Macabre News

[p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][h2]We’re thrilled to finally share Macabre with you. Grab your mates, step into the Rift, and see how long you can survive together.[/h2][p][/p][p]Remember, this is just the beginning. Now is the time to have your say. Get involved in the community, share feedback and ideas, post art and clips, or simply check in from time to time. Every contribution makes a difference.[/p][p][/p][p]We’ve done everything we can to polish the game, but with so many new players jumping in on different hardware setups, there are bound to be bugs and even crashes. We will be on high alert over the next few days to fix issues quickly, and we will continue refining the experience based on your feedback.[/p][p][/p][p]If you run into problems, join us on Discord, post in Steam Discussions, or use the in-game bug report form. The community is quick to help, and so are we.[/p][p][/p][p]As an independent studio made up of a handful of friends, we cannot thank you enough for the support you have given us so far. We are excited to keep expanding and improving the Rift with you.[/p][p][/p][p]Before you dive in, watch this short video. It explains the basics, sets expectations, and will help you survive your first runs.[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]If you played the Macabre demo, you will remember it had a single map and one objective (the Disco Stick). Since then, the game has grown into something far more expansive and unpredictable. Here is a snapshot of where things stand now:[/p]

• [p]The RiftMap and SubRifts: Infinite campaigns, dynamically generated to keep every run different.[/p]
• [p]Points of Interest: 15 hand crafted locations, from small camps and crash sites to sprawling facilities.[/p]
• [p]Primary Objectives: 13 fully randomised and procedural missions for endless replayability.[/p]
• [p]Landscape Configurations: 5 unique setups that shift terrain, sightlines, and flow.[/p]
• [p]Weather Variations: 9 dynamic conditions that change atmosphere and strategy.[/p]
• [p]Offensive and Defensive Equipment: 9 tools of survival ranging from protective gear to powerful devices.[/p]
• [p]Seeker Tools: 5 specialised instruments built from fragments to uncover hidden artefacts.[/p]
• [p]Difficulty Levels: 5 tiers of challenge that alter pacing, tension, and survival strategies.[/p]
• [p]The Crawler: 1 highly intelligent monster with complex behaviours, constantly evolving.[/p]

[p]And that is only the beginning…[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]The Crawler[/h2][p][/p][p]From the very start we set out to build a monster that feels truly capable and intelligent. Inspired by Alien: Isolation, the Crawler uses overlapping behaviours that shift from moment to moment.[/p][p]In one game it might stalk carefully, waiting in ambush. In another it might hunt aggressively, picking off players one by one. It can even change personality mid run, blurring the line between AI and something alive.[/p][p][/p][p]Since the demo we have made big improvements to its behaviour. Even we, as developers, are often surprised by what it does. That unpredictability is exactly why Early Access matters. The more players interact with the Crawler, the more feedback we get to refine and expand its behaviours into something unforgettable.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]RiftMap and SubRifts[/h2][p]Macabre does not use traditional maps. Instead, the world is built from hand crafted Points of Interest (from small camps and crashed planes to sprawling research facilities). These areas are designed with objectives, sightlines, and the Crawler’s behaviours in mind, ensuring tension and flow are always deliberate.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]When a SubRift is generated, a random seed determines which objectives and Points of Interest appear. Because timelines bleed into one another, the Rift constantly evolves. As new chapters of content are added, you will not simply see a single new map. You will see entirely new locations and biomes pulled in from across time and space, expanding the pool of what can appear in your SubRift campaigns.[/p][p]The result is a world that grows with every chapter, infinite in replayability but always grounded in authored design.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Objectives[/h2][p]The demo had one mission. Now there are 13 unique objectives, shuffled and combined in different ways to keep every expedition fresh and unpredictable.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Equipment and Tools[/h2][p]With 9 equipment types and 5 Seeker Tools, players can approach the Rift in their own way. These tools are built from strange fragments that resonate with the Rift, helping you uncover artefacts, stabilise anomalies, or simply survive longer.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Difficulty[/h2][p]Macabre now features 5 distinct difficulty levels. These do not just tweak stats. They change how the hunt feels, whether you want a tense slow burn or a full throttle nightmare.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Immersion Features[/h2][p]We have layered in new systems that make the Rift feel more alive. Proximity chat has been completely rebuilt from scratch, delivering clearer audio and smarter attenuation so your friends sound like they are really in the space with you. On top of that, we introduced an emotion system, where your character reacts with facial expressions to the world around them. Fear, shock and tension are no longer just things you feel as a player, but things you see reflected in your squad.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]We would not be here without your support. Your enthusiasm turned this project into reality, and we are forever grateful. If you are enjoying Macabre, the best way to help us is by leaving a review on Steam 👍. It helps more players discover the game and keeps the Rift growing.[/p][p]See you in the Rift.[/p][p][/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h3]Macabre launches on Friday 26 September 2025 at 3PM PDT[/h3][h3]
Launch times: [/h3]

