Nightholme Preview: Studio Ellipsis’ PvPvE Horror Where Players Become the Monsters They Hunt
A Bold New Take on PvPvE Horror
Studio Ellipsis has unveiled its upcoming project, Nightholme, a dark, atmospheric PvPvE horror action game where three-player squads must track monstrous bosses, outsmart rival teams, and survive an ever-changing city swallowed by a supernatural plague known as the Gloom.
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Nightholmen Trailer
Transform, Hunt, Escape
Each match begins with a familiar setup: players plan their run, select their archetype, and prepare for a descent into the Gloom-infested city. But Nightholme aims to stand apart from typical extraction shooters.
The game features a flexible skill system that allows players to mold their build mid-run, and every transformation radically changes the way they fight, move, and survive. A single choice can decide whether a team emerges victorious or is consumed by the horrors lurking in the dark streets.
According to the developers, “switching archetypes isn’t just cosmetic — it rewires your entire playstyle.” Each form carries unique strengths and weaknesses, encouraging squads to think strategically about team composition, timing, and when to engage or retreat.
As one fan put it after watching the announcement trailer:
“Finally a game where we get to be the monsters!”
A World That Fights Back
Nightholme’s haunted city constantly shifts underfoot. Players will follow clues, clash with rival squads, and hunt down Gloomfiend bosses in encounters that evolve with every match.
Routes change, enemies adapt, and conditions force teams to improvise. One run might end in triumph; another might see you ambushed by both monsters and other human squads.
As one viewer said,
“The style of this game is really something. Definitely worth following.”
Others drew comparisons to games like Hunt: Showdown and The Darkness, with one comment calling it,
“Hunt: Showdown, but with monsters — badass.”
Community Reception: Hype Meets Hesitation
While the art direction and atmosphere have earned strong praise, Nightholme’s multiplayer PvPvE focus has divided the community.
Many players were immediately impressed by the cinematic trailer, calling it stylish, dark, and refreshingly unique:
“The art style is very unique! Gonna add it to my wishlist.”
“The intro animation was incredibly cool. If there was single-player, I’d definitely buy it.”
“Looks like Bloody Roar and Primal mixed together.”
Others appreciated its comic-inspired visuals and tone:
“Giving off 3D Wolf Among Us vibes. I’m interested.”
“Like Blade meets Darksiders.”
However, the PvPvE structure — mixing player-vs-player and player-vs-environment elements — became the main sticking point.
“Got interested, opened Steam to wishlist, saw ‘PvPvE,’ canceled wishlist.”
“Looks interesting until I saw it’s PvPvE. Wasted potential.”
“So tired of multiplayer games.”
Some even likened it to Redfall, a game whose troubled launch still lingers in players’ minds:
“Why does this look like Redfall all over again?”
“Wake up babe, new Redfall just dropped.”
“Hope this doesn’t become Redfall 2.”
Still, others defended the concept, noting that execution will matter more than genre fatigue:
“Different kind of PvP game, not the same as CoD or Battlefield.”
“Interesting concept, but only time will tell how well they execute on it.”
Visuals, Style, and Atmosphere
Visually, Nightholme has drawn widespread attention for its cel-shaded art style and moody, painterly presentation. The city’s decaying architecture and flickering neon lend a grim, urban-fantasy tone reminiscent of Shadowman and The Darkness.
As one viewer noted,
“Beautiful art. Giving The Darkness meets Jekyll and Hyde vibes with a sprinkle of Wolfman.”
Others compared its tone to Telltale’s Borderlands or Mirror’s Edge Catalyst, citing its distinct look and surreal atmosphere.
Still, not everyone was convinced. Some pointed out the early footage’s rough edges, calling the animation and frame rate inconsistent:
“Cool art, but meh werewolf design and low frame rate. Still pre-alpha.”
“Everything’s awesome, but not those 30 frames. Hope frame rate is customizable.”
Gameplay Impressions: Potential and Pitfalls
Based on the trailer, combat seems to blend melee brawling with supernatural abilities, transformations, and environmental hazards. The design encourages dynamic engagements — but some viewers were skeptical about pacing and polish.
“Looks slow — better at 1.5x speed.”
“Had me interested until that gameplay footage.”
“Another UE5 mess.”
Yet even critics admitted the potential:
“Amazing cinematic. Would be great as a story-driven solo experience.”
“If there’s a solo campaign, I’ll buy it.”
Fans of Prototype, Bloody Roar, and Hunt: Showdown seem especially intrigued by the idea of becoming monstrous archetypes mid-battle — something rarely attempted in mainstream horror action titles.
System Requirements
According to the official Steam page, Nightholme will demand a reasonably modern setup to run smoothly.
Minimum:
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel 8th Gen i7-8700 / AMD Ryzen 5 2700
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: RTX 2060 Super / AMD 6600 XT (8 GB VRAM minimum)
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 20 GB
- Network: Broadband connection
Recommended:
- OS: Windows 11 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel i5-10400 / AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: RTX 3070 / RX 6800 / Intel Arc B580
- Storage: 30 GB
- Sound: DirectX-compatible card
Developer and Release Details
Nightholme is currently in development at Studio Ellipsis, who are also self-publishing the game. As of now, the Nightholme release date is to be announced, and the game has no user reviews on Steam yet.
The studio has not confirmed whether the game will feature an offline or single-player mode — a frequent request from potential players. Given the mixed reaction to the PvPvE model, that decision could significantly impact how Nightholme is received at launch.
Mature Content
Studio Ellipsis describes Nightholme as featuring stylized horror violence, with dark supernatural themes and transformation-based combat. It’s intended for mature audiences due to its tone, design, and subject matter.
FAQ
Q: What is Nightholme?
A: Nightholme is a PvPvE horror action game by Studio Ellipsis where 3-player squads hunt bosses, battle rival teams, and survive in a city overrun by supernatural forces.
Q: What makes Nightholme different from other PvPvE games?
A: Its defining mechanic — transforming into monstrous archetypes via the Nocturn potion — changes your abilities, movement, and combat strategy dynamically.
Q: Will Nightholme have a single-player mode?
A: Studio Ellipsis hasn’t confirmed this yet. Many players have requested a solo campaign, but the current design focuses on multiplayer squads.
Q: What platforms will Nightholme release on?
A: So far, Nightholme is only listed for PC via Steam. Console versions haven’t been announced.
Q: When is the Nightholme release date?
A: The release date is still to be announced. No Early Access timeline has been revealed yet.
Final Thoughts
Nightholme is one of those rare reveals that feels both ambitious and divisive. The concept — becoming the monsters you hunt — has undeniable appeal, bolstered by a striking art direction and cosmic-horror aesthetic.
But with skepticism surrounding its PvPvE focus, comparisons to Redfall, and uncertainty over solo play, Studio Ellipsis faces the challenge of proving that Nightholme can live up to its haunting potential.
As one fan summed it up best:
“Everything’s awesome… but please, don’t let this become Redfall 2.”
If the team delivers on its promise of evolving encounters and meaningful transformations, Nightholme could stand out as a unique entry in the crowded horror-action genre. For now, all eyes remain on the shadows — waiting for the hunt to begin.
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