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Dark Realms: Mysteries of Hoia Baciu Forest
Seeking closure about the death of his lover, Alex enters Hoia Baciu forest. But the truth about Isabella is even darker than what lies in the forest. Mysteries of Hoia Baciu Forest is a first-person horror game inspired by the real Romanian legend, and the first chapter in the Dark Realms series.

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Features
Single-player
Family Sharing
Profile Features Limited 
Languages:
Interface Full Audio Subtitles
English ✔ ✔
Romanian ✔ ✔

Early Access Game

Get instant access and start playing; get involved with this game as it develops.

Note: Games in Early Access are not complete and may or may not change further. If you are not excited to play this game in its current state, then you should wait to see if the game progresses further in development. Learn more

What the developers have to say:

Why Early Access?

“Reason is that we want the community to be engaged in the development process of Dark Realms: Mysteries from Hoia Baciu Forest and ensure that the feedback is greatly taken into consideration.
We wish to improve the game during its development, prioritizing the community feedback, comments and suggestions, as the video game should always be centered around you, the user.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“The following roadmap for the game's release is as follows:
- March 4, 2026: pre-alpha
- Spring 2026: Alpha
- Early Summer 2026: Beta
- Late 2026: Dark Realms Mysteries from Hoia Baciu: Full Release”

How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?

“In the full release of Dark Realms: Mysteries of Hoia Baciu Forest, we plan to expand the game with 3 new acts, new enemy types, items, and other content inspired by community feedback. We are also committed to optimize performance to ensure a smoother, more immersive experience and to refine the current features and UI experience.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The game is currently in pre-alpha, with Early Access being targeted for May 31st.

The Pre-Alpha build includes many core features and offers players a limited portion of the full experience. For a more detailed breakdown of gameplay elements, please refer to the “About This Game” section.

Players can interact with environmental objects, hide or escape from enemies, and complete objectives to progress through the story. However, not all enemies and inventory items are available yet—some are still in development, while others are being withheld to avoid major story spoilers.

The free-roam segments are currently being expanded and refined. Certain sanity mechanics, such as story-driven visions of other places, are already implemented. Additional systems that impact gameplay, audio, and visual effects are still in development to ensure a polished and immersive experience.

Please note: this pre-alpha version is not entirely bug-free.”

Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?

“Price will slightly increase as new features and content will be shipped until the full version is released, although the increases will not be too significant.”

How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?

“Community feedback is always a plus value and I will work with players to improve the game either on the Steam community page or through the upcoming discord server.”
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About This Game

Mysteries of Hoia Baciu Forest is a first-person horror game inspired by the real Romanian legend, and the first chapter in the Dark Realms series.

Story

They call it the "Bermuda Triangle of Transylvania." Led by the haunting voice of his dead lover, Alex enters the Hoia Baciu Forest seeking closure. But the woods are alive, a cult is hunting, and the truth about Isabella’s death is more terrifying than the ghosts between the trees.

You are Alex. You are a man haunted by a memory you can’t escape and a guilt you can’t name. When a voice-familiar, yet impossible-whispers your name from the shadows of the world’s most haunted forest, you don't run away. You walk right in.

The Legend is Real

Inspired by the chilling Romanian folklore of the Hoia Baciu Forest, Dark Realms takes you into the heart of the "Bermuda Triangle of Transylvania." This is not just a forest; it is a living, breathing entity that feeds on the shadows of your past.

Game Progression

The main story consists of Alex trying to understand what is happening inside the forest and finding a way out. This progression will be tracked through a system of objectives, which can be accessed from the player's HUD.

Hide or Escape

The core gameplay revolves around survival: players must either hide from terrifying creatures. The environment offers multiple hiding spots, including tables, bushes, barrels, and other objects that can conceal you from danger.

Players can explore and collect useful items to store in their inventory, such as a lighter, symbols journal or GPS. Progression also requires solving environmental puzzles that unlock new areas and advance the story.

Hidden throughout the world are collectibles that reveal deeper lore and may unlock additional endings, encouraging exploration and multiple playthroughs.

Survive the Cult

You are being hunted. Between the twisted trunks and glowing runes, mysterious forces are watching your every step. Trust Your Senses: When your vision blurs and your heart races, the forest has already won. Scavenge to Stay Alive: From the flickering glow of a found flashlight to the cold steel of a defensive tool, every item is a lifeline in a place where dawn never breaks.

Face Your Own Reflections

The deeper you go, the more the forest bleeds into your reality. Solve the riddles of a life left behind and decode the ancient runes of those who disappeared before you. Are you finding Isabella, or are you just finding a way to die?

Mature Content

The video game contains mature content or themes such as gore, death and extreme violence, that some players might find sensitive.

This game is a work of fiction inspired by real-world folklore. No real locations were harmed in the making. Please respect all real-world private property.

Mature Content Description

The developers describe the content like this:

The video game contains flashing images, mature content or themes such as gore, mutilation, gruesome death, extreme violence, that some customers might find sensitive.

System Requirements

    Minimum:
    • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    • OS: 10
    • Memory: 8 GB RAM
    • Storage: 6 GB available space
    Recommended:
    • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    • OS: 11
    • Memory: 16 GB RAM
    • Storage: 10 GB available space
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