Survival Horror Indie Holstin Unleashes New Trailer and 2-Hour Demo During Future Games Show
During the Future Games Show, developer Sonka unveiled a chilling new trailer for its upcoming psychological survival horror game Holstin, and surprised fans with the immediate release of a new two-hour-long demo, now available via Steam
A Distorted Descent into 1990s Poland
Set in the eerie lakeside town of Jeziorne-Kolonia in 1990s Poland, Holstin draws clear inspiration from genre classics such as Resident Evil and Silent Hill, while introducing its own technological edge. The game features a proprietary 2XD rendering system, enabling real-time transitions between top-down and over-the-shoulder perspectives in fully lit, 3D pixel environments. According to the development team, this innovation allows for uniquely immersive horror sequences that blend retro visual aesthetics with modern lighting and camera mechanics.
Players will take on the role of Tomasz, one of the town’s few remaining survivors who has not succumbed to a mysterious parasitic infection, which turns residents into grotesque, ooze-covered monstrosities. As Tomasz explores the town, confronts psychological horror, and attempts to uncover the truth behind the spreading madness, players must manage resources and make calculated decisions typical of classic survival horror gameplay.
Demo Live Now, Kickstarter Later This Year
The newly released demo offers over two hours of gameplay, giving players a substantial glimpse into the game’s mechanics, world-building, and story depth. Meanwhile, the studio announced that a Kickstarter campaign is planned to launch later in 2025 to help secure additional funding and support for completing the game's development
Holstin is currently in development for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and both the Nintendo Switch and upcoming Switch 2. Sonka’s commitment to a wide multi-platform launch reflects growing anticipation for the title, especially among fans of indie horror.
A New Indie Horror Darling in the Making?
With the rise of indie horror titles such as Signalis, Crow Country, and Mouthwashing, Holstin arrives at an opportune time. Each of those breakout titles leaned into retro visuals and storytelling, carving their own space in a genre once dominated solely by AAA studios. If Holstin can deliver on the promise shown in its demo, it may very well join that list of cult-favorite indie horrors in the coming year.
Are you ready to step into the haunting streets of Jeziorne-Kolonia? Download the demo and tell us what creeped you out most. Are we looking at the next big indie horror hit?
