Take a look at the investigative gameplay of Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss

Sci-fi/horror adventure Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss is shedding a little more light on its gameplay. That includes a focus on mystery-solving.

Into the Cosmic Abyss

We haven’t seen much about Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss since its reveal. From NACON and developer Big Bad Wolf, the horror title looked stunning though, and included a futuristic tilt that we haven’t seen much of in Lovecraftian games. But as for gameplay, well that was a bit of a cosmic mystery all its own.

If you were ponding that particular question as well however, wonder no more. NACON has officially taken the wraps off of said title’s play style, and it’s looking positively sleuthy. No, players won’t be put in the boots of an underwater-detective, but will definitely have to figure out what’s happening in the game’s twisted world.

That’ll come by following clues and piecing together the series of events that led to… whatever happened on the Ocean-I mining station. Players will take on the role of Noah, a scientist serving in the facility. As it happens too, he also happens to be the only member of the crew still alive.

Though, as you’ll see in the trailer, that doesn’t mean he’s alone. Far from it.

This new trailer takes us through the oppressive corridors of the Ocean-I mining station, which Noah finds deserted. The location bears the marks of a fierce struggle and a devastating madness: claw marks on the walls, strange runes painted in blood, unknown organic matter, a severed arm… all clues that point to violent and occult events. To understand what happened, the player must use their wits and the abilities of their personal AI called KEY.

NACON press release

In depth in the depths

As you can see in the new trailer, there are a few key ways that Noah will interact with his watery world. From the looks of it though, combat won’t be included in that mix. Instead, he’ll be trying to figure things out, and stay sane while doing it.

His AI pal KEY looks to play a huge role in that, serving as a kind of second main character. That’s not all though, as Noah will also have his Sonar “multitasking tool” to help out. Additionally, he’ll also have to get his hands dirty and actually check things out, up close and personal.

Key mechanics include:

• Clue Analysis: KEY is permanently connected to the database of the ANCILE (the agency Noah works for). This allows it to cross-reference what Noah finds in the field with what other investigators have encountered in previous cases. Analyzing evidence allows KEY to determine the composition of materials, which in turn unlocks new frequencies for its sonar. These frequencies can then be used to track elements with a similar composition.
  
• The Sonar: A multitasking tool, the sonar helps Noah navigate dimly lit areas and discover hidden paths by highlighting volumes. Another feature allows it to track clues by tuning into specific frequencies. In the trailer, the player tracks bloodstains through the station to learn more about the attack on the Ocean-I personnel.
  
• Object Manipulation: Every object can hold a secret. By inspecting evidence from all angles, Noah and KEY can uncover additional information and hidden clues essential for progressing in their investigation.

NACON press release

The more we see of Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss, the more interested we are. We can’t wait to see more, as the investigatory title makes its way to its launch date on April 16th, 2026. Look for it on the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.