Pre-orders for Graveyard Keeper 2 are now live, with the sequel to Lazy Bear Games’ darkly comedic management sim set to launch on September 22nd. The announcement, made via Steam News and reported by Big Boss Battle, confirms the game will arrive on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, with early purchasers receiving exclusive in-game bonuses.
The sequel, published by tinyBuild Games, expands on the original’s formula with new automation systems, tower-defense elements, and life-simulator mechanics. For players who commit early, the pre-order incentives include a Sauna building — described as a way to “lift your own spirits after a long day” — and a fresh outfit for the Grand Inquisitor, the character players will control. Depending on the platform, the game may also carry a slight discount at pre-order.
What’s New in Graveyard Keeper 2
According to the official announcement, Graveyard Keeper 2 leans heavily into automation, allowing players to streamline their macabre operations. The game’s trailer showcases a cutesy voice guiding players through tasks like sowing seeds, sourcing “fresh ingredients,” and sending helpers on field trips — a tone that contrasts with the morbid subject matter in a way fans of the series will recognize.
The sequel also introduces tower-defense elements, adding a combat layer to the management gameplay. This builds on the original’s structure, which Big Boss Battle notes featured “the same sort of skill helper, the same town, and the same creepy yet cozy vibes.” The outlet’s earlier coverage also highlighted factory mechanics where dead bodies can be used to run machines, suggesting a deeper resource-management loop in the sequel.
Pre-Order Bonuses and Platform Availability
Players who pre-order Graveyard Keeper 2 will receive the Sauna building and the Grand Inquisitor outfit as exclusive bonuses. The Sauna serves as a recreational structure, while the outfit offers cosmetic customization for the protagonist. The announcement did not specify whether these bonuses will be available post-launch or remain pre-order exclusives.
The game is confirmed for release on September 22nd across all four platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. The announcement notes that pricing may vary slightly depending on the platform, though specific price points were not detailed in the pre-order notice.
What It Means for Fans of the Original
For players familiar with the 2018 original, Graveyard Keeper 2 appears to retain the core loop of managing a cemetery while introducing meaningful new systems. The addition of automation and tower-defense mechanics suggests a shift toward more active gameplay, while the life-simulator aspects point to expanded town-building and character interactions.
The pre-order window gives fans roughly a month to secure the bonuses before the September 22nd launch. With the game arriving on all major platforms simultaneously, the sequel is positioned to reach the broad audience that made the original a cult hit. Whether the new combat and automation systems will resonate with that audience remains to be seen, but the early trailer’s blend of cute presentation and grim subject matter suggests Lazy Bear Games is staying true to its distinctive tone.
