Nocturne: Prelude
Released Mar 2020
The afterlife is now digital. Discover that eternal life comes with sacrifice in the first chapter of a genre-defying RPG with unique rhythm combat.
96% positive · 401 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
Nocturne: Prelude is a free-to-play standalone first chapter of a larger RPG, released on March 3, 2020. From the very start, the developer has been explicit that this is not the whole story: the launch post on March 4, 2020 stated "Prelude is the first chapter. There's many more heart-pumping battles to come and plenty of surprises along the way. The full version of Nocturne is still in development." The store description reinforces this, describing it as "the first chapter of a story-driven RPG."
The most recent developer communication — a news post on August 1, 2024 — confirms the full version of Nocturne is still in development and announces a demo now available on a separate Steam store page (App ID 1374860). This is the latest signal from the developer and it clearly indicates the broader Nocturne story remains an active, ongoing project.
Nocturne: Prelude itself functions as a complete, self-contained chapter. However, because the developer has consistently and explicitly positioned it as the beginning of a larger story with the full game still to come, the content as a whole is not finished — more is planned in the form of that sequel release.
Evidence
Developer confirms the full version of Nocturne is still in development and releases a demo on a separate Steam store page (App ID 1374860)
Launch post states 'Prelude is the first chapter. There's many more heart-pumping battles to come and plenty of surprises along the way. The full version of Nocturne is still in development.'
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
Pracy Studios
Achievements
17
Platform
Windows
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Not rated
Players
Single-player
About this game
Rich Narrative
The digital afterlife survived humanity's extinction.Nocturne: Prelude is the first chapter of a story-driven RPG set within a digital afterlife. Millennia have passed since humanity's extinction; but somehow you've only just arrived.
Your consciousness was uploaded to a world where a sentient AI has taken control, twisted creatures roam the land, and a vast corruption spreads.
Rhythm Combat
Master an entirely skill based rhythm combat with fierce battles and unexpected challenges. With multiple difficulty options, Nocturne: Prelude is a game suitable for beginners and veterans of the rhythm genre.Find equipment to unlock powerful combat buffs or special abilities. Defeat enemies to unlock them in Arcade mode, where you can challenge them again for highscores.
Classic RPG
Make friends, battle enemies, and traverse a beautiful world as it falls apart around you. The perfect balance of heart-pumping musical combat, magnificent worldbuilding and deep story.Nocturne: Prelude was inspired by decades of traditional RPG's that immerse you in fantasy worlds.
FEATURES
- Meet a cast of unique characters who'll challenge what it means to be alive.
- Explore a vast and beautiful pixel art world.
- Master an entirely skill based rhythm combat system.
- Fierce battles with unexpected twists.
- Challenge your highscores in Arcade mode.
- Multiple difficulty modes suitable for beginners and veterans of the rhythm genre.
- Original soundtrack composed with a mix of digital and live performances.
- Befriend a giant orange fish.
Nocturne: Prelude is the first chapter of Nocturne, released for free. The main story contains about 1-2 hours of gameplay.
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Oct 8, 2026
Something about this evaluation looks wrong Report illegal or harmful content