• [p]3 PM PDT[/p]
• [p]6 PM EDT[/p]
• [p]11 PM BST[/p]
• [p]6 AM CST (Sat 27)[/p]
• [p]8 AM AEST (Sat 27) [/p]

[h3]Price: USD $24.99 (regional pricing applies)
Launch offer: 10% Launch Discount. Don’t miss out! [/h3][p][/p][p]We had to wrestle the Rift into submission (classic anomaly), but the new date means you’ll have the whole weekend to dive in. From our small team in Australia, thank you for every wishlist and word of support. Early Access is how we finish Macabre with you. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]What to Expect in Early Access[/h2]

• [p]Co-op stealth horror for 1–4 players[/p]
• [p]Adaptive monster that learns from you[/p]
• [p]Randomised maps, objectives, and intense scares every run[/p]
• [p]Progression that carrys forward across sessions[/p]
• [p]A bloody good time with mates![/p]

[p]This is the foundation of Macabre. We plan to continue refining and expanding it during Early Access. including new maps and biomes, additional monsters, continuously improved AI shaped by player interaction, fresh objectives, traps, crafting, roaming wildlife, and much more.[/p][p]After our successful Kickstarter, we were reminded just how central player feedback is to Macabre’s development. From the beginning, every decision we make has been influenced by players, through interviews, feedback forms, and hands-on testing. Early Access is the next step in that process. It gives us the opportunity to expand the community and bring even more voices into shaping the Rift.[/p][p]We are a small independent team, and your support means the world to us. Every wishlist, every bug report, every clip you share helps us build Macabre into the horror experience we imagine.[/p][p][/p][p]JOIN THE DISCORD[/p][p]FOLLOW US[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]It is the biggest milestone in our journey so far, and it holds the answer to the question everyone has been asking. "When Game?" We've also added lots of new info on our steam page about section so make sure you check it out![/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Our Journey So Far[/h2][p]For anyone curious, this all began five years ago. My mate and I started working on Macabre late at night after our day jobs. We had no idea how to make a game, only a shared love for horror and multiplayer experiences, and the belief that we could figure it out.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Those early years were slow, full of experiments and mistakes, but we kept grinding away. Then came our Kickstarter. Thanks to the incredible support from thousands of you, we were able to quit our jobs and go full time. That support also allowed us to bring on another developer, which meant Macabre finally had a real team behind it.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Even with that momentum, we were still just three full-time developers and a handful of amazing freelancers helping us bring the Rift to life. In the past twelve months, we have achieved more than we did in the four years before. With the freedom to focus completely on development, our ideas finally became features, systems, and playable moments we could share with you.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]It has been a long road filled with risk, sacrifice, and relentless work. Every wishlist, every message, every bit of feedback has made it possible for us to keep moving forward.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]What Awaits in the Rift[/h2][p]For those new here, Macabre is a high-stakes co-op extraction horror where stealth is survival and no two runs are ever the same.[/p]

• [p]Maps shift, objectives change, and the monster adapts[/p]
• [p]Escape together or abandon your squad to save yourself. Trust is fragile, betrayal is easy[/p]
• [p]Guided by Banjo, you will scavenge, sneak, and improvise your way through collapsing Rifts[/p]
• [p]Every run is a gamble. Survive and extract your loot, or die and lose everything[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h2]Looking Ahead[/h2][p]This trailer is not the end of our journey, it is the start of the next chapter.[/p][p]Early Access gives us the runway to keep building and evolving Macabre with you. We have new maps, monsters, puzzles, and systems planned, all guided by your feedback and play.[/p][p]We began as two friends who met through voice chat in DayZ. Today, we are still a small team of three, but with a global community that has made this dream possible.[/p][p]Thank you for walking this road with us. This is just the beginning.[/p][p]See you in the Rift,
Jay, Jake and the Weforge Team[/p][p][/p][p][/p]

[h2]New Build Live: aff8628869[/h2][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]G’day Riftwalkers,[/p][p]The day has finally come. Thanks to your support as early backers and Insiders, Alpha 3 is now live and ready for you to jump into. This is the first time many of you will be entering the Rift, and we cannot wait to see what you discover.[/p][p]Alpha 3 is our biggest step forward yet, with new missions, smarter AI, rebuilt comms, and plenty of polish to make the experience more immersive. It is a true milestone for the project, and it would not exist without your help.[/p][p][/p][h2]What’s new:[/h2]

