Katana Zero DLC Grows to Full Sequel Size After Seven Years of Development

The long-awaited Katana ZERO DLC has grown to the size of a full sequel, according to creator Justin Stander. The expansion remains in development more than seven years after the original game's release, with its soundtrack now featuring over 30 new songs.

Stander shared the update on October 22, 2026, confirming that work is continuing on the project. Despite its increased scope, the new content is still being developed as DLC rather than a standalone sequel. Askiisoft has not announced a release date.

The DLC was first announced shortly after Katana ZERO launched in April 2019. What began as additional content gradually expanded into a much larger project, with Askiisoft repeatedly revising its planned scope.

By March 2021, the expansion had grown to six times its original size. Stander described it as closer to Katana ZERO 1.5 than traditional DLC, with additional levels, enemies, bosses, gameplay mechanics, and story content.

The developer provided another update in April 2025, announcing that the expansion was nearing completion. A new trailer also showed more of the upcoming content, which continues Zero's story and explores his mysterious past.

Stander's latest description suggests the project has grown further, although he has not revealed its expected playtime, number of levels, or other specific details about its current size.

Alongside the larger scope, Stander confirmed that the expansion's soundtrack will feature more than 30 new songs. Music was a major part of the original game's presentation, accompanying its fast-paced sword combat and story sequences.

The 2025 reveal also confirmed that the DLC would introduce new characters, levels, gameplay, and story content. However, the October 2026 update did not provide a detailed breakdown of additional mechanics or explain how the expansion's latest increase in size will affect those plans.

Askiisoft has repeatedly promised that the expansion will be free for existing Katana ZERO owners. The developer reaffirmed that commitment in April 2025 through an official teaser, which confirmed that the DLC was still in development and would remain free.

Stander's October 2026 announcement did not address pricing, leaving the previously announced free-release plan without a new confirmation following the expansion's growth. The developer also has not provided a release window or confirmed whether the DLC will arrive simultaneously across the game's existing platforms.

Stander has promised more development updates, but has not specified when further information will be shared.