Key Facts
- ✓ Deadhaus Sonata is targeting an Early Access release in early 2026 for PC, with console versions planned for a later date.
- ✓ The game is being developed using Unreal Engine 5, featuring a 'living world' where events and enemies change as the narrative progresses.
- ✓ Progression is handled through a tarot card-based skill system, allowing players to customize builds for roles such as tank or caster.
- ✓ Loot is earned through specific feats and actions rather than random drops, tying every item to the player's history and performance.
- ✓ The game supports cooperative multiplayer and features multiple player classes, starting with the Vampire.
A Long-Awaited Awakening
The dormant project from Denis Dyack, the creative mind behind Eternal Darkness and Legacy of Kain, has finally reemerged. Deadhaus Sonata, an indie-developed action-RPG first revealed in 2018, has released a brand-new trailer, signaling a renewed push toward release.
After years of silence, the team at Apocalypse Studios has announced a targeted Early Access release window of early 2026. While the game will debut on PC, the developers have confirmed that console versions are slated to follow the initial launch.
The World of Malorum
Set in a realm shattered by divine war and corruption, Deadhaus Sonata invites players to explore the haunting landscapes of Malorum. The environment is described as a place filled with forgotten kingdoms, haunted fortresses, and ruins shaped by ancient history.
The developers promise a narrative experience where discovery is key. As the team at Apocalypse Studios describes it:
Every discovery reveals new layers of lore where nothing is ever as it first appears.
The game is designed as a third-person narrative-driven experience, emphasizing a dark, atmospheric setting where the history of the world is deeply intertwined with gameplay.
"Every discovery reveals new layers of lore where nothing is ever as it first appears."
— Apocalypse Studios
Gameplay & Progression
With the shift to Unreal Engine 5, the game promises a visually rich and reactive environment. A core feature is the "living world" mechanic, where enemies, events, and opportunities change as the world progresses, making the realm feel alive.
Progression in Deadhaus Sonata takes a unique approach, moving away from traditional leveling systems. Instead, players will utilize a tarot card-based skill system to customize their builds. Whether a player prefers a tank or a caster, the cards allow for deep customization.
Key gameplay features include:
- Co-op enabled multiplayer for shared exploration
- Multiple player classes, starting with the Vampire
- A living world that reacts to player actions
- Deep lore integration in every discovery
Loot Through Feats
Perhaps the most distinct mechanic is the loot system. In Deadhaus Sonata, loot is not determined by random drops. Instead, it is earned through feats that track a player's specific actions, history, and performance.
The developers emphasize that "playing is crafting," meaning every item is shaped by what the player does. Gear, artifacts, legendary items, and tarot cards are all tied into the supernatural and political history of Malorum.
Every item is shaped by what you do. Gear, artifacts, legendary items, and tarot cards all tie into Malorum’s supernatural and political history.
This system ensures that a player's past actions directly influence their future resources and capabilities.
The Creator's Legacy
Denis Dyack has maintained a long and notable career in the gaming industry, marked by both critical acclaim and controversy. His previous works, including Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver and Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem, are considered cult classics.
The return of Deadhaus Sonata represents a significant moment for fans of Dyack's previous narrative-driven titles. The game is currently available for wishlisting on Steam, allowing eager players to stay updated on the impending Early Access release.
Looking Ahead
With a confirmed Early 2026 window for PC Early Access, Deadhaus Sonata is positioning itself as a standout title in the indie RPG space. The combination of a unique loot system, tarot-based progression, and a reactive world offers a fresh take on the genre.
As the release date approaches, anticipation will likely build around the specific mechanics of the Vampire class and how the living world evolves during the Early Access period. For now, the new trailer serves as the primary window into the dark, lore-rich world of Malorum.
"Every item is shaped by what you do. Gear, artifacts, legendary items, and tarot cards all tie into Malorum’s supernatural and political history."
— Apocalypse Studios
