The Sinking City 2 pre-alpha gameplay revealed by Frogwares

Frogwares has officially unveiled the pre-alpha gameplay footage of The Sinking City 2, a Lovecraftian survival horror game set in a reimagined 1920s America. The game, which is currently in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox, is scheduled for release in 2025.

Harnessing the power of Unreal Engine 5, The Sinking City 2 aims to deliver a more immersive horror experience, with dense environmental storytelling, an overhauled combat system, and a revamped investigation mechanic.

A darker, more detailed Arkham

Following a devastating flood, Arkham is left in ruins—partially submerged and abandoned, with only a few inhabitants remaining. However, those who stayed behind each have their own hidden motives. The game introduces a semi-open world that is denser than its predecessor, encouraging players to explore its decaying streets and flooded districts.

There’s no hand-holding in The Sinking City 2. Players must navigate Arkham on foot or by boat, uncover hidden paths, and connect clues on their own. The city is filled with secrets, side quests, and environmental storytelling, making exploration a key part of the experience.

Enhanced combat with strategic depth

Combat in The Sinking City 2 has been rebuilt from the ground up to offer a more intense survival horror experience. Frogwares has detailed several key improvements:

• Era-accurate firearms & limited resources – Weapons are designed to fit the 1920s setting, requiring careful aiming and resource management. A redesigned inventory system allows players to craft and upgrade survival tools.
• New and reimagined Lovecraftian horrors – Players will face both classic Mythos creatures and original monsters unique to The Sinking City universe. Each enemy has distinct strengths, weaknesses, and unpredictable behaviour.
• Strategic combat mechanics – Not every enemy can be defeated the same way. Players must observe enemy patterns, exploit weaknesses, and adapt their approach to conserve resources.
• Perk-based progression – Players can unlock combat-focused perks, allowing for different playstyles and strategic advantages.

A more flexible investigation system

Investigations remain central to The Sinking City 2, but Frogwares has introduced a redesigned system that offers more player freedom:

• Find every clue or deduce the truth – Players can meticulously gather evidence for additional lore and bonuses or rely on intuition and deduction to progress.
• No rigid puzzle-solving – Missing a clue won’t block progress. Instead of being forced down a fixed path, players can connect dots in their own way and move forward based on their interpretation.

This new approach ensures that investigation remains a core gameplay element while allowing players to engage with it according to their own playstyle.

A Lovecraftian tale of madness and obsession

The people who remain in Arkham after the flood have their own reasons for staying—hidden motives that may not be immediately clear. The narrative will explore themes of isolation, madness, and obsession, blurring the lines between sanity and delusion.

With morally ambiguous characters, unexpected twists, and unsettling horror elements, The Sinking City 2 aims to deliver a deeply immersive Lovecraftian experience.

Development under war and Kickstarter campaign

As a Ukraine-based studio, Frogwares continues to develop the game under difficult circumstances. Despite the ongoing Russian invasion, the team remains committed to bringing The Sinking City 2 to life.

The game has secured partial funding, but Frogwares has launched a Kickstarter campaign to expand its scope. The additional funding will allow them to hire more designers and artists, ensuring the game reaches its full potential.

For those not involved in military or humanitarian efforts, the studio sees game development as a way to fight back—by continuing to create and share their vision with the world.