Monument Valley 3 will launch on July 22, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, offering a fresh audio experience that seamlessly integrates sound into its narrative and gameplay. The developers at ustwo games have taken a distinctive approach to sound design, making every interaction feel like part of a living, responsive score.
Todd Baker, Audio Director at ustwo games, worked alongside co-composer Lucie Treacher to blend traditional music composition with interactive sound design. They aimed to create a sonic world that changes in real-time based on player actions, meaning the music isn’t just background; it evolves as you solve puzzles and manipulate the environment. The full effect is best appreciated with headphones, where the nuances really come alive.
Breaking New Ground with Sound
Unlike the previous Monument Valley titles, which featured serene ambient soundscapes, the team chose not to revisit those earlier soundtracks. Instead, they started fresh to allow new ideas to develop organically. Each level became a distinct sound installation tailored to its mood, visuals, and story beats.
They incorporated diverse global instruments such as the Bansuri flute, Gamelan chimes, and the West African Kora harp, adding cultural depth and emotion to Noor’s journey. All of this is supported by a 17-piece string section that lends grounding to the soundtrack.
Interactive Sound and Water as a Musical Element
The theme of transformation in Monument Valley 3 inspired an audio system that reacts dynamically to player movements. Using granular synthesis and virtual instruments, the architecture itself becomes a musical entity. When you rotate towers or shift blocks, the soundscape shifts with you; it’s almost like composing as you play.
Water also plays a central role, symbolizing both destruction and renewal. The team recorded a wide range of water sounds, from dripping taps to underwater ambiance, and used these as both ambient and melodic elements. Every ripple and splash is thoughtfully integrated into the experience.
A Score That Feels Tactile and Cinematic
Every interaction produces musical feedback tuned to fit the scene’s atmosphere. For example, turning a gear isn’t just a mechanical noise; it’s rhythmic and harmoniously in tune with the surrounding music. The soundscape acts like a living instrument, inviting players to improvise their own performances.
Close collaboration between audio, level design, and narrative teams made sure sound was part of the game’s DNA from the start. One standout level inspired by paper and origami features crinkling textures and lo-fi tape hiss to match its delicate visuals, creating a uniquely intimate atmosphere.
Most importantly, the soundtrack supports Noor’s emotional journey through grief, growth, and hope. Sparse strings and breathy flutes provide space for reflection, while the music swells during intense puzzles to build momentum and catharsis.
I find it fascinating how sound can profoundly shape a game’s emotional impact. Have you ever played a game where the music evoked an unexpected emotion? It’s quite powerful.
Monument Valley 3 is designed to be experienced with headphones, promising a rich auditory journey alongside its visual storytelling. The original game soundtrack is available to stream on major platforms and as a limited-edition vinyl release from iam8bit.
Fans of the series or those curious about new game audio might find this approach especially rewarding. What do you think about sound playing such a central role in a game’s narrative? Does it change how you approach puzzles or exploration?
Monument Valley 3, developed and published by BAFTA-winning independent studio ustwo games, releases worldwide for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on July 22, 2025. It’s optimized for widescreen displays, Xbox controllers, and high-fidelity audio. The game continues the story of Noor, an apprentice lightkeeper who navigates shifting environments and uncovers the Sacred Light.
The Monument Valley 1 & 2 Bundle was released for Xbox earlier this year in April, bringing the award-winning series to a new audience.
