The 9th Charnel confirms its release date: A highly anticipated survival horror game coming in early 2026

Good news for fans of survival horror games: The 9th Charnel, a title described as a tense blend of stealth, combat, and exploration, has officially locked in its release date for January 30, 2026. It’s shaping up to be one of the most notable psychological horror projects of early 2026.

The 9th Charnel (store.steampowered.com)
The 9th Charnel (store.steampowered.com)

1. Official release date and platforms

After a long wait, the developer has finally confirmed the most important details for the community:

Release date: January 30, 2026

Platforms: PC (Steam), PS5, Xbox Series X/S

As a first-person psychological survival horror game, The 9th Charnel drops players into a mysterious setting where the boundary between reality and illusion becomes increasingly fragile.

2. A haunting storyline: Michael and the Epsilon Research Institute

The 9th Charnel follows Michael, a genetic scientist from the Epsilon Research Institute. He and his colleagues, Sara Whitlock and Daniel J. Hart, embark on a field expedition to a remote valley near a wildlife preserve.

But the moment they arrive, things start to fall apart. Michael becomes trapped, communication is cut off, and—most importantly—Sara and Daniel are nowhere to be found. What begins as a rescue mission quickly turns into a race against the darkness, where he must face:

  • Fanatical cultists lurking in the shadows.
  • Ancient rituals that have been buried for generations.
  • Malevolent forces hiding in every corner of the valley.
In-game visuals from The 9th Charnel
In-game visuals from The 9th Charnel

3. Varied gameplay: Stealth, combat, and resource management

One of the reasons The 9th Charnel is gaining attention is its mix of survival mechanics, creating a consistently tense experience:

  • Layered gameplay: Stealth, combat, and exploration intertwine, making every step feel deliberate and meaningful.
  • Harsh survival elements: As hidden truths come to light, players must gather supplies and manage resources carefully to stay alive.
  • High-stakes decisions: You can choose to avoid danger with clever movement—or face enemies head-on when escape is no longer an option.

Beyond external threats, Michael also battles his inner fears, forcing him to uncover the ultimate truth and decide the fate of the entire research team.

Are you ready to step into a world of mysteries and cult rituals in The 9th Charnel? Add the game to your Steam wishlist so you don’t miss its January 30, 2026 launch!