Synopsis
DreadOut 2 continues the story of Linda, the young heroine introduced in the original game, as she faces new horrors that blur the line between myth and nightmare. Still haunted by her past and tied to the mystical powers of her camera phone, Linda must navigate a dangerous world where restless spirits and dark rituals prey on the living. This sequel expands the narrative of the first game while introducing new threats and a broader scope, cementing Linda’s struggle against supernatural forces as a battle not just for survival, but also for closure.
Developed and published by the Indonesian studio Digital Happiness, DreadOut 2 was first released for PC on Steam in February 2020. The game later expanded to consoles, arriving on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S in July 2022, with a Nintendo Switch release following in January 2024. On consoles, distribution was handled by Soft Source Publishing. In Southeast Asia, the game received physical editions for both PS4 and PS5, while in North America a physical release was made available for the Nintendo Switch. As a direct sequel, DreadOut 2 builds on the original’s unique blend of Indonesian folklore and modern survival horror design, giving Linda’s journey greater depth and a stronger narrative connection between the two entries.
Gameplay
The game blends third-person exploration with traditional survival horror mechanics, evolving the formula of its predecessor. Players once again rely on Linda’s smartphone camera as a supernatural weapon, using it to reveal, weaken, and banish ghosts rooted in Southeast Asian mythology. Alongside the returning camera mechanic, DreadOut 2 introduces melee combat, allowing Linda to fight back against certain threats more directly. Exploration is more open ended than in the original game, with town environments and larger interconnected areas replacing the mostly linear school setting. Puzzle solving, resource management, and tense encounters with spectral enemies reinforce the survival horror foundation, while combat options add a new dimension to the experience.
Visuals & Style
DreadOut 2 uses Unreal Engine 4 to deliver more detailed and atmospheric environments than its predecessor. The game moves beyond confined interiors to present haunted neighborhoods, forests, and derelict buildings, each cloaked in unsettling ambiance. The visual design continues to draw heavily from Indonesian cultural elements, weaving local ghost stories and myths into enemy designs that feel both unique and terrifying. Sound design plays a major role in heightening fear, with ghostly whispers, sudden shrieks, and unnerving silence ensuring players never feel secure.
Importance in Survival Horror History
This sequel holds significance for showcasing how regional folklore can enrich the global survival horror genre. By grounding its horror in Indonesian myths rather than Western tropes, DreadOut 2 broadened the cultural reach of survival horror. It also marked a milestone for Southeast Asian game development, proving that indie studios from the region could produce titles that stand alongside international horror releases. As a continuation of Linda’s story, it demonstrated the potential for long form storytelling in indie survival horror franchises, emphasizing continuity and character development.
Reception vs Historical Value
Reception to DreadOut 2 was mixed to positive. Many praised its improved visuals, expanded environments, and deeper combat system compared to the first game, while others noted occasional technical roughness and uneven pacing. Historically, however, the game has earned recognition as one of the few Southeast Asian survival horror titles to break into the international market, strengthening the visibility of regional voices in horror gaming. Its contribution to the genre lies in how it combined traditional mechanics with local cultural identity, offering players a fresh but familiar kind of fear.
Availability & Collectibility
DreadOut 2 is widely available digitally on PC via Steam, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. Physical copies were produced for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 in Southeast Asia, while North America received a physical edition for the Nintendo Switch. These physical versions are especially appealing to collectors due to their regional limitations, making them notable items for fans of indie and survival horror alike.
Get it on:
Steam: DreadOut 2 on Steam
Xbox: Buy DreadOut 2 | Xbox
PSN: DreadOut 2
Switch : DreadOut 2 for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Official Site
Trailer: