The Budget Cuts series is getting a sharp twist. Instead of continuing down the path of office-themed stealth, the new entry pivots into myth and magic, mixing Nordic influences with a roguelite structure. It’s called Budget Cuts Ultimate, and it looks like a full reset of the series tone.
This isn’t just a re-release. While it pulls from the first two Budget Cuts titles, it also introduces procedural generation, melee combat, and a two-player co-op mode. What started as a satirical VR stealth sim now leans into something closer to fantasy action.
Shift to roguelite structure with procedural levels
The most visible shift is the new roguelite format. Instead of progressing through linear chapters, players move through procedurally generated zones. Each run reshuffles environments and enemy placements, bringing more replay value and unpredictability to a formula that used to rely on memorization.
Permadeath isn’t in the hardcore sense, but the game resets progress between sessions, encouraging players to improve through repetition. This change lines it up with other VR roguelites like Until You Fall, but still rooted in teleportation-heavy movement. The addition of randomized loot and enemy layouts moves the experience closer to a run-based arcade structure, rather than the slow-burn pacing of the earlier games.
Teleportation remains central to movement and combat
Despite all the changes, the series’ signature teleportation mechanic is still in place. Players aim and warp between surfaces to navigate, dodge, or flank enemies. It’s what set Budget Cuts apart originally, and that core design remains intact.
This version builds on it with more verticality and tighter combat scenarios. Movement is still smooth and nausea-friendly, but the challenge now comes from faster decision-making and managing limited space in procedurally generated rooms. Combat also expands beyond sneaking and throwing objects. Players can now wield weapons in more direct encounters, suggesting a shift from pure stealth to stealth-optional tactics.
Norse theme and new setting replace corporate satire
Instead of the sterile offices and robots of the original games, Budget Cuts Ultimate pulls from Norse mythology for its art and tone. Environments are darker and more atmospheric, with runes, snowy forests, and glowing artifacts replacing cubicles and vending machines.
The shift in setting isn’t just visual. It creates space for different enemy types and powers, blending myth with tech in a way that feels distinct from the previous titles. The humor is still there, but more subdued and woven into the world rather than built into corporate absurdity. This change could open the door to more narrative freedom, moving away from parody toward something closer to stylized fantasy.
Co-op support adds a new dynamic
One of the more unexpected additions is online co-op. Two players can tackle levels together, working through combat and exploration side by side. It’s a big leap from the solo-only nature of the original games. Co-op adds coordination into the moment-to-moment gameplay, potentially making the stealth elements feel more improvised and chaotic. Timing teleports or distracting enemies as a pair changes how you approach each encounter.
VR co-op in stealth settings is still rare, so it’ll be interesting to see how balanced this mode is when it launches.
Coming to Quest and SteamVR with cross-platform play
The game is confirmed for Meta Quest and SteamVR, with cross-play between platforms. That’s essential for a co-op experience, especially in a genre where player populations can thin out quickly.
Performance will likely vary between platforms, but the developers have shown experience optimizing for standalone headsets. Expect visual concessions on Quest, but the teleport-based gameplay should translate well.
The broader question is whether this new identity lands with players who knew Budget Cuts as a stealth comedy. This version is clearly aiming for broader appeal, without losing the quirks that made the original stand out.
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