The upcoming game, *Hell is Us*, has garnered significant attention since its initial declaration in April 2022. A recently released demo offers a glimpse into its war-ravaged world, leaving players eager for the full experience, despite a few minor issues.

One of the gameS notable features is the permanence of enemy deaths, encouraging thorough exploration. The developers at rogue Factor emphasize the absence of customary navigational aids, stating the game has “no map, no compass, no quest markers.” This design choice allows players to freely explore the game’s environment and uncover its hidden secrets. For instance, a farmer recounts the tragic loss of his three sons during the war. Later, while exploring trenches reminiscent of world War I, a note from an enemy soldier boasts about killing three brothers “cowering in a farmhouse.”

The discovered note also mentions the theft of a gold watch from one of the brothers.The player can retrieve this watch and return it to the farmer,an action not prompted by any quest marker or journal entry. Completing this “Good Deed” may yield a reward later in the game, sparking curiosity about the long-term consequences of such actions. The opportunity to perform good deeds within this devastated landscape adds a layer of depth to the gameplay.

The emphasis on player-driven exploration, rather than combat, sets *Hell is Us* apart. The demo, available on Steam until june 16, offers a promising preview of what’s to come when the full game launches on September 4 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.

The game has “no map, no compass, no quest markers,” so you’re free to wander around the game’s world without a guiding hand and discover its secrets.