The highly awaited indie horror game set for 2026 has been postponed.

For those who thrive on spine-chilling experiences, there’s a slight setback for 2026: Ontos, the newest title from the creators of Amnesia and Soma, has been pushed back to 2027.

In a recent post, the studio shared that this game is their most ambitious project to date, boasting significant size and scale alongside a rich narrative and gameplay layers. This hints at a much larger experience compared to their previous titles, which typically clock in around 10 to 11 hours.

Ontos was first revealed last December with a trailer that set the stage for its eerie premise. Players will step into the shoes of Aditi Amani, who receives an invitation to her late father’s chaotic laboratory located on the moon base Samsara. The description paints Samsara as no ordinary facility; it’s a realm where reality distorts, and truths lie hidden beneath layers of deception. As players venture deeper, guided by remnants of their father’s history, they will face unsettling truths about existence and their own role within it.

Exploration will take players through Samsara’s “vast, interconnected labyrinth,” where they will manipulate complex machinery and engage with analog systems that require careful calibration and hands-on interaction.

The anticipation surrounding Ontos is heightened by Frictional Games’ impressive track record. Their breakout title, Amnesia: The Dark Descent, set a new standard for horror games, inspiring a wave of slow-burn experiences where players often avoid direct confrontation with monsters. Following that, Soma delivered a haunting sci-fi narrative that delved into themes of human identity.

While it’s disappointing to wait a bit longer for Frictional’s next terrifying creation, the silver lining is that Ontos will avoid the crowded release schedule of the upcoming months. With Grand Theft Auto 6 launching this November, many publishers have strategically moved their releases to September and October to dodge the impact of Rockstar’s blockbuster.

The release calendar has become so congested that Capcom recently shifted Onimusha: Way of the Sword from September 25 to September 4, while others like Valor Mortis have delayed their launch from September 25 to October 13. With so many titles vying for attention, it’s hoped that Ontos will have more space to shine when it finally arrives next year.

The studio’s latest alternate reality game concluded with a sneak peek of their upcoming project, hinting at even more exciting developments ahead.