Back to the Dawn

Back to the Dawn

Released Jul 2025

Back to the Dawn is a story-rich RPG set in a high-security prison ruled by factions and buried secrets. Investigate two conspiracies from the inside, gather evidence, and outsmart a system designed to silence you. Make friends (or foes) with fellow inmates and with their help, break out of prison.

94% positive · 10K reviews
Not yet
Released, but content still planned
High confidence
Content Planned
Not yet
Released, but content still planned
High confidence
Content Planned

Where to buy

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Evaluation

Back to the Dawn reached its full 1.0 release on July 18, 2025, after a period in Early Access. The 1.0 launch introduced the complete Bob the Black Panther storyline — a second protagonist with five new story acts and six different endings — alongside the Supporter Pack, Original Soundtrack, and Game Modifier Toolkit DLCs. Since the full release, the developer has stayed consistently active. A September 2025 update confirmed Nintendo Switch and PlayStation ports planned for 2026. An October 2025 patch added quality-of-life improvements, and a February 9, 2026 post introduced "Champion Mode" (a new difficulty for veterans) and Russian language support, while also noting Chinese voice-over work nearing completion. A May 11, 2026 patch — the most recent developer communication — added Spanish (Latin American) and Vietnamese localizations, with the developer noting further language support is in progress. The key forward-looking signal comes from the February 9, 2026 post, where Metal Head Games explicitly announced that a new paid DLC — described as the "Gray Cat DLC" featuring a supernatural investigator named Bam — is officially in development. The developer noted "with patience, a year from now, we shall unleash a resounding success," pointing to a target of approximately early 2027. The same post also called the Champion Mode update "the last major update for the base game," clarifying that future story content will come through DLC rather than free updates. The three DLC items currently on the store (Supporter Pack, Soundtrack, and Game Modifier Toolkit) are all cosmetic or utility items released at launch and do not represent this announced story DLC, which has not yet been listed on the store.
Evidence
Developer officially announces the 'Gray Cat DLC' is in development, featuring a new protagonist (Bam the supernatural investigator) and two additional characters, with a rough target of approximately one year away. The same post calls Champion Mode 'the last major update for the base game,' indicating future story content will come as paid DLC.
news post · Feb 9, 2026 source content planned
high
Back to the Dawn officially launched version 1.0, exiting Early Access with the full Black Panther storyline, three DLCs, and a same-day Xbox and Xbox Game Pass release.
news post · Jul 18, 2025 source content shipped
high

Content

3 of 3 released · no outstanding content

Media

Details

Publisher
Spiral Up Games
Achievements
46
Platform
Windows
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Verified
Players
Single-player

About this game

Back to the Dawn (动物迷城)

A gripping prison escape RPG woven with crime, corruption, and hidden agendas. Step into a maximum-security facility where every inmate has a past—and a plan. You'll have to fight to survive, investigate, and ultimately break free before the time runs out.

Uncover a scheme that threatens more than just your life—it could bring down the entire city. In this thrilling adventure, choices matter, and escape is your only salvation!

Choose between two protagonists — Thomas, a reporter caught in a web of lies, or Bob, an undercover agent sent deep into the prison system. Each storyline delivers over 20 hours of engrossing mystery, where your every choice matters. Navigate a prison ruled by three powerful gangs, interact with 47 uniquely crafted inmates, and uncover layers of intrigue through dozens of memorable NPCs.

With over 100 handcrafted quests, multiple escape routes—each with its own risks and rewards—several possible endings, and more than 500,000 words of gripping narrative, Back to the Dawn delivers a deeply replayable RPG unlike anything you've experienced.

Thomas the Fox is a journalist caught up in a dark conspiracy and who got thrown into a maximum-security prison for not playing ball. Working with your attorney friend on the outside, you must collect evidence to save yourself and the city from grave danger!

Bob the Panther is an undercover agent who has never failed on any of his missions, but he is growing exhausted of this line of work and wants out. But a personal tragedy drags him back for one last job in prison. Experience a hardboiled tale of betrayal, vengeance, and truth!

This is an enormous prison with lots to do and many places to explore, but make sure you follow the rules, or at least try not to get caught!

You’ll encounter all kinds of challenges as you explore your new environment. But will you be a model prisoner and just try to keep your head down, or will you leave a trail of chaos and destruction in your wake? It’s all up to you.

Meet a colorful cast of inmates in your prison, each with an interesting story to tell. You can either make them your friends or fight, bully and rob them into submission. Will you be part of a gang or a cunning lone wolf? Pick a side!

Are you a tough guy who lets his fists do the talking, a thief who hides in the shadows, or perhaps a smooth talker who manipulates the scene? Develop your skills, craft tools to suit your style, and climb your way from “new fish” to “top dog.”

In a place built to break you, your sharpest weapon is your creativity and cunning. Every inch of Boulderton Prison might hold the key to your escape, from your prison cell to the infirmary, to the sewers and even the rooftops. Can you break free?

Last evaluated Sep 29, 2026
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