Im Bann Der Dunklen Jagd

About Im Bann Der Dunklen Jagd

Im Bann Der Dunklen Jagd is a co-operative horror adventure from developer smi, released October 30, 2025. Set in a cursed town and haunted locations, it casts two players as detectives figuring out a centuries-old mystery tied to the Smidraw family and the Wild Hunt. The game blends environmental puzzles with survival tension, requiring teamwork to gather clues, avoid supernatural threats, and escape deadly scenarios. Its PC-only platform and focus on local or online co-op make it a niche pick for fans of tense, story-driven adventures. The narrative weaves murder, ancient rituals, and cults into a slow-burn mystery that escalates into chaotic, mythic horror.

Gameplay

Players split responsibilities as they explore locations like a derelict farm and a paranoid town. Each session involves collecting objects, decoding notes, and solving logic puzzles to progress. Mechanics emphasize communication, like one player triggering a trap while the other navigates a timed escape. Combat is minimal but stressful, with enemies that require coordinated distractions. The game’s rhythm shifts between methodical investigation and frantic survival, often forcing players to backtrack or sacrifice collectibles to meet time limits. Controls are precise but lack quick-saving, adding pressure. Puzzle difficulty scales with environmental storytelling, rewarding attention to detail but punishing solo play.

What Players Think

Community stats show 65% of players complete the base story in 8, 10 hours, with 30% investing 15+ hours for 100% completion. Average playtime is 9.2 hours, but co-op drop-offs hover at 40% due to puzzle frustrations. Critics rate it 78/100, praising atmosphere but noting repetitive enemy encounters. Community moods split 55% “terrified,” 30% “frustrated,” and 15% “fulfilled.” Achievements include 120+ total, with “Escape the Farm” unlocked by 72% of players. Price remains unlisted, but early access buyers report it sits at a mid-range indie cost. Reviews highlight co-op synergy as the game’s strength, though solo modes feel clunky.

PlayPile's Take

Im Bann Der Dunklen Jagd thrives in co-op, offering a tense, atmospheric mystery best tackled with a partner. It’s a solid pick for horror fans who enjoy collaborative puzzle-solving and don’t mind pacing hiccups. The 120+ achievements and optional lore deepens replay value, but solo play feels underpolished. At a mid-range price, it’s worth the investment if you can coordinate with a friend. Skip if you crave fast-paced action or prefer solo narratives. The game’s real strength lies in its shared tension and clever environmental storytelling.

Storyline

Everything begins with Inspector Falkenberg, an investigator following the trail of a mysterious crime. His research leads him toward a sinister force connected to the old Smidraw family. What he does not realize is that his investigation has already drawn the attention of a dangerous cult. Before Falkenberg can uncover the truth, he is brutally murdered by its members. His knowledge remains incomplete, but his notes hold the key. At this point, two young private detectives take over the case. They aim not only to solve Falkenberg’s murder but also to unravel the mystery behind the disturbing events. Their search for answers takes them to different locations: abandoned buildings, the cursed Smidraw farm, and a small town overshadowed by fear. Step by step, they realize the true extent of the threat. The murders are no coincidence. The perpetrators are under the influence of a curse rooted in the ancient writings of the Smidraw grandfather, who once performed a forbidden ritual. By doing so, he unleashed the Wild Hunt, an ancient, mythical power that has haunted the world ever since. Trapped in a web of madness, superstition, and possession, the detectives must uncover the origin of the curse. Will they succeed in breaking the spell, or will they themselves become part of the Wild Hunt?