Stephen King Meets True Detective In New Horror Game About A Missing Child

2 hours ago 11

Published Aug 23, 2026, 8:30 AM EDT

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Steam and mystery stories: name a more iconic combo. Okay, I think I could, but mystery stories are constantly popping up on Steam, and there are plenty of unique settings to explore while you're conducting your investigation. Whether you're a gun-toting hard-boiled detective or an unarmed journalist, there are plenty of titles on Steam to scratch that itch if you're looking to dive into a new mystery.

Over on Steam now, there's a game that aims to honor Stephen King's literary classics, with a touch of True Detective. It has a unique angle that very few other games do, and it makes the premise even more enticing.

Coming early next year, The Polar Darkness from Horsefly Games is looking to shake up the mystery genre. I can see the concept appealing to all sorts of horror fans, not just folks who dig Stephen King and True Detective: "A Lovecraftian folk horror mystery set during the polar night of 1980s northern Finland. When a child preacher disappears during a revival sermon, a journalist becomes trapped in an isolated village where something ancient is beginning to awaken."

Taking place during the Winter Solstice in Finland, this will be a regional tale of mystery, as you investigate a potential cult. The leader's child preacher has gone missing, and it's up to you to discover the history of the cult in the process. You do this mostly through L.A. Noire-style conversations, as you question villagers, try to figure out who isn't telling the truth, and spot where stories conflict.

You'll also find clues and solve puzzles, but there is no combat, only "quiet pressure." The best part of The Polar Darkness is that it takes place over three days, which influences characters' schedules and what events you can interact with. The ethos of multiple playthroughs is already baked in. It's steeped in Finnish folklore, which will hopefully intertwine with the mystery to add a bit more flavor.

Given the subject matter, it would make sense to perk up and wonder if the game is going to be explicit, and the developer already has you covered on that question: "The game contains mature themes including psychological horror, death, and disturbing subject matter involving children. Players may encounter references to ritual practices, emotional distress, and themes of mental deterioration. There is no graphic violence or explicit content."

Steam fans will want to wishlist this one for the Finnish setting, but horror fans might stick around for the mystery.