Light Bearers
Released Oct 2018
Light Bearers is a multiplayer asymmetrical hide and seek game that pits a sinister shadow against cute light bears!
89% positive · 1,191 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Where to get it
Free on Steam
Evaluation
Light Bearers launched on October 23, 2018 as a free-to-play multiplayer game. The developer, Fat Bomb Studios, maintained an active update schedule through its early years, shipping major content drops in January 2019 (V1.0West), October 2019 (Anniversary Update V1.337), and October 2022 (4 Year Anniversary Update). However, in March 2019, the developer explicitly announced they would be slowing down updates significantly to focus on a new project. True to their word, the update cadence dropped substantially after that point.
The clearest signal about Light Bearers' future came on April 12, 2023, when the developer posted an update explicitly framing it as the game's final patch and announcing a transition toward working on a sequel, Light Bearers 2. That post included a community survey to inform the sequel's design, and the developer noted they had committed to two solid years of post-launch development and then shifted focus to the new game.
Since April 2023, all developer communications have been about Light Bearers 2 — a Steam page announcement in August 2024, a Christmas playtest in December 2024, and a Next Fest demo celebration in February 2025. No new content or updates for the original Light Bearers have been announced or released since April 2023. The sole DLC (Full Game unlock) was released on launch day and remains the only purchasable add-on. The developer's attention has fully moved to the sequel.
Evidence
Developer explicitly states they are moving forward with work on the Light Bearers sequel, framing this patch as a transition point. They describe having completed two solid years of post-launch development and shifted focus to a new game. A community survey is launched to inform the sequel's design.
Developer announces they are slowing down updates significantly on Light Bearers and moving toward a new project, confirming a long-term wind-down of active development.
Content
1 of 1 released · no outstanding content
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
FAT BOMB STUDIOS, LLC
Achievements
—
Platform
Windows
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Multiplayer · PvP
About this game
“Deep into that darkness peering, long i stood there wondering, fearing,
doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before”
- Edgar Allan Poe
Gameplay
Light Bearers is a multiplayer asymmetrical hide and seek game whereduring each round one player is chosen as the Shadow while the other
players play as Light Bears trying to avoid being infected by the Shadow.
Once infected Light Bears become Shadow Bears and start working
for the Shadow trying to capture and infect Light Bears.
If all Light Bears reach the Light Pool at the end of the round, they win;
however if the Shadow (and his minions) manage to infect all Light Bears
before time runs out, the Shadow wins.
All Bears (Light or Shadow) play in first-person to create a more gripping
and adrenaline pumping experience while most Shadows play in third-
person to give them situational awareness and a sense of true power.
Wishlist Light Bearers Now!
Add Light Bearers to your wishlist to stay up to date with new contentThe Shadows
The Free-To-Play version of Light Bearers has two Shadows unlocked and
ready to play. Unlock the DLC - Full Game to gain access to all available
Shadows.
Each Shadow has three abilities crafted for their specific play style; each one
offering the player new and interesting game mechanics and combos.
The Bears
During any given round of Light Bearers you might play as either a Light Bear
or a Shadow Bear. Depending on which one you are, your win condition will
change - evading the shadow and escaping through the Light Pool or chasing
and infecting all remaining Light Bears.
Whether you are a Shadow Bear or Light Bear there are map mechanics that
will aid you in your efforts. Shadow Bears can use the Shadow teleports to
move swiftly and easily around the map whereas the Light Bears have hiding
spots scattered throughout the map that help them avoid detection.
Both bears have a special ability associated with their type. Light Bears have
a usefule Dash that gets them out of tough spots and the Shadow Bears can
create a wall to stop their prey from getting away.
Light Bearers Full Game
Want more Shadows? Want to be the most badass looking Light Bear... Ever?
Get the Light Bearers Full Game DLC to not only unlock all current and future
Shadows but also the ability to unlock some of the
most awesome customization content ever seen with eyeballs... ever.
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Jun 27, 2026
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