I've got some exciting news for all you survival horror fans! Hooded Horse and Ice-Pick Lodge just dropped a bomb: Darkwood II is officially in the works! That's right, a sequel to the critically acclaimed, top-down survival horror is coming to PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store. And the best part? It'll be available on Game Pass too!

Set a few years after the original Darkwood, this new chapter takes us to a completely different location. Forget what you knew; expect new lands and waters to navigate, terrifying creatures you've never seen before, and fresh reasons to dread the setting sun. While it is a sequel, the developers assures that the game can be enjoyed regardless of whether you’ve played the first game. Which makes it a perfect entry point if you, like me, haven't had the chance to experience the original.

A Twisted New Setting

The story unfolds in the aftermath of the Soviet Union's collapse. The Aral Sea, once a vast body of water, is now a desolate wasteland. And in this wasteland, something strange is happening: an eerie forest is consuming everything in its path. Imagine deserted villages, rusting ships stranded in the sand, and decaying factories littering the landscape. It's a grim picture, and it sets the stage for a truly terrifying experience.

The new trailer shows how ruthless human gangs control the area, while lone nomads wander, searching for safety. In this scenario, where even walls can’t guarantee your survival, you have to ask yourself: is it worth clinging to your humanity, or would it be better to surrender to the darkness?

Darkwood II seems to be expanding on everything that made the first game so unique. I mean, you'll be exploring harsh environments, scavenging for resources to craft weapons and build shelters, and making difficult choices that will impact the story and the characters around you. There are no waypoints, so you'll really have to rely on your own instincts and resourcefulness to survive.

Whether you decide to hide in the dark as something bangs the door, or face the horrors head-on, it's up to you. Darkwood II promises a deep, immersive, and terrifying experience. I, for one, can't wait to dive in!