The long, silent vigil is nearly over, and the airlocks on the lunar base are finally preparing to open.
During Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025, publisher Raw Fury and developer Lunar Software have announced that their highly anticipated atmospheric sci-fi horror game, ROUTINE, will launch in late 2025.
And in a huge piece of news for subscribers, the game is also confirmed to be a day one title for Xbox Game Pass.
Revealed with a brand-new gameplay trailer, this announcement marks a major milestone for a game that has been one of the most enigmatic and eagerly awaited titles in the indie horror scene for over a decade.
Breaking a Long, Terrifying Silence
First announced more than a decade ago, ROUTINE captured the imagination of horror fans with its stunning retro-future aesthetic and promise of a truly immersive, terrifying experience.
After a long period of silence, the game re-emerged in recent years, and this latest announcement finally gives fans a firm release window to look forward to.
For the small, three-person team at UK-based Lunar Software, this is the culmination of years of dedicated work on their debut title.
Welcome to the Lunar Base
ROUTINE is a first-person sci-fi horror game set on an abandoned lunar base, which is brought to life with a unique retro-analogue future inspired by 80s technology. You are tasked with exploring this silent, lonely outpost in search of answers as to why the entire facility has gone quiet.
However, you are not alone. You will be hunted by an unknown enemy who is certain that you are the main threat. The discoveries you make will only lead to deeper unknowns as you unravel the mystery at the heart of the station.
Survival Through Immersion
The core of ROUTINE is built on creating a gripping and deeply atmospheric experience.
To pull you into its terrifying world, the game features full body awareness, allowing you to see your own hands and feet, diegetic audio where sounds originate naturally from the game world, and a minimal UI that keeps you focused on your surroundings.
Your most vital piece of equipment is the Cosmonaut Assistance Tool (C.A.T.). You will need to use this device to access critical computer terminals, navigate the environment, and identify crucial clues to piece together what happened on the base.
Survive the Unknown
This is a true survival horror experience. Your primary options are to run and hide from the threats that stalk you. While you can attempt to defend yourself, using the C.A.T. as a weapon is a desperate last resort.
The signal from the moon has finally been received, and it’s one filled with dread and excitement. For the legions of fans who have been patiently waiting, the end is in sight.
ROUTINE is set to deliver its unique brand of retro-futuristic terror to Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S (Xbox Store), PC (Steam), and Game Pass in late 2025. It’s time to prepare for your shift.
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