Waifu Discovered 3: Cyberpunk fantasy

Title: Waifu Discovered 3: Cytberpunk fantasy
Genre: Arcade Shoot ’Em Up / Bullet Hell / Anime
Platforms: PC (Steam), Consoles (TBD)
Release: Steam: 2026 (Spring)
Demo: Available on Steam
Developer: One-Hand-Free Studios
Download assets: View or Download press-kit assets
Players: 1–2 (local co-op)
Languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese

Waifu Discovered 3 is the third installment in the Waifu Discovered series, blending high-intensity arcade shoot ’em up gameplay with stylized anime presentation.

Players connect through an advanced VR interface to remotely pilot a real combat spacecraft operating inside a system controlled by rogue AI. Overwhelming bullet patterns, corrupted defense networks, and escalating (and fun!) boss encounters stand between you and the rescue of powerful heroines trapped within the compromised grid.

Built on classic shmup fundamentals, the game delivers fast-paced action, precise mechanics, and demanding difficulty while maintaining the series’ distinctive personality.

The Premise

Linked through VR to a live combat ship, you fight inside a hostile AI-controlled network to dismantle its defenses and rescue the girls held captive within its systems. Every stage intensifies the assault, blending digital interference with real-world spacecraft combat.


Gameplay Focus

At its core, Waifu Discovered 3 is a skill-driven arcade shooter. Bullet density increases progressively, boss encounters feature multi-phase attack patterns, and success depends on positioning, reaction speed, and mastery of mechanics.

While the series embraces playful fanservice aesthetics, the gameplay is designed first and foremost as a genuine challenge for shoot ’em up players.

The game can be fully enjoyed in its complete censored mode, ensuring a satisfying and balanced experience regardless of visual presentation.


Key Features

• All the way from easy to hardcore fast-paced arcade-style shoot ’em up gameplay
• VR-framed narrative with real-world spacecraft control
• Dense and escalating bullet patterns
• Multi-phase boss battles with evolving AI behavior
• Eight unique heroines with individual backstories
• Unlockable gallery progression system
• Fully Censored Mode for safe streaming on major platforms
• One hand / One finger game mode


Platform & Content Approach

One-Hand-Free Studios develops the series with clearly defined content boundaries from the earliest design stages. Each title is structured to remain within stylized ecchi territory without crossing into explicit or pornographic content.

Platform guidelines are treated as part of the design framework rather than a limitation. Gameplay systems and visual presentation are carefully aligned with console and regional standards while preserving the identity of the series.

Where policies allow, such as on Steam in applicable territories, versions may retain the series’ full stylized aesthetic within permitted guidelines.


Streaming & Content Creation

Waifu Discovered 3 includes a Fully Censored Mode, allowing safe streaming on major platforms while preserving gameplay intensity.

We actively support streamers and content creators and may feature community streams during promotional events.


About the Series

The Waifu Discovered series began in 2019 on PC and later expanded to Nintendo Switch via publisher EastAsiaSoft. From the beginning, the franchise has combined arcade-inspired shooting mechanics with character-driven progression and a lighthearted tone.

Waifu Discovered 3 is the most ambitious entry to date, introducing 3D elements and a brand-new engine that allows more customization overall.


Development & Production: Note on Generative AI

Waifu Discovered 3 has been in development for nearly three years.

At a time when generative tools are increasingly used in game development, One-Hand-Free Studios chose to rely exclusively on human artists and developers for all visual assets and design work.

This decision was made to support and preserve handcrafted artistic work. One-Hand-Free Studios does not use generative AI prompt-based systems for visual asset creation.

All artwork is produced by human artists to ensure creative integrity, stylistic consistency, and full authorship behind every element of the game.

A playable demo is available on Steam and is being featured during Steam Next Fest 2026 (Feburary)

Community feedback is actively shaping balance, pacing, and polish. Thanks to their feedback, the game gets more polish and leans a bit towards what the community wants.


Featured Characters

  • Elektra (24) – Colonial Marine
    A frontline soldier from the Xenochrysalis War, hacked mid-combat.
  • Nyx (21) – Kunoichi
    A master ninja whose precision skills are now compromised by system corruption.
  • Astra (24) – Mecha Pilot
    A prodigy pilot battling a Trojan
    inside her own control systems.
  • Clarity (28) – Netrunner
    A digital infiltrator trapped under a massive DDoS attack.
  • Priya (34) – Space Marine
    A veteran soldier fighting to regain control of her compromised battle suit.
  • Lyra (35) – Space Maiden
    Sealed within alien tech, waiting to be freed.
  • Minka (33) – Laser Huntress
    Armed with a massive cannon, holding the line against swarming enemies.
  • Moxie (26) – Cyber Cop
    A neon street enforcer targeted by criminal syndicates.

About One-Hand-Free Studios

One-Hand-Free Studios is an independent developer focused on creating arcade-inspired experiences that combine mechanical challenge with stylised anime presentation. The studio prioritizes gameplay depth, technical refinement, and respectful alignment with platform standards.

Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@one-hand-free-studios

Waifu Discovered games on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/45639442