does Moss: The Forgotten Relic require a VR headset on Steam?
No, this version is a complete flat-screen reimagining of the original games and is fully playable with a controller or keyboard and mouse.
Q: Can I play Book II immediately without finishing Book I?
Yes, both books are unlocked from the start, but playing Book I first is highly recommended to understand the story and master the puzzle mechanics.
Q: What is the purpose of the Skip Combat accessibility option?
Skip Combat allows you to bypass difficult battle sequences and boss fights to focus entirely on story and puzzles. However, you must still interact with enemies required for solving environmental puzzles.
Q: How long does it take to complete the entire package on Steam?
A standard playthrough of Book I, Book II, and the Twilight Garden DLC takes roughly 9 to 10 hours. Completing all collectibles and achievements adds several more hours.