If you’re a fan of atmospheric, thought-provoking games like Inscryption, Slay the Spire, or Loop Hero, then Death Howl is one to watch. This upcoming game from Danish indie studio The Outer Zone and publisher 11 bit studios blends deck-building strategy with soulslike exploration, creating a unique experience that promises to be as emotionally resonant as it is mechanically engaging. With a demo now live on Steam, players can get an early taste of this compelling title before its full release in 2025.
A Journey Through Grief and Healing
In Death Howl, players step into the shoes of Ro, a grieving mother navigating a mystical, Nordic-inspired world in search of her lost son. This ethereal realm is steeped in sorrow, hope, and resilience, and as Ro, players will confront relentless spirits, uncover forgotten lore, and piece together fragments of her story. With themes of love and loss at its core, the narrative is designed to resonate deeply with players.
Malte Burup, Director, Artist, and Writer at The Outer Zone, explains the game’s vision:
“The loss of a loved one is universal—an inevitable part of the human experience. We believe our narrative approach will resonate with players of all kinds.”
Innovative Gameplay: Deck-Building Meets Soulslike Exploration
Death Howl sets itself apart by blending deck-building mechanics with open-world exploration. Rather than sticking to a run-based structure, the game introduces grid-based, turn-driven battles within interconnected biomes, creating a seamless flow between strategy and exploration.
Key Gameplay Features:
- Strategic Deck-Building: Players must craft and refine their decks to face formidable spirits and bosses. Each biome introduces unique deck types and mechanics, enriching the strategic layer.
- Shamanic Totems: These enhancements allow players to customize their decks further, preparing for increasingly challenging encounters.
- Explorative Open World: The game’s world is divided into grim biomes such as the Forest of Howling Shadows and Meadows of Delusion, each revealing fragments of Ro’s story while introducing new cards and mechanics.
- Soulslike Tension: The game’s difficulty and atmosphere evoke the soulslike genre, ensuring that each encounter feels meaningful and every choice matters.
A World Built on Emotion and Atmosphere
One of Death Howl’s standout features is its richly atmospheric world. Inspired by Nordic mythology and stone-age aesthetics, the environments are hauntingly beautiful yet grim. Each biome tells its own story, adding layers of depth to the narrative while immersing players in its spiritual, otherworldly setting.
The game’s emotional weight is further underscored by its poignant soundtrack and visual style. As players traverse the desolate landscapes and battle otherworldly foes, they’ll feel the weight of Ro’s journey, making each triumph all the more impactful.
The Demo: A Taste of What’s to Come
The Death Howl demo is now available on Steam. It offers players a chance to step into Ro’s shoes and experience the game’s unique blend of strategy and exploration firsthand. From crafting decks to navigating the eerie biomes, the demo sets the stage for what promises to be a captivating full release.
The Outer Zone: A Small Team with Big Ideas
Developed by The Outer Zone, a three-person studio based in Copenhagen, Death Howl is a testament to what indie developers can achieve. The team includes:
- Malte Burup: Director, Artist, and Writer
- Rasmus Nilsson: Programmer and Designer
- Lasse Sommer: Animator, Artist, and Designer
Supported by the Danish Film Institute’s Games Scheme, The Outer Zone has crafted a game that reflects their passion for storytelling and innovative mechanics.
Why Death Howl Is a Game to Watch
The partnership between The Outer Zone and 11 bit studios—known for publishing standout titles like Frostpunk 2, The Invincible, and The Thaumaturge—ensures that Death Howl will deliver a meaningful experience. With 11 bit studios’ focus on “meaningful entertainment,” players can expect a game that not only challenges them mechanically but also leaves a lasting emotional impact.
For fans of games that balance strategy with storytelling, Death Howl offers a fresh take on the deck-builder genre. Its unique combination of soulslike elements, emotional narrative, and strategic depth makes it one of the most anticipated indie titles of 2025.
Prepare to Face the Howl
Death Howl promises to be more than just a game; it’s an experience that explores universal themes of grief, healing, and resilience. With its innovative mechanics, haunting atmosphere, and deeply personal story, it’s shaping up to be a standout entry in the deck-builder and indie game genres.
Don’t miss your chance to try the Death Howl demo on Steam, and mark your calendars for its full release in 2025. Prepare to journey through the Forest of Howling Shadows, face relentless spirits, and discover the mysteries of Ro’s world.
The question is: are you ready to step into the howl?
