Darkwood 2‘s announcement trailer seems to have dropped out of nowhere, alongside a new Steam page. The developers taking over the project are Ice-Pick Lodge, the creators of the unique Pathologic horror games, and is being published by Hooded Horse, an indie publisher with “a genuine love for video games,” as quoted in the game’s announcement post.
In addition to Ice-Pick Lodge, the original game’s developers Acid Wizards have been brought on as consultants for the project and its unique setting.
Check out the trailer here:
What is Darkwood?
Darkwood is a top-down survival horror and indie darling, iconic for its unique art style, sound design and atmosphere. Having accrued over 20,000 positive Steam reviews since the game’s original launch in 2017, the game was a major success for the three-person team at Acid Wizards.
Unfortunately, the developers announced their indefinite hiatus in 2023 on social media, explaining they couldn’t maintain a work-life balance that supported their families. In this same thread, however, they mentioned “We have been talking to some amazing people who could make a sequel for Darkwood”.
4/5 We have been talking to some amazing people who could make a sequel for Darkwood and continue working on Soccer Kids. So spread the word – if you’re a developer / publisher who’s interested in working on those IPs, hit us up!
— Acid Wizard Studio (@TheAcidWizard) August 7, 2023
Darkwood 2’s Announcement
The game was announced on Steam with an announcement post confirming the collaboration between Ice-Pick Lodge, Hooded Horse and the original game’s developers, Acid Wizard Studios.
The Pathologic developers confirm that they explore video games as a transformative medium and not simply a product, and aim to respect the Darkwood IP for its developers and existing fans.
In the trailer, we can see the familiar top-down gameplay and dark forested environments. The original game’s monster designs, character designs, and unique lighting are also seen in the game.
Where the sequel makes its departure is the graphics and aesthetic, leaving behind the original’s 2D art style for 3D. Likely being developed in an entirely new engine, this might be a technical and scope choice more than an intentional one.
Reception has been a mix of excitement and cautious optimism, most of the complaints being concerns over the change to 3D. Despite this, there has not been an official statement about it at this time.
Hooded Horse, however, have confirmed that Acid Wizards is happy with the development of Darkwood 2, quoting the original developers themselves on community forums:
“We're genuinely excited to pass on the torch to Ice-Pick Lodge - creators whose work on Pathologic has inspired us for years. The team at IPL really gets what makes Darkwood a unique experience. We believe they will not only honor its spirit but will create something truly exceptional. As for us, we'll be in the background, making sure it stays true to the original vision.” – Acid Wizard co-founder Gustaw Stachaszewski
What is Darkwood 2 About?
Darkwood 2 is set 10 years after the original game, and features an entire new story and new characters. Set in the Aral Sea, the anomalous forest has appeared to consume, change and destroy everything in the region.
The changed setting depicts new locations we haven’t seen before such as deserts, Soviet-era planes, oil tankers, and wrecked ships. The trailer footage shows that players will traverse the terrain with a small, fragile rowboat across stagnant, murky waters with who-knows-what beneath the surface.
The game’s description confirms the return of familiar survival horror mechanics, scavenging for resources to craft weapons to protect yourself. Just like the original, you’ll need to find safety and shelter at night, either hide or risk fighting back.
Just like the original, you’ll meet strange friendly(ish) NPCs, each with their own motivations and backstories, often as dark as the game’s title implies.
Screenshots already show one of these cursed characters – supporting the idea that the twisted minds behind Pathologic are a fitting choice for the world of Darkwood.
When does Darkwood 2 Release?
The announcement trailer and Steam page both list the release as “Coming Soon.”
It’s hard to say how far along development is, but with trailer footage ready to go it’s possible the game could see release as early as 2026.
