Gameplay Details
World Map
From the world map, pick day or night and then select a location you've been to before or a new area you've just unlocked. Visiting areas outside the town of Penwyll at night is extremely dangerous and only recommended once The Doll has reached a high enough level or has unlocked additional tools.
The Doll
When exploring in the graveyards, tombs, caves and rotting estates outside of Penwyll, you'll control The Doll, a 7 foot tall construction of wood, metal, bone, and flesh. Gameplay proceeds from a 3/4 top-down perspective in a "top-down Zelda meets Bloodborne" fashion.
- Battle a huge bestiary of cultists, undead, ghosts, and witches.
- Avoid traps, use explosives to blow open secret passages, and loot every sarcophagus and treasure chest you come across.
- Clover, the ghost girl on The Doll's back, can cast spells or use items at any time, even while The Doll is mid-swing.
- Expand the map and complete main story quests by defeating huge perimeter guardian bosses.
Althea
When exploring the town of Penwyll, you'll control daring freelance investigator Althea Crossley. What Althea lacks in combat ability, she makes up for in stealth, lockpicking, and interrogation skills. Gameplay proceeds from a mixture of 3/4 top-down and classic survival horror "fixed camera" vantage points.
- Explore a bustling town with shops and expansive buildings like the Clocktower and the Mazechapel.
- Use the cash and materials The Doll has found out in the world to purchase and craft upgrades for it, such as new arm tools, replacement eyeballs, and magic talismans.
- Lockpick and enter doors under cover of night to uncover Penwyll's dark secret.
FAQ
Who is making this game?
Moonless Formless, a solo developer operating out of Seattle.
How do I follow along with development?
Wishlist it and follow Moonless Formless on a social media platform of your choice:
X
Bluesky
YouTube
Instagram
TikTok
Discord
When does it release?
Early Access on Steam will start in Fall 2025(closer to Halloween). A full PC and console release will happen after.
Is this a sequel to Withering Rooms?
This is a new, independent story set in the same universe as Withering Rooms. No familiarity with Withering Rooms is necessary or expected to fully enjoy the game.
Is this a roguelike?
No. Some areas and dungeons are randomized for variety upon entering them, but items, equipment and story progress are not lost upon death.
What will Early Access include?
Early Access is expected to launch on Steam in Fall 2025 with the game fully playable start to finish. However, much like with Withering Rooms, additional side quests and New Game + mode will be added in the lead-up to full launch. Additionally, game systems and balance will change based on feedback during Early Access.
Is it coming to consoles?
Yes, much like Withering Rooms, it will come to consoles for the full release after Early Access concludes. Which consoles will be announced closer to the release date.