Ladder Lad: BUCK Games and Andfood Reveal Ladder-Control 2D Platformer for 2027

BUCK Games and Andfood have revealed Ladder Lad, a 2D platformer built around a deceptively simple idea: the player controls a ladder as their character’s main (and essentially only) way to move. The game is slated for release in 2027 on Nintendo Switch and PC.

Quick facts

• Ladder Lad is a 2D platformer presented around ladder-based movement.
• Planned platforms: Nintendo Switch and PC.
• Release window: 2027 (no more specific date given).
• Developer team: BUCK Games and Andfood.
• Content estimate: more than eight hours, plus four to six hours of bonus challenges.
• Assistance options are planned for players who want a gentler difficulty curve.
• Music credits go to Antfood, highlighted as a co-developer.

Ladder Lad comes from the same creative crew behind Let’s! Revolution!, a reflection-focused roguelite that built a following on Steam three years prior to this announcement. With this new entry, the studio is switching genres while keeping the “mechanics-first” approach—here, that core mechanic is ladder physics and control.

How the ladder works as gameplay

In the world of Ladder Lad, jumping has become a lost skill. Instead, the character climbs, swings, and traverses using ladders—described as the sole weapon and the unique means of locomotion. By using both sticks on a controller, players can manipulate the ladder’s physics, including tilting, planting, and swinging it with precision.

The movement toolkit goes beyond simple climbing. Ladders can be used as makeshift bridges, as a kind of pole to help the character clear obstacles, and even as a “springboard” by adding springs for rebounds. The game also includes a sliding option, turning ladders into a way to descend slopes.

On top of the primary campaign, the developers are promising additional content: four to six hours of bonus challenges. They also say the overall package will include more than eight hours of gameplay, with difficulty support available through multiple assistance options.

Throughout the experience, players can expect numerous upgrades tied directly to gameplay. The goal, per the announcement, is to keep ladder-based movement evolving rather than staying static from start to finish.

Sound and music credits

A standout detail is the audio team behind the soundtrack. The music is credited to Antfood, and the group is prominently listed as a co-developer. Antfood is described as a studio that produces not only music but also sound design for major clients in the game space.

Ladder Lad is currently scheduled for 2027 on Nintendo Switch and PC. A specific price was not provided in the announcement, but it’s noted that pricing will be confirmed closer to release.