2025 might just be the best year for Cthulhu and Lovecraft-inspired games, from the horrors of The Sinking City 2 to indie gems like Deck of Haunts

Over the last few years, games with a Lovecraftian theme have gained significant popularity. Titles like Dredge and its three expansions, Darkest Dungeon followed by its sequel, and Still Wakes the Deep with nearly 90% positive reviews on Steam are prime examples. The trend continues to expand with smaller titles such as Worshippers of Cthulhu and Do No Harm receiving positive feedback from gamers. This surge in interest shows no signs of abating, so we can anticipate even more Lovecraftian games this year.

Keeping that thought in focus, here are the top five exciting Cthulhu-themed video games set for release in 2025 that I’m eagerly looking forward to playing!

The Sinking City 2

Initially, The Sinking City didn’t receive rave reviews from critics, but it seemed players found it enjoyable. Fast forward five years, and an official announcement for The Sinking City 2 was made during the 2024 Xbox Partner Preview. Now, we can watch a new teaser trailer from Frogwares to get a glimpse of what’s coming next.

For this new edition of the game, we’re departing from detective work and RPG aspects to concentrate solely on survival horror. This means an emphasis on combat, resource management, and a more immersive horror ambiance. It promises to be a more thrilling and refined experience overall. As of now, there’s no announced release date, but it’s still slated for 2025 on PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S platforms.

The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu

The following game, titled “The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu,” which was recently announced and developed by ACE Team, is a chilling first-person cooperative horror adventure that draws inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft’s novella “The Mound.

By emphasizing collaboration and survival, we delve into enigmatic ruins, discover prohibited wisdom, and confront harrowing beings. This thrilling blend of Lovecraftian horror and fierce battles promises to send shivers down your spine on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S consoles.

RailGods of Hysterra

A new cooperative game titled “RailGods of Hysterra” by Troglobytes Games is on its way, and instead of the usual cooperative style, it leans more towards survival action. The game places us in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by the Great Old Ones. In this setting, we assume control of a sentient train – an unusual blend of steam engine and cosmic horror called the RailGod, which we must master.

The core of this game revolves around scavenging, battles, and maintaining the RailGod in optimal condition. You’ll have to accumulate resources, create weapons, and expand your mobile headquarters. It’s worth mentioning that the RailGod sustains itself by feeding on human flesh, giving the game a very grim and intriguing aspect. Players can choose to play alone or join forces with up to four others. RailGods of Hysterra has a demo accessible on Steam and is set for release in 2025 on both PC and PlayStation 5.

I don’t know about you, but I love seeing indie developers experiment and innovate like this.

Deck of Haunts

In the upcoming game Deck of Haunts by Mantis Games, instead of playing as the traditional hero, you’ll be stepping into the sinister role of a haunted house brimming with evil. This time around, you’ll inhabit a once grand 1920s art deco mansion that has been left to fester with bitterness and malice after decades of neglect.

During the day, we’ll meticulously plan and fortify our manor, creating lethal traps to safeguard the Sanctum room – the heart of our supernatural might. At night, we’ll employ a pack of chilling cards to summon horrors that gradually unsettle or eliminate unsuspecting visitors, turning them insane or claiming their lives. The energy derived from these fated souls will enable us to enlarge and adorn our spooky abode, drawing in yet more hapless guests.

Already, a demonstration version of the game is accessible via Steam, enabling players to kickstart their creative journey towards designing their ideal home. It’s set for a comprehensive launch on personal computers in 2025, followed by console adaptations at a later stage.

The Horror at Highrook

In “The Horror at Highrook” by Nullpointer Games, there’s a sense of eeriness reminiscent of “Deck of Haunts“. However, instead of being the haunted party, we become the investigators venturing into a ghostly mansion. It’s another deck-building game, and I must say, the board game ambiance is spot on – it truly appeals to me.

Our objective is to determine the fate of the vanished Ackeron family. As we progress, we’ll gather and design cards that can summon shadowy beings, offer potent defenses, and enable special skills – these tools will aid us in our quest for the truth.

On Steam, there’s currently a demonstration version available, and I’m eagerly anticipating its official launch; let’s hope it comes out in 2023!

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2025-03-13 23:02