New Steam Western Game Has Serious Dark Souls Vibes

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The upcoming Steam game, Tombwater, blends the open-world feel of Red Dead Redemption 2 with the challenging combat of Dark Souls, creating a unique 2D action RPG. Developed by the team behind Ocean’s Heart (Moth Atlas), Tombwater is available to try right now with a free demo on Steam.

In 2024, Moth Atlas unveiled Tombwater, a new game that quickly gained attention for its unique blend of challenging gameplay and Western setting. It takes inspiration from the difficult combat of Dark Souls and the atmosphere of Red Dead Redemption, but stands out with its own distinctive 2D art style. Tombwater isn’t simply trying to be an indie Dark Souls clone; it’s forging its own path.

Tombwater Gives Serious Dark Souls Vibes, and You Can Try It Right Now

Tombwater, a new game from Moth Atlas, blends the challenging combat of Souls-like games with a Western setting and unsettling cosmic horror. Players investigate the cursed town of Tombwater, uncovering the dark secrets hidden beneath its surface. You’ll need to use a variety of tools – guns, swords, magic, potions, and even cursed items – to survive the encroaching madness. The game features a connected world with optional areas to explore for extra rewards and quests, reminiscent of Metroidvania titles. Fans of the Dark Souls series will find a familiar challenge in the game’s 20+ difficult boss fights. Fortunately, players have over 50 weapons and 40 spells to help them overcome these obstacles and tailor their approach to each battle.

Variety in combat is a central feature of the game Tombwater. A new trailer from Moth Atlas showcases all six starting classes, each offering unique stats, equipment, and tactical benefits that impact everything from damage output to resource management and risk-taking. Lead developer Max Mraz explained that these classes are designed to significantly change how players experience Tombwater. He emphasized that the classes encourage replayability with their diverse strengths and starting gear. Mraz personally prefers the Drifter due to its special weapon abilities, but enjoys experimenting with different builds – except for the Nameless class, which he considers particularly challenging.

All Tombwater Classes

  • Soldier: The best choice for durability – starts with the highest Strength and Life stats of any class.
  • Gunslinger:Designed for high firepower – great for quick kills before the Eldritch horrors can get close.
  • Occultist: Can use powerful spells, and has a unique Rune Knife “that reduces inflicted madness when enemies are hit with it.”
  • Tinkerer: Utilizes consumables to allow adaptability, and “rewards players who thrive on crafting and clever use of resources in high-pressure encounters.”
  • Spellblade: Great for players who want a classic RPG experience, blending swordplay with magic casting.
  • Drifter: Weak equipment and very few skill points. This one’s for the Soulslike veterans who thrive on a challenge.

If you’re interested in the game Tombwater, you can try a free demo now! Released in April 2025, the demo is available on Steam and lets you experience some of the game’s levels and different fighting styles, giving you a taste of what the full game will offer.

These classes let you try different approaches in replays, as varying abilities and initial gear can significantly change the outcome.

Image via Midwest Games

Man, it feels like a really awesome time for indie games on Steam right now. I’m seeing so many new titles from smaller developers, and they’re actually trying new things – taking risks you just don’t see from the big AAA studios. And it’s working! People are loving these games, and good ones are blowing up thanks to word of mouth. It’s great to see!

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2026-01-22 23:08