Are We Getting a New Skylanders Game? And All Your Burning Skylanders Questions Answered!
Remember Skylanders? It merged video games with collectible toys. Parents everywhere wondered about a figurine subscription. Let’s dive into Skylanders and address those questions you’ve had since 2011.
Whispers of New Skylanders Games: Fact or Fiction?
The big question: will a new Skylanders adventure come to our consoles? The rumor mill always turns. Let’s sift through the speculation and see what’s out there.
Skylanders: Animal Riders – A 2025 Dream?
Hold your horses! There’s chatter about Skylanders: Animal Riders rumored for October 4th, 2025. Imagine galloping through Skylands on something animal-like. This game might hit PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Quite the platform spread.
Supposed developers include XPEC Entertainment, Toys for Bob, Beenox, Vicarious Visions, and Imaginator Studios. Sounds ambitious! Mounting magical creatures is appealing. However, keep your expectations in check. The “Animal Riders” game remains a rumor. No official announcements from Activision or Microsoft. Don’t pre-order just yet.
Skylanders 7: ShapeShifters – The Phantom Sequel
Before “Animal Riders,” there was buzz about Skylanders: ShapeShifters. Allegedly it was in development at Toys for Bob, the studio that started the Skylanders craze. Impressive platforms included PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo “Push,” PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. This was seen as the seventh main entry after Imaginators.
Shape-shifting Skylanders? Brilliant! Imagine morphing characters into forms with unique abilities. Unfortunately, like “Animal Riders,” “ShapeShifters” exists in the land of “what ifs.” No evidence suggests this game was greenlit or near completion. For now, we’ll keep our shape-shifting dreams in our imaginations.
Skylanders: Rune Rangers – Fan-Made Fun
Now for something different: Skylanders: Rune Rangers. This is an “UNOFFICIAL fangame” by ZapNorris. Set for launch on September 6th, 2024, it boldly announces “The Skylanders Are Back!” in its tagline. Fan-made games can be a labor of love. “Rune Rangers” looks like that for fans craving more Skylanders.
ZapNorris offers two versions: a “purely toys to life” version and a “modern version.” It’s key to remember the “unofficial” part. This isn’t backed by Activision. It’s a tribute to the enduring love for Skylanders. If you’re eager for a new experience and don’t mind a fan-made option, watch for “Rune Rangers.” Just manage your expectations—it’s a passion project.
Skylanders: About to Reboot – A Blast from the Past (or Future?)
Then there’s Skylanders: About to Reboot. It claimed a September 2023 release across multiple platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PC, Amazon Luna, and… PlayStation Transporter? The PlayStation Transporter sounds science fiction. Is it a forgotten handheld project?
“About to Reboot” hints at a fresh start for the franchise. Many fans would welcome that. However, September 2023 came and went with no sign of “About to Reboot.” This appears more as an enthusiastic idea than reality. Yet, the idea of a reboot lingers, hinting at the desire for a Skylanders revival.
Skylanders: The Masterpiece Collection – Remastered Nostalgia
Lastly is Skylanders: The Masterpiece Collection, another creation by ZapNorris. This project aimed to digitally remaster the first six Skylanders games and supposedly set to release on October 16th, 2022. Imagine playing through Spyro’s Adventure, Giants, Swap Force, Trap Team, SuperChargers, and Imaginators anew.
While remastering is appealing for longtime fans, “The Masterpiece Collection,” like “Rune Rangers,” remains unofficial. Remastering six games is a monumental task for any fan. While the heart is in the right place, this collection’s potential in a polished state is uncertain. Still, kudos to ZapNorris for dreaming big!
Skylanders Franchise Status: Hiatus or Hibernation?
Let’s discuss the Skylanders franchise. There has been radio silence from Activision on the console front since Skylanders: Imaginators in 2016. That’s a long time in gaming. So what’s the status?
Franchise Hiatus: The Long Silence After Imaginators
This is officially a hiatus. After Imaginators, the main console series went dormant. Speculation regarding a seventh installment emerged, but nothing concrete came out. The toys-to-life craze had begun to fade, and the market was saturated. Activision likely decided to pause on console Skylanders and explore other routes.
Discontinuation Rumors: Is Skylanders Really Over?
The big word: Discontinued. Has Activision pulled the plug completely on Skylanders? “Discontinued” is strong. It’s more accurate to say the console series is on an indefinite hiatus. Activision hasn’t explicitly stated “Skylanders is dead,” but they also haven’t announced new console games. For now, console Skylanders sits in suspended animation—neither alive nor confirmed dead. Think of it as a long nap.
Ring of Heroes: Mobile Diversion and its Demise
For a while, it seemed Skylanders’ future lay in mobile gaming. Skylanders: Ring of Heroes, offered a mobile RPG experience in the Skylands universe. It kept the flame flickering but extinguished when Ring of Heroes shut down in 2022. Its closure fuelled perceptions of Skylanders fading away. While it provided a mobile fix, its demise shows the uncertain future beyond its classic roots.
