Over a decade after the original Damned hit Steam, developer 9heads Game Studios is at it again with the follow-up in Damned 2. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, Damned 2 will launch in Early Access on August 7 on Steam, with PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series versions coming soon after. There’s even an upcoming public playtest running from July 3 to 7 that you can sign up for now on the game’s Steam page.

Originally released back in 2014, Damned was the world’s very first asymmetric horror game. With the sequel, players once again assume either one of four survivors who must explore cursed locations, solve puzzles, and escape alive, while a fifth player takes on the role of a deadly creature hunting them down.

To escape, survivors must search for items, unlock doors, and complete puzzles scattered across the map. Every match reshuffles key elements, requiring players to adapt quickly. Teamwork, awareness, and a steady hand are essential. Meanwhile, the player controlling creature is granted unique abilities, depending upon the monster chosen. Each monster offers a different playstyle — some stalk in silence, others create chaos and confusion.

Damned 2 features highly detailed environments, advanced 3D sound, and dynamic lighting that heighten the tension. The immersive VOIP system simulates ambient echoes and reverberations, creating realistic and terrifying situations for players communicating by voice in-game. As mentioned, the randomized placement of items and puzzles in each session, combined with the diverse roster of playable monsters, ensures that no two matches are ever the same.