Stars Pulse’s indie survival horror game Complete Horror launched its free demo on Steam on May 13, 2026. Set in an abandoned subway station with over-the-shoulder combat, puzzles, and environmental storytelling, the full release is planned for Q3 2026.
Complete Horror, an indie survival horror game developed and published by Stars Pulse, dropped its free playable demo on Steam on May 13, 2026. The game draws heavy inspiration from Resident Evil and The Evil Within, offering over-the-shoulder third-person gameplay set inside a sprawling abandoned subway station. The full release is targeted for Q3 2026, placing it somewhere between July and September.
What Is Complete Horror About?
You wake up as a woman alone in an abandoned subway station. No memories, no phone signal, no obvious way out. The station’s former staff are still moving, wandering aimlessly in the dark, and something far worse lurks deeper underground: twisted creatures that were never human. Every step uncovers more questions, and every answer pulls you closer to a disturbing truth. According to Stars Pulse, the disaster was no accident, and your awakening was no coincidence.
The story unfolds through environmental details, documents, and changes in the world rather than direct exposition. This “show, don’t tell” approach mirrors the storytelling philosophy that has defined modern Resident Evil remakes and made them so effective at building dread.
How Does the Gameplay Work?
Complete Horror uses an over-the-shoulder third-person camera, the same perspective popularized by Resident Evil 4 and carried through the RE2 and RE3 remakes. You play as a female protagonist armed with firearms and customizable outfits. As you progress, you unlock new weapons and clothing to handle increasingly dangerous environments.
The combat system features a mix of ranged gunplay, melee attacks, and execution moves with detailed animations. However, ammunition and healing items are scarce, forcing you to make constant strategic decisions between fighting and evading. This resource-driven tension sits at the core of what makes classic survival horror compelling.
Exploration, Puzzles, and Pressure
The subway station is composed of multiple interconnected areas. Players must explore under limited time and resources, searching for key items and routes to progress deeper. Each area features environmental puzzles tightly integrated into the setting, guiding you through different sections of the underground network.
Crucially, enemies and environmental threats can appear at any time while you are solving puzzles. There is no safe room-style reprieve during problem-solving, which keeps the tension constant and makes every moment feel precarious.
What Kinds of Enemies Will You Face?
Complete Horror features both zombie-type enemies and special mutated creatures. Each enemy type has unique behaviors and weaknesses, requiring different strategies to overcome. A single combat approach will not work across all encounters, so adapting your tactics and managing your limited resources carefully becomes essential to survival.
Who Is Stars Pulse?
Stars Pulse is the developer and publisher behind Complete Horror. The studio lists this project under the Action, Adventure, Indie, and RPG genres on Steam. Complete Horror appears to be their debut title in the horror genre. There are currently no user reviews on Steam since only the demo is available, with the full game yet to launch.
System Requirements
| Spec | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 / 11 | Windows 10 / 11 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 | Intel Core i7 / AMD Ryzen 7 |
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 |
A 64-bit processor and operating system are required. The 16 GB RAM floor even at minimum settings suggests the game prioritizes visual fidelity and environmental detail. Complete Horror is currently PC-only via Steam, with no announced console versions.
Language Support
The demo currently supports 12 interface languages including English, French, German, Spanish (Spain), and Russian. Full audio and subtitle localization details have not been finalized. Broader language support may be confirmed closer to the full release.
Why Should Resident Evil Fans Pay Attention?
Complete Horror follows a proven formula that Resident Evil fans will recognize immediately: an intimate, gradually unlockable environment, scarce resources, environmental puzzles blocking progression, and diverse enemy types that demand different strategies. The over-the-shoulder camera, the female protagonist navigating a nightmare alone, and the emphasis on piecing together the story through found documents all echo the DNA of Capcom’s recent RE remakes and Tango Gameworks’ The Evil Within series.
2026 is an exceptionally strong year for horror games. Major releases include Resident Evil Requiem (RE9), Silent Hill: Townfall, Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake, Directive 8020, and Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival. Within this crowded landscape, indie titles like Complete Horror offer a more focused, experimental alternative for fans who want that classic survival horror feel from a fresh perspective.
How to Download the Demo
The free demo is available right now on Complete Horror’s Steam store page. It gives you a hands-on look at the game’s core mechanics, atmosphere, and combat before the full version launches. Stars Pulse has confirmed a Q3 2026 release window, meaning a precise date could be announced during the summer months.
A Few Things Worth Knowing
Is Complete Horror free to play? No. The full game will be a paid release. However, a free demo is currently available on Steam so you can try the game before committing.
Is it PC exclusive? As of now, Complete Horror is only listed on Steam for PC. No console versions have been announced by Stars Pulse.
Does it have multiplayer? No. Complete Horror is a single-player experience only.
Is the content suitable for all ages? Stars Pulse notes the game may contain content not suitable for all age groups, including general mature content, possible nudity, and gore.
When does the full game release? The only confirmed window is Q3 2026, which covers July through September. An exact date has not been set yet.
What other games feel similar? If you enjoy Complete Horror’s demo, you might also want to look at titles like Echoes of the Living, The Hour: Echoes of the Crescent, Mawgate, and Industria 2, all of which carry strong Resident Evil influences and are available or upcoming on Steam.
