THQ Nordic and Black Forest Games’ newest title Fade to Silence has officially launched in early access on Steam. The horror game was initially announced at the Game Awards 2017 with an official announcement trailer.
Fade to Silence is a survival, horror RPG where players take on the role of Ash, who must learn to conquer “a post-apocalyptic, frozen wasteland to gather the resources necessary to establish a refuge for survival.” As with many post-apocalyptic worlds, simple tasks such as finding food and water and gathering materials and weapons will prove difficult as resources are scarce and territories are unknown. The harsh winter conditions make matters worse; Ash must find ways to keep warm while searching for essential items and shelter under thick blankets of snow.
Players will find that Ash won’t be alone on his journey, which will prove to be beneficial for survival. Ash will have a better chance of surviving if he can “attract followers and bring them into their refuge.” Followers will use their “individual skillset and character traits granting access to higher tier resources and gear. Without such advances, the player character can scavenge only the barest necessities, crafting makeshift tools and weapons.” Unfortunately, players will have to make tough choices on which followers to bring into their refuge and which to leave out.
As seen in the trailer, humans are not the only creatures left for Ash to encounter; violent Eldritch monsters thrive in the almost barren lands, using their large and shadow-like appendages to attack on sight. Eldritch monsters leave tracks in the snow just like any NPC or wild game, which will help Ash when tracking enemy whereabouts. The monsters may attack in groups as well, leaving Ash with little choice but to escape on foot or with his sled-dogs, depending on the terrain.
Fade to Silence is currently available in its early access stage on Steam. The final game is scheduled for release in August 2018.