Dark Nights
Released Oct 2022
Nothing is as it seems.
92% positive · 440 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 get it
Free on Steam
Evaluation
Dark Nights is a free-to-play visual novel that launched on October 31, 2022. A soundtrack DLC followed the next day, and the developer subsequently ran a successful crowdfunding campaign to produce a follow-up called Dark Nights – Reflections.
Dark Nights – Reflections was released on December 12, 2025 as a separate Steam client, but the developer was explicit at launch that it is not yet complete. The release currently contains only two routes — Roya and Chain — and the developer stated directly that the secret route and extra stories will be added in 2026. The developer also noted plans to update the main game with new toggleable sprites in 2026.
The developer stated in the February 2024 progress post that Reflections will be the last Dark Nights content they ever work on, meaning the series will conclude with this project. However, since content for Reflections is still outstanding as of the launch announcement on December 12, 2025, the project as a whole is not yet complete. As of today (October 1, 2026), the 2026 additions have not been confirmed as shipped in the available data, so the outstanding commitment remains active.
Evidence
Dark Nights – Reflections released with two routes (Roya and Chain). Developer explicitly stated the secret route and extra stories will be added in 2026, and that a new sprite toggle for the main game is also planned for 2026.
Progress update showing Reflections was still in active development with secret route at 50% writing and extra stories at 10% writing, confirming those components were always part of the planned release.
Content
1 of 1 released · no outstanding content
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
Pinlin
Achievements
29
Platform
Windows, macOS, Linux
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Not rated
Players
Single-player
About this game
Story
You live in a small, peaceful village. Every day is the same as any other; boring. Right when you wish for something exciting to happen, strange things start to occur, stemming from the nearby forest. If that isn't enough, the locals have begun disappearing. At the same time, you meet four mysterious guys. Will you discover the truth before becoming the next target?
Features
♦ 4 routes, each with a unique storyline
♦ 16 possible endings, 4 per storyline
♦ At least 10 hours playtime - 60,000 - 70,000 words per storyline. Total 270,608 words
♦ 8+ side characters, vary per route.
♦ 60 CG art/20+ cut scenes
♦ 60 Original background art
♦ 37 Original soundtracks
♦ 29 Achievements
♦ Opening video
♦ Bonus material
Notes
There isn’t an official order, because each route is a puzzle piece of the whole. Although, some routes are more connected than others. Like Zeikun and Sachiro. If you are going to play all routes anyway, I suggest starting off with Zeikun or Sachiro as an introduction to the story. Kurato and Junoru routes are more plot-heavy so I’d do them as last.
If you enjoy keeping hooked on mysteries I suggest this order: Sachiro> Zeikun> Kurato > Junoru. To understand hints given in other routes I suggest this order: Kurato > Zeikun > Sachiro or Junoru. Reach all 16 endings to unlock bonus content.
You live in a small, peaceful village. Every day is the same as any other; boring. Right when you wish for something exciting to happen, strange things start to occur, stemming from the nearby forest. If that isn't enough, the locals have begun disappearing. At the same time, you meet four mysterious guys. Will you discover the truth before becoming the next target?
Features
♦ 4 routes, each with a unique storyline
♦ 16 possible endings, 4 per storyline
♦ At least 10 hours playtime - 60,000 - 70,000 words per storyline. Total 270,608 words
♦ 8+ side characters, vary per route.
♦ 60 CG art/20+ cut scenes
♦ 60 Original background art
♦ 37 Original soundtracks
♦ 29 Achievements
♦ Opening video
♦ Bonus material
Notes
There isn’t an official order, because each route is a puzzle piece of the whole. Although, some routes are more connected than others. Like Zeikun and Sachiro. If you are going to play all routes anyway, I suggest starting off with Zeikun or Sachiro as an introduction to the story. Kurato and Junoru routes are more plot-heavy so I’d do them as last.
If you enjoy keeping hooked on mysteries I suggest this order: Sachiro> Zeikun> Kurato > Junoru. To understand hints given in other routes I suggest this order: Kurato > Zeikun > Sachiro or Junoru. Reach all 16 endings to unlock bonus content.
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Oct 1, 2026
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