They Bleed Pixels

Platformer· Gore· Difficult· Lovecraftian

Released Aug 2012

They Bleed Pixels is a fiendishly difficult action platformer inspired by H.P. Lovecraft and classic horror.

84% positive · 2,553 reviews

Done

All announced content has been released

High confidence

Done

All announced content has been released

High confidence

Where to buy

Steam Updated 2 Oct 2026 Lowest $2.49 $9.99 −75% Green Man Gaming Steam key Updated 12 Oct 2026 $9.99

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Evaluation

They Bleed Pixels launched on August 29, 2012 as a complete action platformer. The developer shipped its last major content update — the Crimson Update — on June 3, 2015, which added new bonus levels, a rewritten engine, Mac/Linux support, online leaderboards, and various quality-of-life improvements. No new gameplay content has been released since then. Subsequent updates have been purely maintenance in nature: a 2020 patch brought macOS Catalina (64-bit) support, improved gamepad compatibility, and Windows 10 fixes, timed alongside a Nintendo Switch port. A 2022 news post announced a physical collector's edition for Nintendo Switch. The most recent update, from August 2025, fixed a long-standing Windows focus issue during the opening cutscene and updated the controller database — the developer explicitly described it as a "basic maintenance update." There is no unshipped DLC, no announced future content, and no roadmap. The only DLC listed is the soundtrack, which is already released. The sole content hint from the developer came in a June 2013 post mentioning "two levels in the works," but these were almost certainly delivered as part of the June 2015 Crimson Update (which added bonus levels including "Winter's End" and "exp. 666"). No post-Crimson-Update statement has ever referenced additional planned content. The game is complete. Anyone waiting for all content would have found it finished as of June 3, 2015, when the Crimson Update shipped.

Evidence

The Crimson Update launched alongside Mac and Linux support, adding new bonus levels, 60fps engine rewrite, online leaderboards, enhanced effects, and more. This is the last major content release for the game.

news post · Jun 3, 2015 source content shipped

high

Developer pushed a minor Windows maintenance update fixing a focus/minimize bug during the opening cutscene and updating the controller database. Developer explicitly described it as a 'basic maintenance update' with no content changes.

news post · Aug 19, 2025 source development ending

medium

Content

1 of 1 released · no outstanding content

Released

They Bleed Pixels Soundtrack

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Media

Details

Developer

Spooky Squid Games Inc.

Publisher

Spooky Squid Games Inc.

Achievements

150

Platform

Windows, macOS, Linux

Controller

full support

Steam Deck

Verified

Players

Single-player

Gore Platformer Difficult Lovecraftian Pixel Graphics Female Protagonist Precision Platformer 2D Platformer Hack and Slash Cute Action Gothic Beat 'em up Electronic Music Supernatural

About this game

They Bleed Pixels is a fiendishly difficult action platformer inspired by H.P. Lovecraft and classic horror. Rendered in a distinct visual style that blends pixel art with paper and ink textures, They Bleed Pixels is a singular mix of intense platforming and fierce beat-em-up action. At the core of its fighting system is a simple one-button combat scheme with surprising depth and versatility. Button mashing is discouraged while kicking shadowy monsters into saws, pits and spikes is rewarded, thanks to a unique system that lets you earn and place your own checkpoints through stylish kills. The fancier your kills, the faster you fill the checkpoint meter.

Story:
When a young girl arrives at the Lafcadio Academy for Troubled Young Ladies, she's unprepared for the violent nightmares that plague her dreams and transport her to other worlds. Worse yet, her dreams are intruding into her waking life, slowly altering her flesh into the demonic form of her night terrors. Can she destroy the mysterious blood-soaked book that appears to be the root of her troubles or will her transmutation from girl to clawed horror become complete?

Key Features:

Extra tight controls: One-button attack system favors skilled combat over complicated combos and button-mashing. Super precise platforming controls let you stop and start on a dime while pulling off gravity-defying dashes and double jumps.
Eleven massive levels to fight through and explore, each with unique visuals and music. Unlock additional bonus levels and guest levels from indie game developers based on their own creations: They Bleed Ponycorns, They Bleed Stardust, exp.
Unique checkpoint system rewards fancy kills with a save spot you can carry with you. Hold on to it for extra points or drop it right away to preserve your progress.
Becoming a monster stabbing master with individual level rankings as well as 150 skill-based achievements. There's lots to aim for after you've completed the game.
Standard and Novice difficulty to match your skill level.
Record, playback and share your best playthroughs with online leaderboards for speed and high score!
Lush pixel art motion comics tell the story a young girl haunted by eldritch nightmares.
Original electronic soundtrack by DJ Finish Him (aka Shaun Hatton) composed with synthesizers, unconventional instruments and gadgets often not meant for musical use.