House of Necrosis stands out as a turn-based horror RPG that blends retro aesthetics with roguelike mechanics, drawing inspiration from 90s survival horror titles. Released on PC in October 2025, this indie game by developer Warkus puts you in control of a character navigating a shifting mansion filled with undead threats. With its grid-based movement and procedural generation, it offers a fresh take on dungeon exploration in a horror setting.
Gameplay
In House of Necrosis, the core loop revolves around turn-based exploration and combat within a procedurally generated mansion. Movement happens on a grid, where each step or action advances the turn, allowing enemies to respond in kind. You level up your character by gaining experience from encounters, which lets you improve stats and upgrade weapons found throughout the environment. The game incorporates tank controls in the hub areas, complete with pre-rendered backgrounds that evoke the feel of classic 32-bit titles. Combat involves strategic positioning, as zombies and other horrors can grow stronger if not handled carefully, adding a layer of risk to every decision. Resource management plays a key role, with limited items and health forcing thoughtful planning during runs.
The mansion's layout changes with each entry, creating replayability through randomized halls and rooms. This roguelike element means no two playthroughs are identical, encouraging adaptation to new challenges. Visuals stick to a low-poly, low-res style that highlights gore and violence in a stylized way, fitting the mature content rating.
Game Modes
House of Necrosis focuses on a single-player dungeon-crawling mode centered on surviving the ever-changing mansion. You enter the house, explore its halls, battle enemies, and aim to progress deeper while uncovering secrets. There are no distinct multiplayer options or separate competitive modes; instead, the experience emphasizes solo runs with procedural elements that reset upon failure or restart.
This mode integrates horror RPG mechanics, where progression ties to character development across attempts. Achievements, numbering 28 in total, provide goals like completing specific challenges or reaching milestones within the mansion.
Key Features and Mechanics
Beyond basic exploration, the game includes unique systems like accidental enemy leveling, where certain actions can empower foes, making encounters more unpredictable. Weapons range from improvised tools to upgraded firearms, each with stats that improve through gameplay. The hubworld serves as a safe zone for preparation, using tank controls for navigation amid pre-rendered scenes.
A demo version remains available, offering a taste of the full game's systems without commitment. The English-only interface keeps things straightforward, while the retro inspiration ensures controls feel familiar to fans of older survival horror games.
Is It Worth Playing?
House of Necrosis has earned strong player reception, with 94% positive reviews out of 501 on Steam, and recent feedback holding at 93% positive from 16 reviews. Critics and players praise its blend of Mystery Dungeon roguelike structure with Resident Evil-style horror, noting the tense atmosphere and replayable dungeons. If you enjoy turn-based RPGs with horror elements and procedural generation, this title delivers a solid experience, especially for those nostalgic for 90s games.
Without ongoing seasons or major updates confirmed since its 2025 release, the game stands on its core content. A recommendation fits best for solo players seeking challenging, atmospheric runs rather than fast-paced action. With its demo accessible, trying it firsthand helps decide if the retro horror RPG style aligns with your preferences.
