As the player you take the role of Ash, a natural but tormented leader. In that role you explore a post-apocalyptic, frozen wasteland to gather the resources necessary to establish a refuge for survival. With dwindling resources, simple tasks like upgrading equipment and collecting materials quickly require an expedition to scavenge the necessary items. In the search for survival materials, players must navigate a vast territory, in which they will encounter Eldritch monsters and an even greater foe: the unrelenting winter. While freezing temperatures constantly take their toll on the player Ash, the deadliest event is that of a blizzard. If caught by surprise, it takes every ounce of skill, determination and luck to survive.

In order to survive and overcome all challenges, the player needs to attract followers, bringing them into thei refuge. Each individual skillset and character traits grants access to higher tier resources and gear. Without such advances, the player character can scavenge only the barest necessities, crafting makeshift tools and weapons.

“We believe nothing is a more personal game-experience than a survival game. Our goal is to develop something that drags you deep into the cold and deadly world of an apocalyptic winter. Therefore, for us this game will only be perfect if we can get feedback from the community. Early Access is designed for that."

“We are thrilled to not only be showing Fade to Silence to the public for the first time but to invite Steam players to play the game in Early Access beginning next week,” said Adrian Goersch, Managing Director, Black Forest Games. “We intend to bring Steam players consistent and meaningful content updates throughout development, layering on new areas, followers, missions, monsters, and increasingly complex social events – events that demand moral decision-making on the part of the player. The team at Black Forest Games believes the Steam community will bring invaluable feedback to the final Fade to Silence experience.”

“We have long sought to expand the THQ Nordic portfolio with a survival game that truly elevates the genre,” said Reinhard Pollice, Business and Product Development Director, THQ Nordic. “Fade to Silence recreates the many dynamics of a harsh winter climate, delivering a new level of intensity to the survival experience. During the Early Access phase, the intense story of Fade to Silence will unfold, finally revealing what is behind the corruption the hero is fighting.”

Fade to Silence will be available on Steam Early Access starting Dec. 14, 2017 for approximately 8 months, with a targeted full release in August 2018.

At this stage of development we are going out with all the base game features in place:

• Construct, upgrade and defend your refuge
• Rescue and recruit followers
• Coordinate your followers for resource management
• Combat a variety of eldritch monstrosities
• Go out on expeditions with your followers on your wolf sled
• Explore the initial release of the game world, roughly 10 km2 area, under dynamic snowfall and time of day
• All the while trying to survive the deadly blizzards in this post-apocalyptic world.

“You’re glad to have found wood; for once, you’ll have a roaring fire in the camp. As your sled wolves race home, you pay no attention to the strange lights in the forest. You’ve done enough for today.

The wind suddenly picks up - a blizzard is moving in fast. The voice in your head dares you to keep going,”Come on! You have plenty of time to make it back.” You doubt it, but stopping now means you need to build a shelter—out of that precious wood. The snow begins to fall; you have only a moment to decide. Should you risk it and keep going, or do you play it safe but lose your firewood?”

Fade to Silence introduces the many dynamics of a harsh winter climate to a complex, character-driven, group survival experience. The dynamic weather system adds to the immersion of survival in a cold, corrupted world. Survival depends on how well the players read weather patterns, and if they come to the right conclusion - look for shelter or press home. The dynamic snow displacement leaves a realistic path by both player character and NPC. This telltale sign will tell you regions where it is good to hunt and regions where monsters are roaming.

“You’re out hunting. The barren, snow-filled landscape is endless and unrelenting. A Ripper comes out of nowhere, and you fight it off, narrowly dodging its gigantic claws.

Then you see it: a distant fire. Another person? Impossible. But there’s a strange noise—a voice? Wild hope sears your heart; you won’t be alone anymore. The voice in your head steps in, discouraging you from investigating. “Anyone living must have done terrible things to survive”, it says. You quiet the voice, defying it this time, and move in closer. Another person could help you rebuild, gather food, harvest deer. You see someone—yes! Someone else is out here. Then, you hear a scream. But you hesitate. How can you trust them? Another scream, desperate. There’s only one way to find out.”

Key Features:

• Explore a vast winter landscape: The launch version lets you explore a river delta, a dense forest region and cultivated farmland of an 8km² area.
• Wolf Sled Expeditions: Pack your sled, take a follower with you and engage in long term expeditions into the farthest regions.
• Fight System: Tiered weapon system, melee and ranged combat.
• Moral choices: Save and recruit various NPCs to join your group. Harsh choices have to be made; who do you take, who do you leave behind.
• Battle increasingly dangerous Eldritch creatures that roam an apocalyptic world.
• Trust your inner voice. It is your friend.

Fade to Silence is currently in development for PC and Next Generation consoles.