Touhou: Fading Illusion

Adventure· Visual Novel· Interactive Fiction· Detective

Early access since Dec 2022

A visual novel based on Touhou Project, made by fans for fans and others! Embark on the investigation of the greatest incident in Gensokyo's history and discover the terrifying truth of the youkai world with Reimu Hakurei, Marisa Kirisame, Sakuya Izayoi and other heroines!

90% positive · 249 reviews

Not yet

In early access, content still planned

High confidence

Content Planned

Not yet

In early access, content still planned

High confidence

Content Planned

Where to get it

Free on Steam

Steam Free

Evaluation

Touhou: Fading Illusion is a free-to-play visual novel in Early Access, with the developer (Indie Game Order) actively working toward a full 1.0 release. The game has been expanding steadily through paid DLC chapters. The Destitute Chapter launched on March 31, 2024 with the first two days of a planned story, and Day 3 was added on May 31, 2025. As of April 1, 2026, the developer confirmed that three of five global routes for the chapter's final days have been brought to near-final state, with over 100,000 words written — but translation and editing work remains the primary bottleneck. The developer stated the release probably won't happen before the end of summer 2026. The Underworld Chapter DLC launched on September 20, 2024, but only with its first day available. Further content for that chapter is also expected. In June 2025, the developer announced a deliberate shift in strategy: rather than releasing incremental updates every six months, they decided to finish writing the entire Destitute Chapter at once before releasing it, to allow for more cohesive editing and translation. This accounts for the longer gap between content updates since May 2025. The developer has maintained consistent communication throughout — posting updates in June 2025, December 2025, and April 2026 — with no signs of financial distress or abandonment. The April 2026 post was styled as an April Fool's joke about the studio being broke, before clarifying it was a joke and providing a substantive development update. The game remains in Early Access with clearly unfinished chapters, and the developer has explicitly stated a full 1.0 release is planned once the current content is complete.

Evidence

Developer confirmed three of five global routes for the Destitute Chapter's final days are near-final state, with over 100,000 words written. Translation and editing remain substantial work, and the release probably won't happen before the end of summer 2026.

news post · Apr 1, 2026 source content planned

high

Developer announced a strategy change: finishing the entire Destitute Chapter at once rather than in incremental updates. Stated the chapter's completion should not be expected until mid-2026 at the earliest.

news post · Jun 27, 2025 source content planned

high

Content

6 of 6 released · no outstanding content

Released

Touhou: Fading Illusion Soundtrack Vol. 4

Jun 2025

Released

Touhou: Fading Illusion - Underworld Chapter

Sep 2024

Media

Details

Developer

Indie Game Order

Publisher

Indie Game Order

Achievements

—

Platform

Windows, macOS, Linux

Controller

full support

Steam Deck

Playable

Players

Single-player

Visual Novel Interactive Fiction Detective Lore-Rich Text-Based Story Rich Dynamic Narration Nonlinear Choices Matter Multiple Endings Adventure Anime Colorful Magic Atmospheric

About this game

Touhou: Fading Illusion is a visual novel set in Touhou Project universe that comprehensively describes Gensokyo and its inhabitants. Get ready to meet many of the series' iconic characters and travel to various locations in the Underworld, Gensokyo, Heaven, and even Outside World!

Synopsis:

Throughout the ages, excessive curiosity has had a cruel cost. Once, the urge for the unknown made humans superior to animals, but the fear caused by this urge gave birth to the youkai, creatures that rose above mankind itself. Although both species have managed to find a way to coexist peacefully, even today modesty is still not in high favour. While technology is advancing at a rapid pace in the Outside World, the Gensokyo sages are falling deeper and deeper into the illusion of their own power, not realising that there may be something very different, deep, and extremely dense that even they should not touch. With each passing day, the prospect of its coming to light is gradually becoming a question of time.

Reimu is enjoying a warm spring day at her shrine, but her rest is interrupted by Yukari, who, in her manner, shows up unexpectedly and gives the shrine maiden an urgent task: Yukari wants Reimu to follow Sumireko at the festival at the Myouren Temple. The matter concerns the Hakurei Barrier, so Reimu has no choice but to go to the base of her rivals and hope that in the evening, Yukari deigns to explain everything that is happening.

Game Features:

Suitable for people unfamiliar with Touhou Project! A brief introduction to the universe in the free Prologue and an extensive in-game dictionary will keep newcomers from getting lost.

Non-linear plot! You have access to many choices that can dramatically change the plot. Currently, you can play Prologue, the first three days of the Destitute Chapter and the first day of the Underworld Chapter. That's about 10-15 hours of reading.