The Real-World Inspirations Behind Spirit of the North 2, Available Now
Summary
- Spirit of the North 2 is out now for Xbox Series X|S
- Lead Developer Tayler Christensen explores finding inspiration for the sequel and bringing more of the game’s vision to the world.
- The prequel, Spirit of the North, is available on Game Pass.
Today is the day I’ve been looking forward to for five years, the release day of our second game, Spirit of the North 2. To celebrate its launch, I’d love to share the story behind how (and why) we made this game.
A Vast World, A Tiny Hero
Back in 2016, I was at a crossroads. I was an architecture graduate training in 3D environment art, but I was also working as a general manager for an ice sculpting company. I’d always enjoyed creating spaces for people to enjoy, and that remained true through all my work. But how could my expertise in snow, ice, and environments be brought to life in a video game?
The answer came during a holiday in Reykjavík, Iceland.
The Fox Leads The Way
Iceland’s landscapes stunned me: volcanic rock fields, glacial lagoons, geothermal pools, and basalt columns that looked designed by nature. Everywhere I turned, I had the inspiration I was looking for. Stone became sentinels guarding secret passageways. Geysers became dynamic obstacles. The glaciers became slides with hidden chambers lost to time. Even the folklore seeped into my imagination, especially when I later discovered a book about Tulikettu.
The Tulikettu is what the Finnish call a fox whose tail sparks in the air, sending flames to float to the sky and form the Northern Lights, (Or The Revontulet, the ‘Fox Fires’ as the Finnish call them). This enigmatic little creature encapsulated the essence of awe, something I felt in these nordic landscapes. The idea of an Aurora touched fox that roams the lands, healing spirits and being this guardian of nordic culture was the perfect tug on all of the threads, on all of these ideas, to bring everything together.
Story and Allure
Spirit of the North grew from those artifacts: a fox’s adventure through scarred landscapes, where players uncover stories of war, lost spirituality, and environmental ruin, not through dialogue, but through exploration. The sequel expands this vision, with richer lore, deeper mysteries, and guardians like the sorrowful Stag and the brooding Raven, each hiding tales of their own.
Spirit of the North is far more than a game to me. Its world is an extension of myself, my team, and encapsulates everything that inspires and uplifts us. We hope that it’s story, music, and environment create wonderment for you. Thank you always. Spirit of the North 2 is available now on Xbox Series X|S.
Spirit of the North 2
Silver Lining Interactive
$29.99
$25.49
In an ancient world left in ruin, embark on the journey of an isolated fox far from home. With the help of a wise Raven companion, seek out the lost legendary guardians and release them from the grasp of the dark shaman Grimnir.
A VAST OPEN WORLD
Roam freely through a vast and ancient open world, rich with long-forgotten history. Explore unique and visually captivating biomes, each with its own challenges and secrets to uncover.
SEEK OUT POWERFUL RUNES
Discover potent runes that enhance your abilities as your quest takes you from dense forests, through snow-capped peaks and to dark & ancient crypts to save the lost guardians.
EXTENSIVE CUSTOMIZATION
Tailor your fox's appearance and skills to suit your playstyle, making each playthrough unique.
ANCIENT GUARDIANS
Face off against formidable foes as you save the legendary guardian beasts in thrilling, puzzle-based encounters.
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The post The Real-World Inspirations Behind Spirit of the North 2, Available Now appeared first on Xbox Wire.
