Try it out: Extended demo for Hell is Us released
A playable demo for Hell is Us is now available on Steam and can be played until August 28. It includes the complete first chapter, offering around 90 minutes of gameplay. This section provides a first impression of the strange world, exploration elements, and combat system. Hell is Us releases on September 4, 2025.
Compared to the demo released in June, the current version of Hell is Us has seen significant improvements. It features optimized performance, a reworked aiming and counter system, and noticeably better control precision. Additional voice-overs have been added, subtitles included, and a photo mode introduced, allowing you to capture striking scenes and landscapes.
Exploring with almost no aids
Hell is Us intentionally uses a minimalistic user interface. In the demo, there’s no map, no quest markers, and… no compass? Not quite — despite what many German gaming news portals claim. In the Hell is Us demo, a compass can indeed be used for basic orientation. Anything beyond that relies on environmental details, distinctive light sources, and hints from NPCs. This design aims to create deeper immersion and emphasize the exploration aspect.
On our Hell is Us store page, you’ll find the “PLAY STEAM DEMO” button — simply click it and follow the instructions to install the demo via Steam. Note: Some players have reported Hell is Us launching at an incorrect, very low resolution. This can happen especially in multi-monitor setups or when Windows 11 is using desktop resolution scaling. According to a Steam discussion, temporarily disabling resolution scaling in Windows 11 before launching the game may help. If this workaround works for you, feel free to share it in the comments.
Impressions from the trailer
The accompanying demo release video showcases the variety of locations in Hell is Us: vast barren landscapes, abandoned settlements, and tighter, more claustrophobic, and eerie interiors. Sword and axe combat against strange creatures is shown, with stamina and health management playing a role. Cutscenes hint at the backstory and enhance the game’s dark atmosphere.