A Dark Fantasy Realm Awaits in Decrepit
Decrepit, a new dark fantasy project from Jämmerdal Games, made its first appearance during The Game Awards. The studio is shaping it as a first-person dungeon-crawler influenced by souls-like design, with development underway for PC and a planned release sometime in 2026.
The game centers on methodical, stamina-based combat that rewards careful movement and precise timing. Players must learn how to control their surroundings, read enemy behavior, and respond with accurate strikes. Secrets hidden throughout the castle grant permanent boosts, though they serve only as support. True progress depends on understanding the flow of combat and mastering every opening. Weapons feature their own rhythm, and spells deliver powerful bursts when used at the right moment.
Decrepit draws inspiration from classic dungeon-crawlers such as Hexen and Eye of the Beholder, while keeping modern souls-like intensity at its foundation. Each death returns players to the opening area without equipment, turning every run into a fresh test of preparation. Several equipment-focused classes are available, including Mage, Warrior, Rogue, and Shaman. Finding items that complement a chosen path unlocks special traits and abilities that shape long-term progression.
Although the castle layout remains constant, enemy positions shift with every attempt, ensuring varied encounters throughout the journey. Time spent exploring the structure naturally enhances future runs, since shortcuts discovered earlier remain active, secrets stay unlocked, and previous mechanisms continue to function.
Decrepit enters a growing field of first-person souls-like games. One More Level, known for Ghostrunner, is developing Valor Mortis, which was announced in August. That title aims for metroidvania-style stages and deliberate close-range combat, offering another take on the genre.