Blighten Free Demo Gets Hard Mode, New Level and More for Steam Next Fest

Solo developer Blight Software has released a major update for the free Blighten demo as part of Steam Next Fest, introducing Hard difficulty, a new level, additional enemies and non-hostile NPCs. Announced on October 19, 2026, the update expands the upcoming retro survival horror FPS, which combines hand-drawn monsters with resource-focused combat inside an infected industrial facility.

The developer confirmed in September 2026 that Blighten had surpassed 30,000 Steam wishlists after approximately eight months of development. The game is targeting a PC release later this year, although an exact launch date has not been announced.

Blighten takes place inside an abandoned industrial facility overrun by creatures infected with a mysterious substance known as the Blight.

Players control a soldier sent to eliminate the last remaining rebels in the eastern wastes. However, the mission ends in disaster when the rest of the squad is killed, leaving the protagonist alone inside the infected complex.

Survival involves exploring the facility's corridors, searching rooms for supplies and fighting mutated creatures. The game features interconnected levels that encourage players to investigate their surroundings rather than simply move from one encounter to another.

Combat draws inspiration from older first-person shooters, with firearms ranging from shotguns to assault rifles. However, unlike traditional run-and-gun games, Blighten places greater emphasis on ammunition management.

Players must search for weapons, ammunition and other resources while deciding when to engage enemies. Different creatures have their own behaviors and abilities, making careful positioning and resource management important during encounters.

One of the game's most distinctive features is its combination of hand-drawn enemy sprites and three-dimensional environments.

The creatures use two-dimensional animations reminiscent of 1990s shooters, while the surrounding facility features dark corridors, industrial machinery and decaying structures. The contrast gives Blighten a retro appearance while retaining the atmosphere of a modern survival horror game.

Rather than relying entirely on fast-paced shooting, the game uses limited visibility, unfamiliar environments and dangerous encounters to create tension. Blight Software has also emphasized environmental exploration and storytelling. As players descend deeper into the facility, they will uncover more about the infection and the events that left the complex overrun.

The free Blighten demo first launched on Steam on July 6, 2026. A subsequent July update reworked its opening section, introduced melee blocking and adjusted enemy encounters. It also added more story details and improvements based on player feedback.

On October 19, Blight Software released another major demo update for Steam Next Fest, introducing Hard difficulty and a new playable level. The previous Labs level has been removed from the demo and will be reworked for the full release.

The update also adds non-hostile NPCs, new enemy types, variants and mutations. Combat improvements include a new assault rifle, revised weapon keybindings and additional damage reactions that make enemies more responsive to attacks.

Other changes include spatial sound effects, flickering lights and marked crates containing ammunition. The developer has also addressed several technical issues, including audio problems and incorrect display settings.

Steam Next Fest runs from October 19 to October 26, giving players an opportunity to try the expanded demo during the event.

Blighten remains in development for PC, with its full Steam release currently listed for 2026. An exact launch date has not been announced. Players can download the free demo and wishlist the game while awaiting further details.