The Darkest Tales — Into the Nightmare
Released Oct 2021
When a nightmare creeps into reality, the only ones that can help are those whose magical powers we’ve believed in since childhood. A brave teddy bear and his fairy sidekick head to the darker side of “happily ever after” to rescue his owner, Alicia.
85% positive · 1,871 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
The Darkest Tales — Into the Nightmare is a free-to-play prologue covering the first two chapters of The Darkest Tales, a standalone product designed to introduce players to the full game. It launched on October 14, 2021, with patches and feature updates through early-to-mid 2022. The full game (a separate Steam product) launched on October 13, 2022, at which point the prologue received a content refresh to reflect the final game's look. The prologue's stated purpose — to let players experience the opening hours and carry progress into the full release — was fulfilled upon the full game's launch.
The most recent news post associated with this prologue's store page dates to July 25, 2024, but that post is an announcement for an entirely unrelated game (The Life and Suffering of Prince Jerian by Schisma Games), published by the same publisher (101XP) as a general catalog announcement. It carries no bearing on the development status of this prologue. There have been no updates, patches, or developer communications specific to this prologue since September 2022. Given that the prologue's role was explicitly to serve as an on-ramp to the full game, and the full game shipped on October 13, 2022, the prologue's content has been complete since that date. No new content has been announced or suggested for this product.
Evidence
The full game, The Darkest Tales, launched. The prologue's stated purpose of bridging players to the full game was fulfilled on this date.
Prologue launched as a free two-chapter introduction to the full game, with progress carrying over to the full release upon launch.
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
101XP
Achievements
—
Platform
Windows
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player
About this game
Join a stuffed bear named Teddy and his magical fairy sidekick Lighty on a high-stakes journey through a nightmarish realm of sinister dreams and distorted childhood fairytales to rescue Alicia — Teddy’s now grown-up owner. Who else will fight for the life of the girl, if not her once most loved toy?
The Darkest Tales — Into the Nightmare is a free-to-play prologue, bringing players into the first two chapters of Teddy and Lighty’s journey across this familiar yet twisted world. Are you ready to leave your dusty old toy box and finally take on a real challenge? Do you have what it takes to hack, slash, and dash your way through hostile lands crawling with deadly traps and bloodthirsty monsters? If yes, then turn the page and immerse yourself in The Darkest Tales.
Happily Never After
Meet familiar characters from childhood bedtime stories, but don’t expect any hugs and kisses. The wolves are out for blood, the great beanstalk is crawling with bugs and carnivorous plants, and Little Red Riding Hood… well, she may just slice you up in two.
Teddy Scissorpaws
Don’t let looks fool you — Teddy may be soft, but with Lighty by his side, our heroes make for a formidable duo. Turn old scissors into magic-powered swords, needles into powerful arrows and grappling hooks, but use your mana wisely, so you don’t lose your stitches. Remember, all is fair in the race to rescue Alicia.
Ahead Lies Only Darkness
Each chapter takes place in a recognizable yet distorted fairytale world rife with combat, obstacles, and secrets. Put your skills to the test against tough opponents and bring back hope to dreamlands now engulfed by the forces of evil. Gain experience, master and branch out your skill tree, and reach the depths of the nightmare to come out victorious.
The Darkest Tales is a game with deep and mysterious lore. As you progress through each page of this story, you’ll begin to unveil the secrets behind this nightmarish world. How will this tale end? It will be up to you to decide.
Progress saved in the free version will be automatically carried over into the full version of The Darkest Tales.
The Darkest Tales — Into the Nightmare is a free-to-play prologue, bringing players into the first two chapters of Teddy and Lighty’s journey across this familiar yet twisted world. Are you ready to leave your dusty old toy box and finally take on a real challenge? Do you have what it takes to hack, slash, and dash your way through hostile lands crawling with deadly traps and bloodthirsty monsters? If yes, then turn the page and immerse yourself in The Darkest Tales.
Happily Never After
Meet familiar characters from childhood bedtime stories, but don’t expect any hugs and kisses. The wolves are out for blood, the great beanstalk is crawling with bugs and carnivorous plants, and Little Red Riding Hood… well, she may just slice you up in two.
Teddy Scissorpaws
Don’t let looks fool you — Teddy may be soft, but with Lighty by his side, our heroes make for a formidable duo. Turn old scissors into magic-powered swords, needles into powerful arrows and grappling hooks, but use your mana wisely, so you don’t lose your stitches. Remember, all is fair in the race to rescue Alicia.
Ahead Lies Only Darkness
Each chapter takes place in a recognizable yet distorted fairytale world rife with combat, obstacles, and secrets. Put your skills to the test against tough opponents and bring back hope to dreamlands now engulfed by the forces of evil. Gain experience, master and branch out your skill tree, and reach the depths of the nightmare to come out victorious.
The Darkest Tales is a game with deep and mysterious lore. As you progress through each page of this story, you’ll begin to unveil the secrets behind this nightmarish world. How will this tale end? It will be up to you to decide.
Progress saved in the free version will be automatically carried over into the full version of The Darkest Tales.
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Jun 22, 2026
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