Scavenge, fight and survive the night in this gripping co-op Western horror survival game
[Austria] February 10, 2025— Something evil lurks in the Cursed West, and it’s waiting for you to step into the dark. Independent publishing platform indie.io is thrilled to announce that Hauntsville, a Western open-world horror survival game set in 1897, will officially launch on Steam on March 10, 2025. Starting today, players can get their first taste of the Cursed West with the release of the playable demo on Steam.
Hauntsville is the debut game from solo developer Michael Janisch, who has spent over three years crafting a relentless survival horror experience. Blending open-world exploration, shooter mechanics, and the eerie isolation of the Old West, Hauntsville throws players into an unforgiving fight for survival.
As a nameless traveler stranded in a once-thriving frontier town, players will quickly discover that something is deeply wrong. The hired hands have vanished, the horses are missing, and the townspeople are nowhere to be found. Some say the town’s secrets are buried with the dead, but strange symbols, cryptic notes, and a lone merchant who managed to survive the massacre suggest that the truth might be even more terrifying than the fate of those who disappeared. And as the howls echo from the dark corners of the valley, one thing becomes chillingly clear—something else is out there, watching, waiting.
To survive, players must scavenge for supplies, craft weapons and tools, and construct a stronghold—because when the sun sets, the horrors begin their hunt. The Cursed West is unforgiving, and staying alive means more than just avoiding danger—it means facing it head-on. Armed with classic Western firearms like Colts, Winchesters, and lever-action rifles, players must defend themselves against cryptids, spectral horrors, and even otherworldly visitors. Every bullet counts, and every encounter is a test of skill, timing, and sheer grit.
Exploration is just as important as firepower. Hauntsville’s open world is vast, unpredictable, and filled with both opportunity and danger. Players can venture into the cursed town to search for supplies, cut down trees to fortify their homestead, or hunt for food in the wilderness—each choice shaping how they navigate the land. The valley is ever-changing, with sudden storms, dense fog, and blizzards that can bury paths and trap the unprepared.
With so many unknowns, securing a home base is essential. Players can construct and fortify their own stronghold, storing supplies, forging weapons, and preparing for the nights ahead. But safety is never permanent—the world of Hauntsville is restless, its secrets unfolding over time. As the valley shifts and new threats emerge, survival will depend on adaptation, strategy, and sheer determination.
Going it alone is a deadly challenge—but you don’t have to face the horrors alone. Up to three friends can join forces in online co-op, pooling resources, defending each other, and uncovering the valley’s darkest secrets together. Strength in numbers may give you an edge, but nothing in Hauntsville stays safe for long. Each night survived is a victory, but the question remains—how long can you last?
Hauntsville launches on Steam on March 10, 2025. Starting today, players can jump into the demo to experience the game’s survival mechanics, combat, and eerie Western atmosphere. Wishlist Hauntsville on Steam now and prepare to carve out your place in the Cursed West—if you can survive it.
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ABOUT MICHAEL JANISCH
Michael Janisch is an independent game developer making his debut with Hauntsville, a Western horror survival game blending cryptid folklore, UFO legends, and the harsh realities of frontier survival. With a background in computer science, Janisch spent over three years bringing Hauntsville to life, crafting a world where players must battle both the elements and the unknown. Inspired by his fascination with supernatural myths and open-world survival mechanics, Hauntsville is his first step into game development, delivering a fresh take on the survival horror genre.
ABOUT INDIE.IO
indie.io is home to over 100 of the world’s best independent video games and developers. Our platform was built to provide independent developers with the resources, services, and management tools needed for success. Through collaboration and passion, we strive to cultivate a diverse and vibrant gaming landscape that resonates with players and creators alike!
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