Eleven years after one of the most influential horror games was released, Damned 2 is launching today in Early Access on Steam, bringing back the franchise that started one of the most popular subgenres in gaming: asymmetric horror.
Developed by 9Heads Game Studio using Unreal Engine 5 and published by Nuntius Games, the title is already trending in livestreams and videos from popular content creators worldwide, such as Viking Of South (over 1.5 million YouTube subscribers) and ReudigRuediger (almost 90K Twitch followers). Just like the original game, the sequel is already going viral.
To celebrate, Damned 2 is launching with a special reduced price on Steam for a limited time, along with a new trailer showing exactly what players can expect during gameplay
First released in 2014, long before other big names in the genre, the original Damned was the first asymmetric horror game ever made. It introduced online multiplayer matches where a group of survivors faces off against a monster. The game directly inspired later titles like Dead by Daylight, Phasmophobia, and many others, which shared similar ideas and mechanics.
Now, Damned 2 pushes the genre forward with next-gen visuals, immersive 3D audio, and a wide range of new gameplay features. The community behind horror asymmetrical games widely recognizes its role as a genre-defining title.
“I'm really happy with this kind of recognition. Seeing our work on the first Damned helping to pave the way for a genre that grew so much makes me proud, and also grateful. I feel more like a part of a movement than a unique reference point. Still, it's very rewarding to see that impact,”
says Daniel Ernesto, co-founder of 9Heads Game Studio and Lead 3D Artist on Damned 2.
Even during Early Access, Damned 2 launches with a solid foundation of content:
- Asymmetric 4v1 multiplayer
- 9 atmospheric maps, each with unique visuals and challenges
- 8 puzzles, procedurally placed in different spots each match
- 3 playable monsters (Lurker, Mary, and Blight), each with unique abilities
- 4 survivors, each with distinct personalities and styles
- Procedural item and objective placement, making every match unpredictable
- Integrated VOIP system, with simulated echoes and ambient reverberation
- Achievement system fully implemented
- Original soundtrack by Matt Collins
A roadmap with even more updates and new content for Damned 2 will be revealed soon.
Damned 2 delivers a gameplay experience where each match feels fresh. Procedural item placement and dynamic interactions between monsters and survivors ensure replayability. The game brings back the spirit of multiplayer horror in a modern technical package, promising scares, strategy, and unforgettable moments.
“After years of development, from the bottom of my heart, thank you to the entire community for all the support you've given us. We’re building Damned 2 together with you, and we can’t wait to see what you’ll do with it,”
says Daniel Ernesto.
9Heads Game Studio is a indie game development team passionate about horror and multiplayer gameplay. The studio gained international recognition with Damned (2014), the world’s first asymmetric horror game. Today, the team uses that experience to continue innovating within the genre they helped define.
Nuntius Games is a Brazilian publisher formed by industry veterans and influencers with millions of followers. With a mission to elevate Brazilian games to the global stage, Nuntius focuses on visibility, community-driven marketing, and premium quality. The company’s partners include Jonathan Silva (The Game Awards nominee), Isaias Leal (renowned porting expert), and top content creators like Velberan, Segredos dos Games, Narrativando, and Coelho no Japão.