In one of the best surprises, Polish developer Sonka has shadow-dropped a massive new demo for its highly anticipated psychological survival horror game, Holstin.
Available now on Steam, this is not just a small slice of gameplay; it’s the opening two hours of the game, giving players their deepest look yet into this eerie, 90s Eastern European nightmare.
We first heard of Holstin way back in 2022. But now, unveiled with a brand-new trailer, the demo showcases the game’s intense combat, environmental puzzles, and its truly groundbreaking real-time 3D pixel art camera system.
A Taste of the Terror in Jeziorne-Kolonia
This substantial new demo plunges you directly into the decaying, possessed Polish lakeside town of Jeziorne-Kolonia. You’ll experience the opening segment of Holstin’s story, discovering what draws the protagonist into this terrifying mystery.
Unlike previous, more focused demos, this new release allows you to get hands-on with the entire core gameplay loop. You will engage in intense combat, scavenge for scarce resources, explore ooze-infested streets and interiors, and interact with the not-so-mentally-stable locals who are on the verge of “Turning.” It’s the perfect introduction to the game’s oppressive and unsettling atmosphere.
A Trick of the Eye: The 2XD RENDERING Engine
One of Holstin’s most talked-about features is its unique visual technology, and the demo puts it on full display. Using a custom engine called “2XD RENDERING,” Sonka has created a world with real-time lighting in detailed pixel art environments.
This allows the game’s perspective to seamlessly shift in a way that has never been seen before. The camera can move from an isometric 3D view for exploration to a tense, over-the-shoulder third-person perspective for combat, and even to first-person for driving sections.
It’s a technical marvel that promises a truly dynamic and cinematic horror experience. The developers cite classic survival horror games like Resident Evil and Silent Hill as major inspirations, while aiming for a darker, Twin Peaks-style narrative.
The Road Ahead: Kickstarter and Full Release
Alongside the surprise demo drop, Sonka has confirmed that a Kickstarter campaign for Holstin is set to launch later in 2025. This campaign will help raise funds for the final stages of development and allow the team to implement additional features and ideas.
The full version of Holstin is confirmed to be coming to PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.
There’s no better time to step into the rot and decay of Jeziorne-Kolonia. You can download the massive new demo for Holstin on Steam right now. Just be careful what you find in the dark.
