If you’re in the mood for old-school action with a dark fantasy edge, Haunted Lands is ready to put your skills to the test. The newly released demo is available now on Steam, inviting players to step into a cursed world filled with undead horrors, scheming cultists, and demonic abominations.
Developed by Alevgor and published by Alawar, Haunted Lands is a retro-inspired action platformer that blends fast-paced combat with exploration and character-driven gameplay. Players venture into desecrated burial grounds where ancient crypts, forgotten tombs, and relentless enemies stand between them and restoring balance to the land.
One of the demo’s highlights is its variety of playable classes, each offering a distinct approach to combat. Players can choose from six characters across three archetypes. The Beast classes are built for aggressive, close-quarters combat, perfect for players who want to tear through enemies head-on. The Gunner classes cater to those who prefer keeping their distance, delivering destruction from afar with precision firepower. Meanwhile, the Mage classes offer a more tactical playstyle, combining offensive spells with healing and support abilities to survive the onslaught.
As you push deeper into the Haunted Lands, the challenge ramps up. Enemy types become more dangerous, elite variants test your reflexes, and towering bosses await those brave enough to press forward. Exploration plays a major role, with sprawling burial grounds packed with hidden secrets, optional objectives, and powerful artifacts waiting to be discovered.
Artifacts are a key part of progression, allowing players to dramatically enhance their character’s offensive and defensive capabilities. Some artifacts can even transform how a class plays entirely, encouraging experimentation and replayability as you hunt down the most powerful combinations.
Key Features
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Retro Action Platforming: Fast, brutal combat inspired by classic action platformers
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Six Playable Characters: Two Gunners, two Beasts, and two Mages, each with unique strengths
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Explore the Burial Grounds: Crypts, tombs, elite enemies, and challenging boss encounters
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Artifact-Based Progression: Collect powerful items that reshape abilities and playstyles
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High Difficulty Ceiling: Optional objectives and hidden secrets for players seeking a true challenge
The Haunted Lands demo is available now on Steam, offering a taste of its punishing combat and eerie atmosphere. The full game is slated to launch on PC via Steam in 2026, so if the demo sinks its claws into you, be sure to wishlist the game to stay updated on its journey toward release.