You wouldn’t imagine a top-down survival horror experience could deliver feelings of terror and unease, but the original Darkwood does precisely that. It was a tense experience that remains embedded in the back of my mind. It’s about to get worse. Developer Ice-Pick Lodge, known for Pathologic, is working with Acid Wizard to bring us Darkwood 2, coming to PC soon!
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.
Traverse dangerous, meandering paths across barren deserts, through thick marsh, and on deep waters alike. As the locals fight to keep the slowly spreading woods at bay, players must rely on their wits to overcome their fears and find the way – without the aid of quest markers or waypoints. Scavenge for resources, craft weapons for protection, and seek out shelter by night, building barricades and traps to hide behind.
As the world loses its humanity, and as the so-called corruption of the forest spreads, one can’t help but wonder – is it really better to remain human? Or would it be best to give in?
Acid Wizard, the studio behind the original Darkwood, spoke on the sequel. Co-founder Gustaw Stachaszewski said:
Crafting the world of Darkwood was a very challenging and long journey for the team. After an experience like that, you become emotionally attached to your work. We know that the fans have been eagerly awaiting a continuation of Darkwood. For years, the idea of handing over our baby to another studio was something unthinkable for us. But, after it became evident that working together is not viable anymore, we decided that Darkwood should live on, even if not directly through our work.
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.
While there’s no official release date for Darkwood 2 yet, we do know it’s coming to Steam, the Microsoft Store, and Game Pass.
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