Planned Release Date: August 2026

About This Game

Kupala is a mystical visual novel that blends horror, drama, and folklore, inspired by Slavic legends and ancient rituals. The game immerses you in the familiar yet enchanting world of a Russian village. It’s deeply atmospheric — evoking both the warmth of a beloved family home and the eerie tension of looming suspense.

Little Anya, together with her family going through difficult times, arrives at her grandmother’s quiet village on the eve of Ivan Kupala Night — the most sacred night for pagan Slavs. According to legend, on this night, ancient spirits awaken and reach out to the living. The grandmother’s house is warm and cozy, but her tales of Baba Yaga sound unsettling, and darkness thickens outside the windows — the player can almost feel its watchful, sinister gaze.

In the full version, the player will find themselves in the very heart of Kupala Night: blazing bonfires, flower wreaths floating on water, and traditional folk celebrations. The story will let you dive deeper into Slavic myths and folklore, experience the atmosphere of an ancient ritual — the celebration of Ivan Kupala Night. But beware: the ancient evil never sleeps, and on this night it is at the height of its power.

The full version will feature a non-linear storyline with multiple possible endings, allowing players to influence the fate of Anya and her family. Not every choice will be easy — it’s up to you to decide whether Anya survives.

The game is currently in active development, but a free demo — KupalaDemo — is already available. It takes about thirty minutes to complete and is designed to introduce players to the characters and immerse them in the atmosphere — the comfort of a rural home, the uneasy anticipation of the holiday, and the growing sense of suspense.

All visuals are hand-drawn using hatching and linocut techniques, and the music is sourced from public domain materials. The game will be available in both Russian and English. Please leave your feedback — it will help make the full version even better.