Iä!
It’s been some time since we launched the store page for Halls of Nyarlathotep. Things have been quiet here ever since, with regular updates mostly posted on our other social media channels. Today, we’re breaking the silence with a bigger post.
Every game starts with a singular idea. Then comes excitement, and you begin imagining features and mechanics to build upon that idea. And then comes the time to actually develop it—and that takes time.
Halls of Nyarlathotep is a passion project we’re working on after hours, alongside our daily jobs. That means our time is limited. However, over the past half-year, we’ve managed to bring our idea to life, create a playable demo, and even develop the first boss. But that’s not all we want to deliver. The vision of a completed game still burns bright in our minds, motivating us to keep going. Today, we want to share that vision with you and to show you what’s coming for Halls of Nyarlathotep.
A small disclaimer: Visions evolve. Some things work, others don’t. So while what we’re presenting today might differ from the final version, the core ideas and main mechanics will remain unchanged.
Game loop
In Halls of Nyarlathotep, you step into the shoes of a lost Dreamer. One that in pursuit of dreams and greatness made a pact with an entity so ancient and malevolent, that under no circumstances it should be contacted by any mortal. This started the curse. You are forced to roam the mysterious Labirynth to reach the one who cursed you. If you persist, you may get the chance to fulfill your dreams and escape the maze. If you fail... well, you will start over. And over. And over again. For the Dreamer may not know any rest. Not until you win or surrender to the nightmare, losing sanity forever.
The Labirynth is divided into several biomes. Each of them is subject to a different Outer God that reigns over its domain. You will always see this entity, silently watching your every step.
Spending too much time in its presence will slowly drain your Maximum Sanity, acting as a timer.
Each biome consists of several levels - procedurally generated mazes. Inside them, you will fight eldritch enemies, find weapons and items and, most importantly, try to survive and escape to the next level. Encountering enemies will not only put you at risk of losing Health, but also lowers your Sanity. It can recover over time if you manage to find an isolated place, with no horrors in sight. If your Health or Sanity ever reaches zero, you will start over again.
After making it through several mazes, you will be faced with an Outer God. And they are not benevolent. So be prepared for a boss fight.
Systems
Sanity
As mentioned above, you will not only need to manage your physical Health, but also mental one. There are two values that you need to monitor. Current Sanity and Maximum Sanity. The first one regenerates over time, but when it is low, you will experience effects of your mind dwindling. Distorted vision, shaky hands, hallucinations. Each biome will alter your brain in a different way. Maximum Sanity acts as a timer for the game. Just being in the maze puts a toil on your mind, but there are things that might speed up your insanity. You will need to find out to minimize the effects of Outer Gods influence. Additionally, revealing the maze will drive your character crazy faster.
Weapons and weapon upgrades
You will be able to hold only limited amount of weapons at a time (2 planned for now). Each weapon works in a very different way - soul eating revolver requires different playstyle than melee armament feeding on enemy blood or sacred amulet that pushes adversaries away.
Due to the fact that every run is randomized, you will encounter different weapons each time you play. However, if you pick up the same weapon multiple times it will get upgraded and unlock new abilities.
Sigils
Second part of your arsenal against the horrors of the Labirynth are Sigils. These are powerful spells, contained within occult symbols. Their effects vary widlly, from healing through damaging enemies to helping you navigate the maze. Some have even double purpouse, e.g. Force Sigil can be used to decimate enemies, but if you aim it at a wall, you can create a new path.
Currency and permanent upgrades
Killing enemies and searching the Labirynth will yield you currency that you will be able to turn into permanent upgrades and buffs.
Astral projection - map
Mazes can be easy when you see them in 2D and their entirety. Being inside one, especially filled with grotesque monster trying to kill you, a bit harder. Dreamer is however able to project his mind and see the Labirynth from above. The corridors that you already visited will be visible, while everything else is covered with fog. You can use your mental powers to temporarily clear the fog and plan your way through the maze. Doing so will cost you your Maximum Sanity, so use it as a last resort and make it quick. And remember, being in astral form does not protect your body from harm!
Lore and challenge rooms
Scattered throughout the Labirynth are doorways to different areas. Some of them will give you lore informations - about the Dreamer, the Dreamlands (and possibly some easter eggs). Others will put you through a challenge that will reward you with items or currency.
Roadmap and current status
Below you can find an image with our planned roadmap.
We are proud of what we already have, but there is still a lot to deliver. We won't be sharing any dates now, as it is too early for them. For now, the only planned dates are showing our demo during Steam Next Fest and release to Early Access in early 2026, but that also depends on many factors.
Your support
Be sure to wishlist Halls of Nyarlatohtep and follow us on BlueSky and Instagram
Seeing your reactions, positive feedback and wishlist additions helps us stay motivated and gives energy boosts!
Thank you for reading and your support. Stay tuned for more information.