• [p]Procedural Mission System: Five new Primary Objectives of varying difficulty. More on the way.[/p]
• [p]AI behaviour and animation overhaul: Three difficulty levels. Smarter searches and clearer tells.[/p]
• [p]Big animation update: New cinematic deaths, new search animation, smoother transitions throughout.[/p]
• [p]Expanded Rift: New points of interest and outposts. Overhauled flora for an Australian bush feel.[/p]
• [p]Monster visual upgrade: Sharper silhouette, more detail up close, better readability in darkness.[/p]
• [p]In game VOIP rebuilt: Proximity and radio comms overhauled with the features you requested.[/p]
• [p]Performance and stability: Optimised scenes for smoother play. Fewer hitches and crashes.[/p]
• [p]Quality of life and polish: UI tweaks, new hints, improved prompts, and many bug fixes.[/p]

[p][/p][h2]How to Play[/h2]

• [p]If you supported the Kickstarter or Signed up as an INSIDER, you will have recieved a key via email. [/p]
• [p]Simply launch Steam, activate your key and install via “Macabre Playtest”[/p]
• [p] No Beta key/branch is required this time [/p]

[p][/p][h2]Share Your Experience[/h2][p]The best place to leave feedback, clips, or bug reports is in the private Alpha Rift channel on Discord. We will be hanging out there throughout the playtest, keeping an eye on your runs through the Rift.[/p][p] [/p][h2]Need Help?[/h2][p]If you run into any issues, please join our Discord and open a support ticket. Our team will be ready to help you out. [/p][p][/p][p]JOIN THE DISCORD[/p][p][/p][p]This is just the beginning. Every play session, every note, every idea you send us helps shape Macabre into the game we all want it to be. [/p][p]See you in the Rift.[/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]Hello Riftwalkers, the wait is over. Macabre Alpha Test #3 is about to begin, packed with major updates and improvements shaped by your feedback. We can’t wait to see what chaos unfolds. Make sure you are in the Discord to grab the password and share your clips with the community![/p][p][/p]

• [p] 4:00 PM PDT (26 August - USA West Coast)[/p]
• [p] 7:00 PM EDT (26 August - USA East Coast)[/p]
• [p] 12:00 AM BST (27 August - UK/Europe)[/p]
• [p] 9:00 AM AEST (27 August - Australia) [/p][p][/p]

[p] *Playtest will run for 1 week. Approx. 10 GB download. [/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p][/p][p]Thanks to everyone who took part in the last two Alphas. Your feedback has been invaluable. Here’s a taste of what’s coming in Alpha #3: [/p]

• [p] New Procedual Mission System: 6 brand new missions to challenge your survival skills.[/p]
• [p] AI Behaviour & Animation Overhaul: introducing 3 difficulty levels for more dynamic encounters.[/p]
• [p] Environment Updates: expanded Rift with new points of interest and outposts.[/p]
• [p] Performance & Stability Fixes: smoother gameplay and fewer crashes across hardware.[/p]
• [p] Improved Monster Visuals. The monster has received a major visual upgrade, with more detail and realism.[/p]
• [p] And much, much more...
  [/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]This is still an early Alpha build, so please keep in mind: [/p]

• [p]Work in Progress. Expect bugs, missing polish, and performance hiccups. That is part of what you are here to help us improve.[/p]
• [p]Smarter AI. This test focuses on new behaviours, difficulty tuning, and expanded monster animations.[/p]
• [p]Small Team, Big Vision. Just three of us are working full-time to bring Macabre to life, and every insight you share makes a difference.[/p]
• [p]Your Feedback Matters. Be honest, be constructive, and know that your voice helps shape the Rift’s future.[/p]

[p][/p][p]Thank you for walking this path with us. You are not just testing, you are helping to create Macabre. 🙏

[/p][p]With nearly 6,000 members, our Discord server is the best place to connect with fellow fans, share your thoughts on the game, and get immediate support. It’s also where you’ll find access to the exclusive Alpha Rift channel, where we share development previews and discuss ideas with other Alpha playtesters. [/p][p]Join us here: https://discord.gg/macabre[/p][p] [/p][p]
It’s not too late to support the project and gain access to the Alpha! However, we want to set clear expectations for new backers:[/p][p] [/p][h3]Reasons to Support:[/h3]

• [p] Join 3,000 players already in the Alpha playtest.[/p]
• [p] Connect with fellow fans and share your feedback directly with the devs.[/p]
• [p] Gain early access to future playtests as new features are introduced.[/p]
• [p] Unlock exclusive cosmetics to showcase your role as an early supporter.[/p]
• [p] Support a dedicated indie team who value and listen to their community.

  [/p]

[h3]Why It Might Not Be Right for You:[/h3]

• [p] If you’re expecting a polished, bug-free experience—this is an early Alpha designed for testing and feedback.[/p]
• [p] If you’re a content creator, please note this is a closed test. We’ll have early previews for creators closer to launch.[/p]

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