Danish developer The Outer Zone, in collaboration with publisher 11 bit studios, has announced Death Howl, a new soulslike deck builder that weaves a narrative about grief and healing. A playable demo will be available starting January 20th, coinciding with the start of 11 bit studios Publisher Sale on Steam.
A Deck-Building Journey Through Sorrow
Players take on the role of Ro, a mother determined to reunite with her deceased son in a haunting Nordic-inspired realm. Combat takes place in grid-based, turn-driven battles that require both tactical prowess and adaptability. Players will craft and refine their decks throughout their journey, unlocking new cards and mechanics as they explore diverse biomes like the Forest of Howling Shadows and Meadows of Delusion.
Unlike traditional roguelikes, Death Howl features an explorative open world where players can uncover fragments of Ro’s story and delve into the lore of this ethereal world. Shamanic totems further enhance deck customization, providing players with additional tools to overcome formidable enemies and challenging bosses.


A Unique Blend of Genres
Death Howl’s combination of deck-building mechanics with soulslike exploration creates a distinctive gameplay experience. The game’s focus on narrative and emotional themes sets it apart from other entries in the deck-builder genre, which often prioritize strategic complexity and competitive multiplayer.
The Outer Zone, a three-person studio based in Copenhagen, aims to create a lasting impact with Death Howl’s story. “The loss of a loved one is universal”, reflects Malte Burup, Director, Artist, and Writer for The Outer Zone. “We believe our narrative approach will resonate with players.”
Demo Availability and Release Date
The Death Howl demo launches on January 20th at 7 PM CET/10 AM PT/1 PM ET on the game’s Steam page. The full release is planned for PC in 2025 and is supported by the Danish Film Institute – The Games Scheme.
Death Howl Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2825880/Death_Howl/
Death Howl GoG: https://www.gog.com/en/game/death_howl
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