Maps and compasses are meant to help players navigate large worlds. A new open-world game on PS5 wants to take away these aids from you. The sci-fi RPG Hell is Us relies on your instincts and lets you face grotesque monsters.
What kind of game is this? Hell is Us is being developed by Rogue Factor, who previously made Mordheim: City of the Damned and Necromunda: Underhive Wars. The game is a third-person RPG that primarily focuses on melee combat.
With multiple weapons such as swords and spears, you fight against dubious creatures. They are a significant danger in the dark open world, which not only forces you to battle monsters but also to struggle with your own sense of direction.
You can find a short teaser for the demo here:
Trust in your instincts
How does it play in the open world? Hell is Us forgoes classic elements of an open-world game. There is no map or quest markers to show you where to go. On the Steam page the developers write that the level design and the innovative texts
ensure that you can follow your instincts to explore the world.
The world-building also promises a lot. You are in a world that has plunged into catastrophe after a war. Strange humanoid monsters have appeared and cannot be defeated with modern weapons. Throughout the story, you are supposed to find out where these creatures come from. You have a drone with you that helps you.
Visually, the game showcases a mix of styles in the short trailer. You see old, war-torn cities, but also impressive buildings and ruins that could be from aliens. You look like someone who could be from the future.
Could this work? After years, many players wish for games that deviate from classic open-world mechanics. Some even try to play games like Ghost of Tsushima without a HUD. This can create a significantly immersive experience, but the level and world design must align. Wild wandering without successes can quickly lead to frustration. However, if done well, the world could feel more alive.
Is there a demo? Since August 12, 2025, there is a playable demo of the game on PS5, Xbox, and Steam. According to the trailer, you have until 28.08.2025 to play this.
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