Scarlet Idol

Scarlet Idol

Released Apr 2026

Scarlet Idol is a 3D Chinese folk horror puzzle game featuring a co-op two-player mode. The game integrates various folk cultural elements, including the funeral rituals of the Wu-Yue region, Ghost operas, Mulian operas, the duomin (outcast communities)

63% positive · 3,007 reviews
Not yet
Recently released, post-launch plans unclear
Low confidence
Recently Launched
Not yet
Recently released, post-launch plans unclear
Low confidence
Recently Launched

Where to buy

Steam $7.99
Can't confirm — worth a look
We couldn't confirm these stores carry this game.
Green Man Gaming Steam key Search IndieGala Steam key Search
Prices in USD, as listed by each store.
Buying through an affiliate store helps support the site

Evaluation

Scarlet Idol is a 3D co-op Chinese folk horror puzzle game developed by ShanYu Studio (山雨工作室), a first-time developer. The game officially launched on Steam on April 17, 2026, following a public technical test demo that ran from October 27 through December 21, 2025, which featured Chapter 3 of the planned 7-chapter full game. On launch day, ShanYu Studio published an open letter to players acknowledging stability and online co-op concerns from the demo phase and committing to ongoing support and improvement. Since launch, the team has been actively engaged: they shipped a feature patch on April 24 adding voice settings and backpack improvements, implemented Steam Cloud Save support on May 12, and fixed critical multiplayer connectivity issues in a June 5 patch. The developer has not announced any additional paid DLC, expansions, or post-launch content roadmap. All post-launch activity to date consists of bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements to the base game. Given the game only launched in April 2026, there is simply not yet enough of a post-launch track record to determine whether additional content is planned.
Evidence
Scarlet Idol officially launched on Steam on April 17, 2026, following an extensive testing and player feedback phase.
news post · Apr 17, 2026 source content shipped
high
ShanYu Studio published a launch-day open letter acknowledging co-op stability issues from the demo and committing to ongoing support and improvements.
news post · Apr 17, 2026 source development ongoing
medium

Media

Details

Publisher
Pilot Games
Achievements
11
Platform
Windows
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Multiplayer · Co-op

About this game

Plot Introduction:

Abandoned infant Qi Ning returns to their old home, intending to take back their foster brother Qi Yu, who has been abused by the villagers. However, neither of them ever manages to leave...

Gameplay Design:

Two players will experience spatially separated environments. They must piece together clues each can obtain, solve puzzles in their respective spaces, or cooperate with each other to advance the game progress and uncover more truths of the story. Meanwhile, many puzzles and horror elements are related to Zhejiang's folk culture.

Scene Design:

All ancient stage scenes in the game are based on field research of local ancient stages in Zhejiang. Combined with puzzle-solving gameplay, they integrate the architectural structure of Zhejiang's water town and the spatial imagery of "Wan Nian Tai" (the "eternal stage," a classic form of traditional stages), adding extra depth and charm to the gameplay.

Audio Design:

The game's audio is rooted in traditional Taoist culture, aiming to deliver a fresh yet classic design that inherits time-honored traditions.

Last evaluated Jun 14, 2026
Something about this evaluation looks wrong Report illegal or harmful content