Turn-based RPGs and survival horror have crossed paths before, but The Backworld looks to take that combination in some unusual directions. Publisher Top Hat Studios and developer Numor Games have announced that the surreal RPG will launch for PC via Steam in Q2 2027, giving players another reason to keep an eye on the increasingly interesting indie release calendar.
Rather than limiting its horror to dark environments and unsettling enemies, The Backworld builds its premise around a collapsing reality threatened by a cosmic war. Players will travel between different dimensions, exploring everything from surreal horror settings to more traditional JRPG-inspired fantasy and science-fiction worlds, including their own hometown. The journey will also feature nonlinear exploration, with new abilities opening up additional paths and opportunities as the adventure progresses.
Combat is only one part of surviving this increasingly bizarre world. Players will have to decide when to confront threats directly, when to sneak past them, and when alternative solutions such as diplomacy might be the better option. The game also features a collection of companions and recruitable pets, with party members possessing their own abilities and unique resources that influence how they perform in turn-based encounters.
There are some particularly unusual mechanics at work, too. A sanity system can affect individual characters in different ways, potentially causing them to behave unpredictably. It can also influence the player’s perception of the world, with hallucinations introducing fake NPCs and misleading interface elements. Combined with the game’s collection of strange equipment, unlockable abilities, and exploration tools such as a hoverboard, The Backworld appears interested in making its horror mechanics an important part of the overall RPG experience rather than simply an aesthetic choice.
Interestingly, Numor Games is also offering considerable control over just how punishing that experience becomes. Players can independently adjust the RPG and survival horror difficulty settings, allowing them to enjoy a more traditional role-playing adventure or embrace additional survival mechanics. Those looking for a particularly unforgiving experience can introduce features such as permadeath, more restrictive checkpoints, and a single save slot, while players who would rather concentrate on exploration and the story can reduce the difficulty.
With its mixture of cosmic horror, nonlinear exploration, party-based combat, and survival mechanics, The Backworld could appeal to players looking for something a little different from the usual turn-based RPG formula. Its Q2 2027 release is still some time away, but the latest announcement provides a better look at what Numor Games is attempting to accomplish with its unusual multiversal adventure.