Grow, Fight, and Explore in Nectarmancer
Indie developer The Beauty Cult is bringing its unusual action-platformer Nectarmancer to The MIX Fall Showcase 2026 in Seattle, giving players another look at its plant-powered take on the Metroidvania genre.
Developed in partnership with Beep Japan Inc., Nectarmancer combines fast-paced acrobatic combat with exploration, plant cultivation, genetic engineering, and a connected world filled with secrets. The developers describe this unique formula as “Gardenvania,” putting plants at the heart of both progression and gameplay.
Players take control of Aisa, a prisoner forced to join the Collection Corps and venture beyond THE THRONE’s walls in search of Nectar, a mysterious substance that keeps the realm running. However, her mission quickly turns into something much bigger as she encounters hostile spirits, collapsing ecosystems, and dangerous experiments that have transformed nature into deadly weapons.
As Aisa explores the Wilds, she gradually uncovers clues suggesting that the world’s destruction may not be a natural disaster after all. Plants also play a major role throughout Nectarmancer, allowing players to discover rare species, preserve genetic traits, and breed powerful hybrids. These creations can then be used as living weapons and tools during Aisa’s journey.
Combined with the game’s agile combat system, plant abilities offer different ways to defeat enemies, take down bosses, access hidden areas, and navigate the Wilds.
Nectarmancer certainly looks like an interesting twist on the familiar Metroidvania formula, and The MIX Fall Showcase should give players a closer look at what this “Gardenvania” adventure has to offer.