Horror enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to in 2025, and The Occultist is shaping up to be one of the year’s most intriguing psychological horror titles. Developed by DALOAR and published by Daedalic Entertainment, the game takes players to the eerie island of GodStone, combining exploration, puzzle-solving, and stealth in a narrative-driven survival horror experience. We had the chance to dive deeper into what the game has to offer, and it left a strong impression as a promising title for fans of the genre – one that’s near the top of our watchlist for this year.
What we know
The Occultist is a first-person survival horror game that places players in the shoes of Alan Rebels, a seasoned paranormal investigator. The game’s narrative revolves around Alan’s search for his missing father, a journey that leads him to the desolate island of GodStone. It’s an island with a dark past, having been home to a notorious cult that performed macabre rituals and experiments before the island was abandoned in 1950.
Alan’s most valuable tool on this journey is his mystical pendulum, an artifact with unique abilities that allows him to interact with the environment in supernatural ways. The game features a combination of exploration, stealth-based survival mechanics, and puzzle-solving. Combat is notably absent, with Alan relying on stealth to avoid dangers rather than confront them directly. Players will need to navigate through ominous environments, solve puzzles, and use their skills as an occultist to interact with the restless souls that inhabit GodStone.
The Occultist is set to launch on PC and next-gen consoles, with DALOAR promising impressive graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5. The developers emphasize that the game will deliver a deeply atmospheric experience, complete with a haunting original soundtrack composed by Pepe Herrero. With an emphasis on storytelling, exploration, and tension, The Occultist aims to stand out in the crowded survival horror genre.
What we saw
During Gamescom, we attended a presentation of The Occultist hosted by Daedalic Entertainment and DALOAR. The developers showcased a lengthy walkthrough of the game’s environments and mechanics, explaining key concepts and narrative elements, and gave us ample opportunity to ask questions about their vision for the game. The passion and enthusiasm from the development team were palpable, reflecting their deep commitment to delivering a memorable horror experience.
What we thought
The Occultist left us intrigued and excited for what’s to come. The game’s setting on the island of GodStone exudes atmosphere, with its foggy streets and abandoned buildings creating a strong sense of isolation and dread. The narrative setup, with Alan’s search for his father and the island’s disturbing history, feels like it has the potential to pull players into a compelling mystery. There’s a clear sense of ambition in how the game is presented as well, from the detailed environments to the impressive voice work that brings characters to life.
One of the core features of The Occultist is Alan’s mystical pendulum, which introduces a variety of gameplay mechanics. It’s not just a narrative tool but a core gameplay element that players will use to solve puzzles and uncover hidden secrets. This mechanic adds an extra layer of depth to the gameplay, making exploration more engaging and rewarding. However, with such an ambitious feature set, it remains to be seen whether the game can maintain a steady balance between its narrative, puzzles, and survival elements – while also ensuring the pacing is on point.
Visually, the game looks stunning. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the environments are richly detailed, with dynamic lighting and atmospheric effects that enhance the horror experience. The use of sound is equally impressive, with a chilling soundtrack and eerie environmental audio that amplify the tension and voice work by the likes of Doug Cockle. From creaking floorboards to distant whispers, the sound design is going to play a vital role in immersing players in the world of The Occultist.
What also sets The Occultist apart is the passionate and ambitious team behind it. Despite their modest size, DALOAR’s dedication to crafting a memorable horror experience is evident in every aspect of the game. This level of passion often translates into games that resonate with players, and The Occultist has the potential to become a surprise hit in 2025. While it’s clear that the game takes inspiration from other titles in the genre, it also feels like it’s carving out its own identity with its unique narrative, gameplay mechanics, and audiovisual design.
As such, The Occultist is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans of psychological horror and narrative-driven games. With its strong atmosphere, intriguing story, and innovative gameplay elements, it has all the ingredients for a memorable horror experience. We’re excited to see more as the release date approaches and look forward to unraveling the mysteries of GodStone.
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