The Best War Games can exclusively reveal that Tombwater, a 2D Western Soulslike RPG by Moth Atlas and Midwest Games, will launch on Steam on Wednesday, November 12. Fans who are eager to give Tombwater a try before the November launch can also download the free demo on Steam and face off against a fearsome boss.
Originally revealed in late 2024 and shown again at the Best Indie Games Summer Showcase, Tombwater's tale is told from the perspective of a lone gunslinger. Players can utilize firearms, potions, and magic spells to fight against Eldritch monsters and uncover the truth behind the titular town's fate. Tombwater draws inspiration from The Legend of Zelda and Red Dead Redemption franchises, and is being developed by Max Mraz and Jake Wagner from Moth Atlas, a studio based out of Columbus, Ohio. Mraz's previous work includes a "demake" of Bloodborne called Yarntown, which is stated to be a precursor to Tombwate r.
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Tombwater Confirms November 12 Release Date With New Trailer
On September 2, publisher Midwest Games shared a new trailer that includes the release date of Tombwater, which The Best War Games can now exclusively reveal. Tombwater launches Wednesday, November 12, exclusively on Steam. Players looking to try out the game before its scheduled launch can download a free demo of Tombwater on Steam and test out the game's combat mechanics. Some of the weapons seen in Tombwater's release trailer include shovels, a minigun, and various magic spells that can deal damage to multiple enemies at once. Some of the bosses that Tombwater players may encounter include twisted shadows, a foe covered in ritual candles, and other gun-toting outlaws. Midwest Games and Moth Atlas also revealed that a playtest for Tombwater would be conducted soon, and encouraged interested players to sign up in advance.
Given that Soulslike titles like Hollow Knight are known for their punishing combat systems that require players to learn the fights via repeated failures, the top-down 2D perspective of Tombwater is not a common feature in the genre. With various close-range weapons and magic spells at the gunslinger's disposal, Tombwater players will need to use both their wits and their arsenals against the game's 20+ boss fights. Players can keep track of their progress via a map and quest log, and can use apothecary crafting to concoct tonics and explosives that can assist them in a battle.
The November launch of Tombwater will happen the same week as titles like Lumines Arise and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Fans looking for a different spin on the Soulslike gameplay formula would be remiss not to check out Tombwater this fall.
- Developer(s)
- Moth Atlas
- Publisher(s)
- Midwest Games
WHERE TO PLAY
A curse lay upon the town of Tombwater.
Play as a lone gunslinger who arrives in the accursed ghost town in search of a lost friend. The residents of the once-prosperous mining town have been afflicted by madness. Monsters and horrors roam the streets and there are few souls remaining with a sound mind. If the eldritch beasts of the town can be overcome– there may be hope yet for Tombwater.
Blood-Spilling Combat
Dash and slash your way through combat against unsettling eldritch beasts. Utilize an arsenal of firearms, blades, spells, apothecary items, and charms to develop your own playstyle to fight against the madness. You can strike with a cavalry saber before dashing away to cast a spell, or you may prefer to equip a flame-imbued shotgun and a heavy mining pickaxe.
Interconnected Exploration
Tread your way through the cursed, interconnected world of Tombwater. Metroidvania elements allow you to discover canyons, scrublands, forests, mines, and more. Find many secret, optional areas full of strange NPCs and their quests,or dangerous enemies guarding rewards.
Eldritch Mysteries
A cursed town, a mining disaster, a missing sheriff, and a cosmic influence permeating everything. Uncover the secrets that Tombwater's inhabitants are trying to keep buried.
Additional Features
2D Top-Down Souls-Like: Experience a Souls-Like from a new perspective. Nostalgic, gruesomely detailed pixel art in a top-down view with every classic Souls-Like mechanic.
Map & Quest Log: Keep track of your progress as you explore the inter-connected Wild West world of Tombwater with a map and quest log.
Apothecary Crafting: Helpful tonics, explosives and more can be crafted from materials you find while exploring to help aid you in battle
Gruesome Boss Fights: Experience 20+ horrifying boss battles that will threaten to drive you to madness.
