The Skin Stapler

The Skin Stapler

Released Aug 2026

The Skin Stapler is a retro-styled PSX grindhouse horror adventure set in the rotting, crime-soaked sprawl of Carrion City. Players follow jaded detective Dick Slater and his eager rookie partner Robbie Knox as they hunt a mysterious serial killer known only as The Skin Stapler.

90% positive · 533 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 $14.99
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Evaluation

The Skin Stapler launched on Steam on August 6, 2026, developed by solo developer Michael Cosio (Tainted Pact). The game was described throughout development as a short, story-driven horror adventure — a self-contained experience rather than a platform for ongoing content. Two DLC items released on launch day alongside the base game: a soundtrack and a bonus content pack called "The Skin Janitors," both of which are already available. The launch post from the developer focuses on celebrating the release and thanking supporters, with no mention of post-launch updates, roadmaps, or future content plans. The store description frames the game as a complete "handcrafted horror experience" and a "night" of atmosphere and story, language consistent with a finished product. Because the game only launched two days ago, there is simply not enough post-launch history to determine whether the developer intends to support it further.
Evidence
Developer announces the game is out now, thanks supporters, and promotes launch bundles. No mention of post-launch content plans or future updates.
news post · Aug 6, 2026 source ambiguous
medium
Store description frames the game as a complete handcrafted horror experience — 'an XXL horror feature night' — with no reference to ongoing updates or additional content.
description source ambiguous
medium

Content

2 of 2 released · no outstanding content

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
Assemble Entertainment
Achievements
16
Platform
Windows
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player

About this game

A serial killer stalks the streets, and you’re on their trail. Investigate the murders, descend into the city’s rotten underbelly, and uncover its buried secrets. Will you find the truth before The Skin Stapler finds you?Play as burned-out detective Dick Slater, hunting a serial killer known as the Skin Stapler. Take control of other characters as they are stalked through homes, workplaces, and dark city streets.

Victims are skinned, their flesh stapled to nearby walls. Distorted audio tapes taunt police and point to something darker beneath the city. You will scream. You might die. Maybe even from laugther.

A HANDCRAFTED HORROR EXPERIENCE

Handmade horror, with no shortcuts and plenty of sharp objects. Built as an XXL horror feature night, The Skin Stapler delivers a night of atmosphere, story, and bloody good fun.

MORE THAN DETECTIVE WORK

Investigate crime scenes as Detective Dick Slater, solve grisly puzzles, or survive a not-so-ordinary shift. Every character brings a different way to experience Carrion City’s nightmare.

FULLY VOICED

Every character is fully voiced, bringing Carrion City’s killers, victims, and burned-out cops to life.

GRINDHOUSE ATMOSPHERE

Inspired by 1980s VHS horror and exploitation films, the game features stylized violence, neon-lit decay, and an unapologetically grim aesthetic that blends horror and humor.

A CAST TO DIE FOR

From the creator of Suffer the Night, Terror at Oakheart, Massacre at the Mirage, and Flesh Made Fear, Tainted Pact Games invites you into a grimy, neon-lit nightmare with The Skin Stapler. Experience handcrafted indie horror made with support from some of your favourite content creators.



Last evaluated Aug 8, 2026
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