Darkwood: One of The Most Frightening Horror Games Is Set To Receive A Sequel

Darkwood, one of the most inspired and horrifying video games of all time, is set to receive a sequel “soon”, bringing players back to the nightmare-inducing world of the franchise.

Nothing rarely goes well at night in video games, but no other game will have you praying for the morning quite like 2014’s Darkwood. Except, potentially, it’s upcoming sequel.

Announced earlier today, developers Ice-Pick Lodge announced the long-awaited sequel to its breakout darling game, which has become a cult classic among survival horror fans.

The upcoming isometric-horror survival game, as of writing, has yet to confirm a release date; however, the developers have shared that the game will be coming to Xbox Game Pass and Steam “soon”. If you never got around to playing the first Darkwood, worry not, as the devs are promising an experience that won’t require the audience to have played the previous title (although you really should).

Per its own Steam page:

“Set years later after the events of the first game, Darkwood 2 throws players into more peril amidst the scorched deserts of a dying sea. Roam freely around a rich, dangerous world by day, securing what resources you can before seeking shelter at night.”

“The sequel brings with it new lands and waters to explore, new creatures to fear, and new reasons to pray for the morning light. The story, characters, and unfolding events of Darkwood 2 stand on their own, and can be enjoyed without having experienced the first game.”

To me, this sounds similar to Pathologic 2, which was closer to a modern-day remaster of its original title. Which would make sense, as this game is coming from the same devs who worked on that same game.

Reading further, Darkwood 2 promises to ask players, “Is it really better to remain human? Or would it be best to give in?” This ties into a central theme of the original game’s epilogue.

The original Darkwood saw players control a Soviet man trapped in a mysterious dark forest as a plague that turns men into ravenous monsters infects the lands. You’d find yourself hauling up in an abandoned shack, repairing it and building its defences so the very horrific creatures of the forest don’t murder you in your sleep.

Along the way, you’ll discover a way to escape the forest and what dark force lies at the heart of it.

No other game has rattled me quite like Darkwood. You’ll spend entire sections experiencing a mounting sense of dread as the dense ambience of the game makes you hold your breath as you explore the disturbing world of the game.

Much like H.R. Giger’s works, you’ll find some truly inspired and disturbing visuals that are sure to stick with you for a long time. Think Alien but merged with trees, and you’ll already get an idea of what’s in store.

If you love games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R., or the eerie cosmic horror of Annihilation, then Darkwood is an absolute must-play experience.

You can wishlist Darkwood 2 on Steam here.