Kirby, the pink puffball hero, has always been known for his cheerful adventures that anyone can pick up and enjoy. But for players who wished the series offered a bit more challenge, the new Star-Crossed World expansion for Kirby and the Forgotten Land on the Nintendo Switch 2 feels like the answer. This downloadable content (DLC) adds a new layer of complexity to the 3D platformer without losing the sense of fun and charm that makes Kirby so beloved.
Key Takeaways
- The Star-Crossed World expansion adds 12 new “Starry Stages” to the base game.
- The expansion introduces three new Mouthful Modes and a new type of collectible called “Starries.”
- The content presents a slightly higher difficulty level compared to the main game.
- Players can buy an upgrade for their existing Switch version or purchase the full Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
The expansion, Star-Crossed World, comes as part of Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Developed by HAL Laboratory, the Japanese studio known for guiding Kirby since the very beginning, it continues their approach of making games that are easy to jump into yet rewarding for those who want more depth. This expansion leans a little more toward that depth.
The story begins right after the first world of the original game. A meteor crashes and scatters glowing blue crystals called “Starries” across the land. Kirby’s task is to collect these crystals and uncover a new mystery. Instead of creating completely new worlds, the DLC integrates 12 additional “Starry Stages” within the six worlds from the base game. They borrow visual themes from their surroundings but introduce fresh layouts, puzzles, and obstacles that change up how players approach them.
Gameplay now demands sharper precision and awareness. The stages push Kirby’s abilities further, often requiring clever use of the new Mouthful Modes such as the spring or gear. The gear transformation in particular lets Kirby roll across walls and slip through separated surfaces, creating puzzle possibilities the original game never fully explored. If you remember Wild Mode from the base game, which served as a harder option, this expansion feels like the natural next step.
That said, it is not about a sudden leap in difficulty. The challenge increases gradually, focusing more on puzzle-solving and exploration than on punishing combat. Bosses in the main game were sometimes seen as too easy, but here the real test comes from finding hidden Starries and working through more complex stage layouts. For a series that has occasionally been labeled as “too easy,” this shift feels refreshing.
The Switch 2 Edition also benefits from the hardware upgrades. The game now runs at a steady 60 frames per second and can reach full 4K resolution when docked. Considering the original Switch version often dipped to 30 fps, this improvement makes the action feel smoother and gives Kirby’s colorful world an even more vibrant look.
In the end, Star-Crossed World is a thoughtful addition to an already strong game. It offers just enough new content and challenge to re-energize Kirby and the Forgotten Land for returning players. More importantly, it shows that Kirby can evolve and offer deeper experiences without losing the lighthearted charm that has always defined the series.
FAQs
Q: What is the release date of the Star-Crossed World expansion?
A: The Star-Crossed World expansion for Kirby and the Forgotten Land was released on August 28, 2025, as part of the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
Q: Do I need the original Kirby and the Forgotten Land game to play this expansion?
A: Yes, the Star-Crossed World expansion is part of the Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. You can either purchase the full new edition or an upgrade pack for your original game.
Q: Does the expansion add new Copy Abilities?
A: The expansion adds three new Mouthful Modes: Spring, Gear, and Sign. It does not introduce any new standard Copy Abilities like the Sword or Fire abilities.
Q: Is the expansion available on the original Nintendo Switch?
A: No, the Star-Crossed World expansion is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2.
