Raji: Kaliyuga shifts to third‑person with a second hero

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Nodding Heads Games has revealed Raji: Kaliyuga during the Xbox Partner Preview – a full sequel to the award‑winning Raji: An Ancient Epic. The studio positions it as a new third‑person action‑adventure rather than a simple continuation. The story picks up six years after the first game and introduces a second playable lead alongside Raji. Core systems, art direction and scope are expanding with Unreal Engine 5. A launch date was not announced.

Story setup – a cosmic conflict reignites

The sequel broadens the original’s mortal struggle into a war spanning gods, asuras and mystical forces. The ancient asura warlord Mahabalasura breaks the balance by unsealing heaven’s doors, plunging realms into conflict. Raji, now a seasoned warrior, and her younger brother Darsh – a dreamwalker tormented by visions – set out for the Eternal Summit, crossing multiple lokas. Their journey hinges on a stark choice: save the universe, or end the war by destroying it.

Two playable heroes, two lenses on the world

Dual protagonists are at the heart of Kaliyuga. Control alternates between Raji and Darsh based on story beats, with each acting as the other’s companion. This choice aims to resolve unanswered threads and foreground the series’ theme of cosmic balance.

• Raji – acrobatic martial artist wielding the divine Trishul.
• Darsh – a dreamwalker who channels Siddhis to manipulate gravity, time and energy.
• Complementary playstyles – varied combat, puzzle approaches and boss strategies that can be tailored by players.
• Dynamic pacing – perspective shifts at key moments to keep moment‑to‑moment action varied.
• Narrative duality – tone, art, music and systems adjust to reflect whether you’re playing as Raji (faith, duty) or Darsh (vision, introspection).

New perspective and tools

“Raji: Kaliyuga makes a significant leap into the third‑person action‑adventure genre.”

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The original’s dynamic isometric viewpoint gives way to third‑person, a shift the team says aligns with the evolved combat and exploration goals. Visuals retain the series’ handcrafted, Indian architecture‑inspired identity while moving to Unreal Engine 5 with advanced lighting and modular world‑building. Murals are now animated storytelling elements rather than static decor.

For newcomers and returning players

The campaign is designed as a self‑contained narrative. New players are introduced to the premise through memory murals, dialogue and environmental storytelling. Those who finished the first game will find additional emotional context, as Raji’s stance, combat cadence and quiet resolve return in an evolved form. The series’ core remains intact – faith, resilience and grace under hardship.

Status and key figures

• Revealed: during the Xbox Partner Preview.
• Timeline: no release date announced.
• Milestone: In the past year, Raji: An Ancient Epic has reached 2.5 million players globally.

Bottom line – what it means for players

Kaliyuga signals a bigger, bolder framework for Raji – a third‑person evolution with dual heroes, expanded combat options and a broader mythic canvas. If you’re new, the story stands on its own; if you’re returning, expect closure and a deeper look at the siblings’ arc. The wait for a date continues, but the direction is clear.