Independent developer Studio Abattoir has announced its debut game, The Pines, a new psychological horror RPG coming to PC via Steam in 2027. A newly released gameplay trailer offers a closer look at the game’s unsettling world, where players must uncover dark secrets while trying to survive the dangers hidden beneath the surface.
Unlike many horror games that focus only on scares, The Pines combines investigation, role-playing elements, exploration, and combat. The game puts a strong emphasis on player choices, with decisions affecting both the story and the people players encounter.
In The Pines, players take on the role of Edward Walker, a former detective who arrives at a remote therapy retreat in search of a fresh start. The retreat appears peaceful and welcoming. However, it quickly becomes clear that something is wrong.
As Edward begins exploring the area, he uncovers a web of secrets, conspiracies, and strange events linked to both the retreat and his own past. The deeper he investigates, the more dangerous things become.
The Pines has an open-world design. Players are free to explore the retreat and the surrounding forests at their own pace. The game encourages players to follow leads, investigate rumors, and interact with the residents living at the retreat. Many of these characters have their own personal stories, hidden motives, and troubled histories.
This structure makes The Pines feel closer to an RPG than a traditional linear horror game. Players can choose how much time they spend investigating the main mystery or exploring side stories.
According to the developer, certain choices can turn seemingly harmless residents into dangerous enemies known as Stalkers. These enemies can appear unexpectedly during exploration and continue hunting the player throughout the game.
This system adds unpredictability to every playthrough. A character who seems friendly early on could become one of the biggest threats later in the story depending on the player’s decisions.
As a former detective, Edward uses investigative skills to solve crimes and uncover hidden truths.
The Pines features real-time combat where players can dodge, parry, and attack using a variety of weapons. The trailer shows melee weapons such as bats and axes being used against hostile enemies.
The game also includes a skill and perk system that allows players to customize Edward’s abilities. Different builds could influence how players approach combat, exploration, and investigations.
The combination of horror, role-playing mechanics, and detective gameplay makes it stand out from more traditional survival horror titles.
The Pines is currently scheduled to launch in 2027 for PC via Steam. The game is already available to wishlist on Steam.
