Kirby Star Allies is getting its next major update on July 27. Daroach, Dark Meta Knight, and the recently-revealed Adeleine & Ribbon will all be added as new Dream Friends.

Level design director Yuki Endo has shared a few words about the inclusion of Adeleine & Ribbon. His comments touch on the characters’ long-awaited return, their abilities, and more. Endo also confirms that Kirby 64 stages will be available after completing the main story with Adeleine & Ribbon, including “a very memorable map at the end which fans may remember”. Endo adds that the update “introduces plenty of new game elements.”

Below is the full message from Endo:

In addition to Daroach and Dark Meta Knight making their entrance with the second free update, there is, in fact, another Dream Friend duo ready to enter the spotlight: a pair whose presence has been long missed, it’s Adeleine & Ribbon from Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards!

Adeleine has the ability to bring anything that she paints to life, and Ribbon the fairy possesses a mysterious power that allows her to fly. These two have a really dedicated, long-time fanbase. Back in Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, they played an important role in the story, but you weren’t able to control them yourself. Now that they’ve become Dream Friends, they can be player-controlled for the first time ever!

Adeleine and Ribbon fight using their unique powers, occasionally joining forces. Adeleine relies on the power of her paintings to attack. It’s far more potent than Kirby’s Artist Copy Ability, so expect to see some moves that will really color you impressed. More details on that later!

And then there’s Ribbon. She shares her power with Adeleine so they can glide through the air together. Sometimes they even team up to unleash a combined attack!

Just like in the original game, they don’t have much in the way of stamina, which can make their adventure particularly tough. Still, they’re an interesting duo – all it takes is a few brush strokes to turn the battle around! With the power to create all sorts of paintings and a unique ability that stands apart from the rest, they really are a true “dream” friend.

What’s more, if you play with Adeleine & Ribbon as Guest Stars after completing the main story, you’ll get to take on brand-new maps! Have fun painting your way through classic Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards stages specially arranged for Kirby Star Allies. There’s a very memorable map at the end which fans may remember, so look forward to that!

New Dream Friends Daroach, Dark Meta Knight and Adeleine & Ribbon aside, the second free update also introduces plenty of new game elements.

The update will be available for download on July 27 – not long at all!

Jambuhbye for now!