New ‘Worship’ Demo Drops on Steam

by Justine Norton-Kertson

Chasing Rats Games has reignited excitement for Worship, their Lovecraftian cult simulator, with a new hands-on demo on Steam and an eerie trailer for the upcoming release, set for early 2025. Worship places players in the unsettling role of a cult leader tasked with gathering followers and performing rituals to appease ancient gods. The game’s distinctive art style combines detailed black-and-white line drawings with minimal but striking touches of color, creating an atmosphere that feels both ominous and visually captivating. This style enhances the eldritch mood, pulling players into a world where every shadow and ritual detail heightens the horror.

In the single-player demo, players use their cultists to solve puzzles, battle heretics, and perform sacrificial rites, with each follower’s blood serving a purpose as dark as the gods themselves. When the full game launches, players can dive into a four-player co-op mode, banding together with friends to convert new cultists and complete Tests of Faith, edging the world closer to ruin.

With its Lovecraftian themes of cosmic dread, Worship is a prime example of nerd horror. It explores the horror of power and unknown forces, inviting players to embrace the darkness and unravel terrifying mysteries. In the Lovecraftian and nerd horror tradition, Worship combines intellectual curiosity with existential dread, blending strategic gameplay with themes of madness and reverence for ancient horrors.