Summary
Pathologic 3has been officially announced. The sequel to the popular open-world horror RPG promises to add to the ever-growing catalog of surrealPCand console games.
Developed by Russian studio Ice-Pick Lodge, the originalPathologichit the market in 2005 and eventually amassed a cult following due to its intoxicating atmosphere, compelling writing, and unusual premise revolving around saving a disease-ridden town. Theunnerving psychological horror gamewas powered by a proprietary engine. It was later remade in Unity with some extra features, as well as a number of notable omissions, with publisher TinyBuild releasing this project in 2019 asPathologic 2.
Pathologic 3 Announced for 2025
The open-world horror RPG series is now set to continue withPathologic 3, which has been officially announced in early October 2024. While the third entry in the franchise will still be made by the same developers, it will be published byCyprus-based company HypeTrain Digital. The game is currently targeting a 2025 release, having been confirmed for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Pathologic 3 Stars the Bachelor
While the firstPathologicfeatured three playable characters, its reboot-sequel allowed players to step into the shoes of only one of them, the so-called Haruspex. Another member of the original trio, the Bachelor, is now set to star inPathologic 3. The upcoming game can hence be seen as a continuation ofIce-Pick Lodge’s efforts to completePathologic 2, which was always intended to remake all three stories from the first series entry. But releasing the Bachelor’s campaign as a standalone entry rather than paid DLC allows the Russian studio to have an easier time delivering notable graphical advancements, such as the ones that are evident from the game’s reveal trailer.
In terms of gameplay differences,Pathologic 3will feature a time travel mechanic, which is an idea that the developers have already experimented with inMarble Nest, aPathologic 2DLC released in late 2019. This ability is said to be the Bachelor’s main asset in his fight against the epidemic engulfing the mysterious town in which the new game (still) takes place, allowing him to relive key events and change them to his benefit.
Our goal is to give the player a sense that time is more complex than we typically perceive it—as a linear path.
Aside from adding depth to the classicPathologictime management gameplay loop, the ability to rewind time also feeds into the survival horror’s surrealist themes. “Our goal is to give the player a sense that time is more complex than we typically perceive it—as a linear path,” said Ice-Pick Lodge founder Nikolay Dybowski. Seeing howPathologic 2is still widely touted as one of thebest nonlinear horror games ever made, the arrival of its even more convoluted sequel is bound to be exciting news for many fans of the genre.
Pathologic 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Pathologic 2 is a narrative-driven dramatic thriller about fighting a deadly outbreak in a secluded rural town. The town is dying. Face the realities of a collapsing society as you make difficult choices in seemingly lose-lose situations. The plague isn’t just a disease. You can’t save everyone.The plague is devouring the town. The chief local healer is dead, and you are now to take his place. You’ll have to look for unexpected allies. The local kids are hiding something. Try playing by their rules.You only have 12 days.
