Kernel Hearts

Developer: Ephemera Games
Publisher: Whitethorn Games
Released: Sep 17, 2026
Steam reviews: 79% of players recommend it, from 309 reviews — Steam calls that “Mostly Positive”
Tags: ActionIndieRPG

View on Steam

On Linux and Steam Deck

Proton: Platinum

This game runs perfectly out of the box under Proton, per ProtonDB reports (4 reports).

Proton tier: ProtonDB · Compare 2,053 games

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Where to buy

Steam

Buy on Steam

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What owning this involves

Cloud saves · The store backs this game's saves up. That cover ends if your account does.From the store listing

Only what the store discloses. Nothing listed here means the store disclosed nothing — not that there is nothing to disclose.

Features

Single-player
Multi-player
Co-op
Online Co-op
Cross-Platform Multiplayer
Steam Achievements
Camera Comfort
Custom Volume Controls
Adjustable Difficulty
Gamepad Recommended
DualShock Controller Support
DualSense Controller Support
Stereo Sound
Surround Sound
Partial Controller Support
Steam Cloud
Family Sharing

From the game's Steam store page.

Languages

English
Japanese · full audio
Spanish - Latin America
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese

Steam lists 5 languages, 1 with full audio.

Age rating & content

DEJUS 12 · Drogas lícitas Linguagem imprópria ViolênciaThe rating board's own rating, as Steam relays it
IGRS 18 · Rokok dan/atau rokok elektronik, minuman beralkohol, narkotika, psikotropika, dan/atau zat adiktif lainnya Penggunaan bahasa KekerasanThe rating board's own rating, as Steam relays it

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About this game

The developer's description, from the game's Steam store page.

Kernel Hearts is a unique blend of action RPG and roguelike elements with multiplayer co-op. As part of the M.A.H.O.U Unit, you are tasked with climbing the Tower of Babel, eliminating the angelic creatures in your path as you dethrone God and save a world drowning in ashes.

ONE MORE GOD REJECTED

Mix and match your attacks, spells, and movement with unique powers during each run to unleash devastating combos on the enemies you encounter. Punch biblical monsters in the face with up to four friends. Each level culminates in an intense boss fight against the domain's guardian

EQUIP & CUSTOMIZE YOUR UNITS

After each expedition, you will return to the last memory backup in a laboratory located on the outskirts of humanity's last holdout. Spend the rewards from each run to unlock and equip up to 256KB of chips onto your Unit MAHOU.OS, and customize them as you see fit.

TRANSFORM INTO A MAGICAL GIRL

Harness the strength of the tower to dispel the Heavenly Curse from yourself, unleashing a devastating attack on nearby foes and attaining your true form for a short period.

BOND WITH YOUR ALLIES

Interact with the tower's unique inhabitants and give them gifts to deepen your bond.

System requirements

As Steam lists them.

Windows

Minimum

Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10 or Above
Processor: Intel Core i7-9750H @ 2.60GHz or equivalent
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or equivalent
Storage: 15 GB available space
Additional Notes: Minimum specs target 1080p gameplay on Low/Medium settings. Performance may vary during online co-op.