Cronos: The New Dawn is just about to launch. Here’s everything you need to know about Bloober Team’s latest survival horror release.
Bloober Team, the studio behind the Silent Hill 2 remake, is about to release its next major survival horror project: Cronos: The New Dawn. The game blends classic horror with fresh ideas like time travel, moral choices, and dynamic enemies. Set in an alternate version of 1980s post-apocalyptic Poland, it promises a bleak and gripping experience. Here’s a full breakdown of the release date, gameplay, weapons, and platforms.
When does Cronos: The New Dawn release?
Cronos: The New Dawn launches on September 5, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2. The game is strictly single-player — there’s no co-op mode. Cross-saves between platforms also won’t be supported.
What’s the story in Cronos: The New Dawn?
The story takes place in an alternate reality where 1980s Poland was wiped out by a virus called “the Change.” You play as a “Traveler,” an agent of the Collective. Your mission: travel back through time rifts and extract souls—a morally gray task with lasting consequences.
Your choices—whether you spare a target or drain their essence — shape not just your character, but also the world around you and the game’s ending. According to the developers, multiple endings are possible, but they’re not divided into simple “good” or “evil.” Instead, they’re designed to resonate on an emotional level.
How does the time travel feature work?
Time rifts let you shift between the ruined present and 1980s Poland. There you’ll meet characters you can influence, rescue, or sacrifice. Every choice affects your abilities, resources, and the direction of the story. You can even bring characters into the future or absorb their essence to boost your powers.
How does the gameplay work?
Cronos leans on classic survival horror roots, inspired by genre heavyweights like Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and Dead Space. Combat is tense and demanding, while resources like ammo and healing items are scarce. A standout mechanic is the fusion system: enemies can merge with corpses and mutate, forcing you to think carefully about what you leave behind. Carelessness can spawn tougher, deadlier monsters.
The creature design is both disturbing and inventive. You’ll face a mix of enemy types: fast runners, ranged attackers, and heavy “bruisers” that rely on brute force.
What weapons and gear are available?
You’ll have access to a wide range of weapons, including rifles, hammers, spears (javelins), and more. Switching weapons based on combat distance is key. The inventory system is also reminiscent of Resident Evil—meaning smart resource management is essential.
Are there difficulty settings and replay value?
Yes. Difficulty can be adjusted, mainly affecting enemy density and resource availability. With multiple endings, branching story paths, and morally complex choices, the game offers strong replay value.
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What does the world look like?
The visuals blend Eastern European brutalism with retro-futuristic tech, creating a chilling atmosphere unlike most games in the genre. Levels feature puzzles, alternate realities, and psychological twists. Notably, the developers chose not to include chase sequences, which often frustrate players in other horror titles.
System requirements (PC) for Cronos: The New Dawn
The system demands are fairly high, especially at max settings:
Minimum:
- Windows 10 x64
- Intel Core i5-8400F / i5-8600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080, AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT, or Intel Arc A770
- 16 GB RAM
- 50 GB free storage
Recommended:
- Windows 10 x64
- Intel Core i7-10700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
- NVIDIA RTX 3080, AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT, or Intel Arc B580
- 16 GB RAM
- 50 GB free storage
What makes Cronos: The New Dawn stand out?
Cronos: The New Dawn blends classic horror design with a bold time travel mechanic, morally weighty choices, and dynamic combat. Its bleak Eastern European-inspired setting makes it stand out from standard survival horror fare. If you’re into atmospheric horror with depth and replayability, mark September 5, 2025, on your calendar.
We’ll be keeping you updated with more news and insights—stay tuned!
