Step Inside an Abandoned Children’s Asylum in Dark Pals: The 1st Floor
Skunx Games has confirmed that its upcoming mascot horror title Dark Pals: The 1st Floor will launch on Steam on 1 May 2026. The studio, founded by Winston van Graafeiland, has gained a large following through the Horror Skunx YouTube channel, which features dark and immersive horror content. You can check it out for yourself if you are into that kind of stuff.
Dark Pals: The 1st Floor blends mascot horror with psychological storytelling and places players inside an abandoned children’s mental health asylum. Players explore the facility, solve environmental puzzles, and uncover disturbing secrets hidden throughout the building. The game uses its eerie setting to gradually reveal what caused the asylum’s closure in the late 1980s.
The developers have built the game as a transmedia experience. They expand the story beyond gameplay by releasing additional lore and clues through YouTube content. This approach encourages players to follow the mystery across multiple platforms.
As the first entry in a planned series, the game introduces a wider world filled with unsettling locations, twisted characters, and layered narratives. Players encounter creepy mascot-like creatures, unlock new areas by solving clever puzzles, and use a unique tool called the Ink Blaster alongside a companion named Inky.
Skunx Games aims to deliver a tense and immersive horror experience while laying the foundation for future entries. The game launches on 1 May, marking the beginning of a new psychological horror franchise. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and wishlist it right now!