Skylanders Academy: Season 4 – The Case of the Cancelled Cartoon
Skylanders was not just games; it spawned a Netflix series, Skylanders Academy. It entertained with witty scripts and voice actors. But even cartoons can face cancellation.
Cancellation of Season 4: No More Academy Adventures
Sadly, Skylanders Academy ended after three seasons. On April 30, 2019, Netflix announced no fourth season would happen. Fans were left wondering about Spyro, Stealth Elf, Eruptor, and the rest of the crew. Misinformation circulated as some claimed a season 4 premiered in 2022, two months after season 3—but that appears fan-made or mislabeled content.
No season 4 exists. The Academy doors are closed now. It’s unfortunate because the series expanded the Skylanders universe in another medium. If Skylanders returns someday, perhaps the Academy will also reopen.
Skylanders Toys: Still Got ‘Em? They Still Work!
One cool aspect of Skylanders was toy compatibility. You bought figures, placed them on a portal, and BAM! They appeared in-game. But what about those toys amassed over years? Are they just dust collectors?
Forward Compatibility: Your Old Toys Are Not Obsolete!
Good news, Portal Masters! All Skylanders toys are forward compatible. Every single figure ever released will work in Skylanders games that followed. Your Spyro’s Adventure figures work in Giants, Swap Force, Trap Team, SuperChargers, and Imaginators. Activision deserves praise for this commitment. Your investment wasn’t just for one game; it’s for the whole franchise. Dust off your collection—they’re ready for action!
Toys That Last: Longevity of Skylanders Figures
These toys are made to last.
last. Each Skylander figure contains an NFC chip. This chip communicates with the Portal of Power. The chips do not degrade quickly. Nothing lasts forever, but Skylanders toys are expected to last a very long time. For longevity, take them off the portal when not in use. Avoid wear by not keeping them on constantly. Treat them as you would action figures.
Resetting “Broken” Toys: Bringing Skylanders Back
Occasionally, Skylanders toys may glitch or corrupt in-game. Don’t worry, Portal Master! There’s a fix. The solution is often simple. Many issues can get resolved by resetting the toy in-game.
Most Skylanders games include an option to “reset” a Skylander in the settings or upgrade menus. This erases the toy’s in-game progress and reverts it to its original state. While you will lose levels and upgrades, it may fix corruption issues. Think of it as a reboot for your plastic friend. If a Skylander acts oddly, try resetting first.
Rarity of Skylanders: The Collector’s Hunt
Some Skylanders figures are rarer than others, just like any collectible toy line. Rarity can vary due to production runs and special editions. If you collect seriously, you know about the hunt for those elusive figures.
Some of the rarest Skylanders include Flocked Springtime Trigger Happy, Flocked Stump Smash, and Frito-Lay Fire Bone Hot Dog. Others are Gold Fire Kraken, Gold Prism Break, Metallic Purple Eye Brawl, Lightning Rod, and Wrecking Ball, Red Camo, Crystal-Clear Whirlwind, and Ro-Bow. Chase variants differ in appearance but share in-game stats with regular figures. These are most sought after and often command higher prices. Rarity equates to value, with some fetching prices from a few dollars to over $100.
Skylanders on Consoles: Compatibility Breakdown
Thinking about playing old Skylanders games on modern consoles? Here’s a compatibility overview.
Playability on PS5: Mostly Yes, But With Caveats
Can you play Skylanders on PS5? Mostly, yes. The PS5 is backward compatible with PS4 games. The later Skylanders titles, like Swap Force and Imaginators, are playable on PS5. However, there’s a small caveat.
The original Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure portal is not fully compatible with PvP or co-op in Swap Force. This affects players wanting to mix portals between games for multiplayer. Also, the PS4 version features may lack on PS5. In practice, these differences are minimal. You should enjoy the PS4-era games on PS5 without major issues. Just keep your PS5 system software updated.
Availability on Nintendo Switch: Imaginators On-the-Go
Good news for Nintendo fans! Skylanders Imaginators is available on Nintendo Switch. In fact, it was a launch title for the console, emphasizing portability. The Switch version lets you play Imaginators “anytime and anywhere.” It offers a full console experience, optimized for handheld play. If you wish to play Skylanders on a modern Nintendo system, Imaginators is your best bet. No portal is needed for the Switch version; characters unlock digitally.
PS3 Games on PS5: Not Directly Compatible
Can you play PS3 Skylanders games on PS5? Unfortunately, the answer is no, not directly. The PS5 does not support PS3 games. It cannot read PS3 discs, and digital downloads do not work.
