Tactical combat, surreal enemies, and no waypoints: Hell is Us challenges both your mind and your senses – here’s everything you need to know ahead of the release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X.
Hell is Us is a dark third-person action-adventure coming soon to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The game deliberately avoids modern conveniences like maps, quest markers, or HUDs, opting instead for a minimalist structure that rewards independent thinking and close observation. We’ve rounded up all the details on story, gameplay, platforms, and editions.
When does Hell is Us release?
Hell is Us launches worldwide on September 4, 2025. Deluxe Edition preorders can jump in early on September 1. A free demo featuring the first chapter and photo mode has been available since August 12 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Which platforms will Hell is Us release on?
Hell is Us will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Older systems like PS4 and Xbox One are not supported, and a Nintendo Switch 2 version isn’t currently planned. Rogue Factor is, however, working on a Steam Deck–optimized version.
Story: What is Hell is Us about?
The protagonist, Rémi, returns to his homeland ravaged by civil war and the mysterious Calamity phenomenon. Smuggled out as a child, he now searches for his parents and his own identity. The story intertwines three layers: Rémi’s personal journey, the social and psychological scars of war on the people, and the threat of supernatural creatures. According to creative director Simon Girard, the experience is meant to unfold like a novel, where nothing is accidental and every clue matters.
Special attention is given to the depiction of war and its consequences. While Rémi never fights other humans directly, destroyed villages, traumatized survivors, and political murals define the world. More than 160 NPCs reflect different roles in the conflict—from soldiers to civilians to victims.
How does Hell is Us gameplay work?
Hell is Us blends tactical melee combat with free exploration. The world of Hadea is semi-open and fully explorable without loading screens. Instead of waypoints or maps, the game relies on environmental cues, NPC dialogue, and a “Mindmap” system—essentially a visual notebook to help with orientation. Observant players who pay attention to details will be rewarded. NPC conversations are short but precise, requiring players to listen carefully and remember names and locations on their own.
The combat system focuses on melee weapons like swords, spears, and axes—no firearms exist in the game. The supernatural enemies, known as “Hollow Walkers,” demand precise timing, stamina management, and tactical approaches. Damage also reduces your maximum stamina, limiting your abilities. Combat is further supported by the KAPI drone, which can unleash special attacks or distract enemies. According to the developers, exploration and combat each account for roughly 50 percent of the experience.
Hell is Us: Which editions are available?
Hell is Us will be released in three editions: Standard, Deluxe, and Limited Edition.
- Standard Edition: Includes the base game for $59.99. Preorders come with the exclusive Military Pack containing cosmetic items for Rémi and the KAPI drone. Available digitally and physically across all platforms.
- Deluxe Edition: Priced at $79.99, it adds 72-hour early access on top of the base game. Extras include a digital artbook, soundtrack, and two skin packs for Rémi and KAPI (Hollow Skin Pack and Secret Skin Pack). The physical edition comes in a Steelcase.
- Limited Edition: A physical collector’s edition available at select retailers. Includes the base game, Military Pack, a special metal case with exclusive artwork, a printed artbook, and other collectible items. Pricing varies by retailer.
What makes Hell is Us unique?
Hell is Us targets a mature audience that values narrative depth and independent play. The mix of realistic war settings, psychological storytelling, and supernatural threats creates a dense atmosphere. Rather than holding players’ hands, the game encourages discovery, reflection, and interpretation—a deliberate departure from many modern open-world titles.
With its stripped-down interface, tactical combat depth, and layered world design, Hell is Us delivers a demanding experience aimed at fans of atmospheric action-adventures. Launching September 4, it promises an unusual game that won’t appeal to everyone—but that’s very much the point.
