I still vividly recall the trauma of playing F.E.A.R with my cousin, convinced we were definitely old enough for such a terrifying experience. I’ll never forget my cousin being jumpscared by Alma at the top of a ladder, followed by a tattered figure shambling towards us. We shrieked, dropped the controller, and sought refuge with my auntie. Since then, my tolerance for intense horror games has remained quite low. Years later, my co-conspirator opted to watch a full playthrough of Darkwood, and my twenty-something-year-old self was re-traumatized. Now, eight years on, Darkwood 2 has unexpectedly surfaced, though it’s not from the original developers.
For this sequel, Ice-Pick Lodge, known for their equally unsettling Pathologic series, is stepping into the development role. They’ll be working under the guidance of Hooded Horse, the publisher behind Manor Lords and a strong supporter of strategy games. While the primary development has shifted, Darkwood 2 will still carry some of the original team’s essence, as Acid Wizard is consulting throughout the entire development process.
A video showcasing the game’s atmosphere.
Darkwood is designed as a challenging survival experience – forget quest markers. Your main objectives are simple: find a secure base, scavenge for essential supplies, and then endure the horrors of the night. From its top-down perspective, the game is unflinchingly gory, demanding meticulous planning, smart resource management, and strategic placement of barricades and traps for any hope of success.
Darkwood 2 takes place several years after its predecessor, plunging players into the eerie marshlands of the former Aral Sea – now a desolate expanse of desert and salt flats. The core gameplay loop remains familiar, but it’s intricately woven into a choice-driven narrative that significantly impacts both characters and the environment. Hooded Horse assures newcomers that prior experience with the first game isn’t necessary to grasp the sequel’s plot, but hey, it’s spooky season; why not dive into the original and truly embrace the fear?
With the forest closing in and all sorts of monstrous creatures creeping from the shadows, every precious moment of daylight must be spent preparing for the night’s relentless assault. Eventually, you’ll likely ponder if such a harsh existence is even worth clinging to. Only you can truly answer that unsettling question.
“We know the fans have been eagerly anticipating a continuation of Darkwood,” states Acid Wizard co-founder Gustaw Stachaszewski. “For years, the thought of entrusting our creation to another studio was unimaginable. However, once it became clear that a direct collaboration was no longer feasible, we chose for Darkwood to continue its legacy, even if not directly through our own efforts.”
He adds, “We are genuinely thrilled to pass the torch to Ice-Pick Lodge – a team whose remarkable work on Pathologic has been a source of inspiration for us for many years. The developers at IPL truly understand what makes Darkwood such a distinctive experience. We are confident they will not only uphold its spirit but also forge something truly extraordinary. As for us, we will remain involved in the background, ensuring the sequel stays faithful to the original vision.”
While Darkwood 2 does not yet have an official release date, Hooded Horse has confirmed its availability on PC and Game Pass.
As we eagerly await the unfolding horrors of the forest, consider diving into some of the best zombie games – it is spooky season, after all! Or, if you’re seeking an equally demanding challenge, explore a list of top survival games to test your grit.
Are you looking forward to Darkwood 2? Share your own terrifying gaming experiences! Just be gentle with Lauren; she scares easily.