However, there’s a workaround: PlayStation Plus Premium. This subscription service offers cloud streaming of select PS3 games, including some Skylanders titles. With a PS Plus Premium subscription and stable internet, you can stream PS3 Skylanders games on your PS5. It is not native backward compatibility but an option for old titles. Keep in mind the library is limited, and streaming quality depends on your internet connection.
Skylanders Characters and Elements: A Colorful Cast
Skylanders features a vast array of characters, each with unique abilities and elemental ties. Let’s explore the numbers and elements.
Number of Skylanders: A Whopping 175
How many Skylanders are there? There are 175 main Skylanders in the series. This includes core characters from Spyro’s Adventure, Giants, Swap Force, Trap Team, SuperChargers, and Imaginators. It does not cover variants or re-releases, just distinct core figures. Collecting them is quite the challenge and showcases the franchise’s character universe.
Elements: Ten Forces of Skylands
Each of those 175 Skylanders belongs to one of ten elements: Air, Dark, Earth, Fire, Life, Light, Magic, Tech, Undead, and Water. These elements play significant roles in gameplay. Some elemental zones are accessible only to corresponding Skylanders. Elemental matchups affect combat, with some being more effective against others. This diversity adds strategic depth to character selection.
Skylanders Movie: The Ring of Heroes – Is it Real?
A Skylanders movie? Rumors have circulated about a film adaptation for years. Let’s check the latest news.
The Skylanders Movie: The Ring of Heroes – An Upcoming… Rumor?
There is talk of a movie titled The Skylanders Movie: The Ring of Heroes, reportedly set for release in 2023. This film is described as an “action-adventure platform movie,” written and directed by John Musker and Rob Clements, known for Disney classics like Aladdin. The supposed voice cast includes stars like Chris Pine, Ryan Reynolds, and Jack Black.
Sounds exciting, right? Almost too good to be true. Unfortunately, it likely is. As of late 2024, no official announcement or credible evidence supports a Skylanders film of this scale. The listed directors and cast seem more like fan-casting than confirmed participants. The 2023 release date has passed without any movie being released. “The Ring of Heroes” seems to be a persistent rumor fueled by fan desire but lacks any basis in reality.
Skylanders Spin-off: Tracing its Spyro Roots
Did you know Skylanders is actually a spin-off? It has roots in another beloved game franchise.
Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure: From Dragon to Portal Master
Yes, Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure, the game that started it all, is a spin-off from the Spyro the Dragon series. Originally, it aimed to give a new direction to Spyro, targeting a younger audience with a toys-to-life mechanic. While Spyro is key in Skylanders, the gameplay differs from classic Spyro platformers.
Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure integrated collectible figures into an action-adventure format. Although Spyro remained central, it built a new world and cast around him. Thus, while Skylanders has ties to Spyro, it evolved into its unique entity capturing new gamers’ imaginations.
Ownership of Skylanders: Microsoft Takes the Reins
Who owns Skylanders now? The answer has changed recently.
due to major industry acquisitions.
Microsoft Owns Skylanders and Spyro IP: The Activision Blizzard Acquisition
Microsoft bought Activision Blizzard. Microsoft now owns the Skylanders and Spyro IP. This purchase included major franchises like Warcraft, Call of Duty, and Overwatch. Skylanders and Spyro are now part of Microsoft’s portfolio.
This ownership opens up possibilities for Skylanders’ future. No new Skylanders games were announced yet. There is speculation that Microsoft may work with Toys for Bob, the original developer, for a new Spyro title. It remains unclear if Microsoft will revive Skylanders, focus on Spyro, or explore other options. The ownership change starts a new chapter for both franchises under Microsoft.
Reasons for Skylanders Decline: What Led to the Hiatus?
Skylanders was very successful but lost its appeal. What led to this decline and current hiatus?
Oversaturation of Toys-to-Life Market: Too Much Plastic, Too Little Time
A key factor was the oversaturation of the toys-to-life market. Skylanders started the trend but faced competition quickly. Disney Infinity, Lego Dimensions, and Nintendo Amiibo entered the market. This led to a crowded space. Parents and consumers were overwhelmed by choices.
The novelty wore off as franchises made yearly releases. Each new release came with a new set of figures. This constant demand likely tired consumers and lowered interest in Skylanders.
Overproduction of Toys: Supply Exceeding Demand
Activision overproduced Skylanders toys. They expected continued demand and made many figures. However, interest declined, causing oversupply issues. Retailers ended up with many unsold toys. This led to significant sales drops. The large number of discounted figures hurt Activision’s finances and the brand’s value. The brand’s perception declined due to overproduction.
Additionally, the yearly game releases pressured developers to produce quickly. Critics noted lower quality in new games. New releases focused more on selling toys than creating innovative gameplay. This shift likely contributed to consumer fatigue and the franchise’s decline.
