### Decrepit: An Upcoming Horror-Focused Soulslike

In a striking display during The Game Awards 2025, a new entry in the gaming world has emerged: **Decrepit**, the debut project from solo developer Jämmerdal Games, published by Three Friends. This title has piqued the interest of many due to its intriguing premise and unique gameplay mechanics, set to launch in 2026.

#### The Concept

Decrepit transports players into the sinister corridors of a vast, medieval castle with the primary objective of escaping its ominous confines. What distinguishes this experience is the innovative approach to gameplay; failure to navigate this perilous environment correctly means players are returned to the beginning, but with a twist. Each death relocates players to different areas within the fortress, creating a non-linear exploration experience. This setup emphasizes “spatial mastery over power creep,” encouraging players to learn the layout of the castle and uncover shortcuts through repeated runs.

#### Unique Gameplay Dynamics

While Decrepit has been described as a soulslike, it integrates roguelike elements that make it stand out. Players will need to gather weapons and armor mid-run from the corpses of foes, as opposed to pre-selected spoils typically found in traditional roguelikes. This adds a layer of strategy, as players must learn enemy patterns and anticipate hazards while keeping their inventory updated.

A memorable aspect from the trailer features a grotesque attack by an undead creature still shackled to a medieval torture wheel, adding a blend of horror and humor. This instance reflects the game’s intention to balance challenging gameplay with moments of unexpected levity.

#### Inspirations and Development

Olof Hagelin, the mind behind Decrepit and a former member of Starbreeze and Avalanche Studios, draws inspiration from classic titles such as **Hexen: Beyond Heretic** and **Eye of the Beholder**. He aims to recapture the feeling of dread and excitement experienced by players of those games, creating an atmosphere that combines the thrill of exploration with the terror of overwhelming odds.

#### Future Expectations

As anticipation builds for Decrepit’s release, players are eager to delve into its haunting castle, rife with sinister enemies and haunting lore. With a blend of roguelike and soulslike dynamics, combined with the nostalgic elements from classic gaming, Decrepit aims to provide a fresh yet familiar experience in the horror genre.

Overall, Decrepit’s unique mechanics and compelling premise position it to potentially carve out its own niche within the gaming landscape, and its release is highly awaited by fans of both horror games and challenging action titles.