UNDERWARD

UNDERWARD

Released Feb 2025

UNDERWARD is a 1-4 player co-op horror exploration game. Investigators must carry «TEST-SUBJECT» monsters from a deadly underground abandoned hospital ward.

72% positive · 665 reviews
Not yet
Released, but still in active development
Medium confidence
Active Development
Not yet
Released, but still in active development
Medium confidence
Active Development

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Steam $9.99
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Evaluation

UNDERWARD launched on February 4, 2025 and has received a consistent stream of updates from the developer, INTENSE. The game has shipped three clearly identifiable major content drops since launch: 1. **June 23, 2025 (v1.1.0.2):** New monsters, items, achievements, and the SUBJECT Library feature. 2. **July 22, 2025 (v1.2.0.1):** Cross-platform play support and further improvements. 3. **September 24, 2025 (v2.0.0.0):** The "LASTBOSS, Genius Gyaru Doctor" massive free update, adding an entirely new CHAOS mode spanning 6 floors, three new map environments (Abandoned Building, Factory, Cyberpunk), a final boss, rule customization, many new enemies, items, and transport devices — described by the developer as so large "you might think it's practically a new game." The most recent developer communication was on December 17, 2025 (v2.1.0.1), which updated the engine to UE5.6, adjusted CHAOS mode difficulty, and improved cross-play. That post closed with: "We will continue striving to make the game even more enjoyable." As of today, September 24, 2026, the last developer communication was on December 17, 2025 — approximately 9 months ago. The major content releases have occurred roughly every 3–6 months (June, September 2025), making the current silence of around 9 months since any post notable. However, there is no developer statement indicating development has concluded, no "final update" announcement, and no wind-down language in any post. The developer has consistently framed future updates positively throughout the entire post-launch period, and the Supporter Pack DLC (released June 27, 2025) was explicitly positioned as a way to fund continued development. The silence is approaching the outer edge of what the established update pattern would suggest, but it does not yet clearly break the pattern in a way that signals the project is abandoned — particularly given that the v2.0.0.0 update was an exceptionally large undertaking that could plausibly require a longer follow-up cycle. No distress signals (funding issues, team reductions, studio closure) have been communicated.
Evidence
Patch v2.1.0.1 released, updating the engine to UE5.6, adjusting CHAOS mode difficulty, and improving cross-play. Developer stated they will continue striving to make the game more enjoyable.
news post · Dec 17, 2025 source development ongoing
high
Massive free update v2.0.0.0 "LASTBOSS, Genius Gyaru Doctor" launched, adding CHAOS mode with 6 floors, 3 new map environments, a final boss, rule customization, new enemies, items, and transport devices. Developer described it as large enough to be considered a new game.
news post · Sep 24, 2025 source content shipped
high

Content

1 of 1 released · no outstanding content

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
INTENSE
Achievements
38
Platform
Windows
Controller
partial support
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player · Multiplayer · Co-op

About this game

UNDERWARD is a 1-4 player co-op horror exploration game.

Investigators must carry «TEST-SUBJECT» monsters from a deadly underground abandoned hospital ward.

Can you uncover the truth hidden deep within the depths of UNDERWARD?

Single Play: An Extreme Stealth Challenge

UNDERWARD is also playable single play, but be warned—single play is an ultra-high-difficulty mode where getting caught means instant game over. The game includes many trial-and-error challenges, so in solo play, you'll need to learn through death and keep progressing.
※v1.0.2.0 introduced extra lives and solo play adjustments for a better experience.

Without the ability to perform chained carries, you'll have to carefully transport your cargo while constantly fearing an enemy ambush, making for an intensely thrilling experience. You'll need to avoid detection, watch out for traps, and proceed with extra caution. While the gameplay differs significantly from multiplayer, this mode is perfect for players seeking a truly spine-chilling horror experience.

Explore the depths of UNDERWARD and carry the «TEST-SUBJECT» monsters to the elevator.

Once you exit the elevator, scour the floor for «TEST-SUBJECT».

But beware—traps and dangers are lurking everywhere. Some areas and mechanisms can only be accessed by cooperating with your teammates. It's best to avoid venturing alone if possible.

You might also find useful tools left behind in the area. Be sure to check out lockers, shelves, and any other hiding spots for gear. With luck, you may even find some highly advanced equipment.

There’s a chance you will encounter unknown enemies during your search.

They’re attracted to noise, so stay cautious. If you hide quietly, they might pass without noticing you. Adapt to the situation as needed.

But if you get spotted, run as fast as you can! Throw items you have at them—it might just help you fend them off.

Even if someone gets taken down, there's still hope for rescue.

Your teammate's location will be displayed on the screen, so act quickly and stay calm. Minimizing casualties will strengthen the team bond.

But remember: the window for rescue is shrinking by the second.

Once you’ve found «TEST-SUBJECT», carry it to the elevator with all your might.

Carrying the capsule creates a lot of noise, attracting enemies, so stay vigilant.

Although a single investigator can’t handle the heavy capsule alone, you can perform a «Connected Carry» system with multiple players to move it faster than the enemies can catch up.

However, if your teamwork falters, it could mean a one-way ticket to the afterlife.

Each «TEST-SUBJECT» has a different value.

We hope the team can retrieve the most valuable «TEST-SUBJECT» possible.

Once you’ve met the recovery quota, proceed with the verification of the «TEST-SUBJECTS». We will operate the elevator to the next floor, so investigators should close the elevator door and wait inside.

We take great pride in the investigators who choose to venture deeper into the more dangerous floors.

...Please note that we do not guarantee the safety of your life on this mission.

  • 1-4 player co-op horror exploration game

  • Proximity-based voice chat

  • Customizable rule settings to match your playstyle (respawn, time limits, etc.)

  • Randomized, labyrinthine underground hospital floors (with some areas that don't feel like a hospital at all)

  • Deadly and seductive nurse monsters that hunt you

  • Vicious hunters that can be unleashed over time

  • Retrieve capsules containing «TEST-SUBJECT»

  • Supply Machine System: Exchange retrieval rewards for randomized items.

  • «Connected Carry» system for high-speed carry with multiple players

  • Various useful items that can be carried over to the next floor

  • Total wipeout = all is lost. How far can you descend?

Guidelines for Streaming and Video Content

We welcome and allow both Individuals and corporate entities to stream and monetize gameplay videos of UNDERWARD. (We’d like to think of you as a friend for helping spread the word about the game!)

However, please note that INTENSE cannot be held responsible for any issues that may arise from such activities. Thank you for your understanding.

Last evaluated Sep 24, 2026
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