Other Skylanders Facts: Quick Bites of Skylander Knowledge
Want more about Skylanders? Here are some quick facts.
Voice Actors: The Voices Behind the Skylanders
Ever wondered who voices Skylanders? The franchise has a strong voice cast. They add personality to the characters. Voice cast details can differ by game.
Number of Players: Multiplayer Skylands Fun
Skylanders supports 1-4 players. Friends can join for cooperative play or compete head-to-head. In two-player mode, you can play together or against each other. With four players, team modes like 2 vs 2 are available, enhancing the Skylands experience.
Target Audience: Skylanders is For Kids!
The target audience for Skylanders is kids. The games aim to engage younger players. Developers involved their kids for gameplay ideas and feedback. While fun for all ages, Skylanders targets kids primarily.
Why are Skylanders Expensive? Collectibility and Features
Skylanders can be pricey. The cost is due to collectibility and NFC technology. Specific characters, especially those needed for unique in-game content, may cost more. Bundles with portals and games also raise entry costs for Skylanders.
How did Bowser Become a Skylander? Nintendo Crossover Magic!
Bowser, Mario’s enemy, is now a Skylander! Yes! In a special crossover, Bowser and Donkey Kong became Skylanders in Skylanders SuperChargers. The lore states they appeared in Skylands through a rift during a pirate attack, where they found Rift Engines that turned them into SuperChargers.
Is Mario in Skylanders? Nintendo Exclusives
Yet, after Bowser’s debut, Mario and others like Link and Yoshi also became Nintendo-exclusive Skylanders. Mario was featured only on Nintendo platforms in Skylanders SuperChargers. In game interactions, he references other gaming characters like Crash Bandicoot, blending game universes in this crossover.
Can You Jump in Skylanders? Bounce Pads to the Rescue
Skylanders cannot jump with a dedicated button. However, Skylanders games use “Bounce Pads”. These blue pads launch them to higher areas. They help with platforming challenges, directing players easily to next points, simplifying navigation.
How Many Skylanders Figures are There to Collect? Hundreds!
For collectors, there are hundreds of figures to collect. Swap Force has 93 figures; Trap Team boasts 99; SuperChargers has 150; Imaginators features 78. The amount of collectibles is vast, engaging dedicated collectors.
Is Skylanders Still Popular? Fading Popularity, Lingering Nostalgia
Is Skylanders still popular? Skylanders was once a top property. However, its appeal has dropped since the height of the toys-to-life trend. Nostalgia remains among fans, but Skylanders is not a mainstream phenomenon now. The last console game was in 2016, and development seems finished. Walmart once promoted Skylanders as a top seller, but newer analyses show declining interest in recent iterations.
Can You Play Skylanders on 3DS? Portable Portal Adventures
Yes, Skylanders games released on Nintendo 3DS. Skylanders Giants offered a unique experience compared to consoles with a different story and more focus on platform gameplay. The 3DS versions came with exclusive figures and portals for portable gamers. If you want handheld fun, 3DS titles are good options.
What is a Rare Skylander? Chase Variants and Limited Editions
Rare Skylanders often come as variants or chase editions. These figures appear different (colors or poses), but their in-game stats remain the same. Legendary, flocked, gold, and crystal variants are examples that collectors value highly due to their limited supply.
Who Made the Imaginator? Toys for Bob, The Originators
Toys for Bob, the studio behind Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure, created Skylanders Imaginators. They led the franchise from start to its latest console game.
How Long is Skylanders 1? Adventure Length
How long does it take to finish Spyro’s Adventure? It takes about 10 hours. “Main + Extras” run about 19 hours and 37 minutes. To achieve 100%, expect around 21 hours and 9 minutes. A typical playthrough is around 12 hours of adventure.
How Old is Kaos Skylanders? Villainous Age
The main villain, Kaos, is 49 years old (presumably in Skylander years). Portal Master Kaos serves as a comedic yet seasoned antagonist in the Skylands universe.
Who is the Main Skylander? Spyro Leads the Charge
While many characters exist, Spyro is
often seen as the main Skylander. He is close friends with Gill Grunt and Trigger Happy. He often leads the Skylanders when Master Eon is unavailable, solidifying his role in the franchise.
How Old is Skylander Boy and Girl? YouTube Family Ages
The YouTube channel “TheSkylanderBoy AndGirl” features a Skylanders-loving family. As of late 2024, their ages are Michael Carter (16), Lexi Carter (18), Chase Carter (13), and Shawn Carter (9). They share their Skylanders adventures, helping keep the community active.
So there you have it, Portal Masters! A comprehensive dive into the world of Skylanders, answering burning questions and sparking nostalgic memories. Will Skylanders return? Only time will tell. For now, we have countless games and toys to revisit and enjoy the memories of this innovative franchise.
