Dark Horse of Late 2025? Death Howl Scores Highly and Heads to Xbox Game Pass

Microsoft continues its collaboration with 11 bit studios. The new title Death Howl has earned strong reviews on PC and is preparing for a console release.

On December 9 the game became available on PC Game Pass. It’s a dark project from The Outer Zone, published by 11 bit studios — the creators of Frostpunk and The Alters. Launched without a major marketing push, it nevertheless quickly drew attention from players and reviewers.

The developers confirmed the project was conceived as a multiplatform release. It will launch on February 19, 2026 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. The title will also arrive on Xbox Game Pass that same day.

The PC version holds an average score of 84%. Several reviews are highly positive. An XboxEra journalist called it “one of the best games of 2025.”

Reviewers praise the card-based soulslike for its atmosphere, visual fidelity, and presentation, which strengthens the tale of a mother fighting to reclaim her son. They single out the fusion of card mechanics with soulslike features, the card and totem progression systems, the well-realized world, and a high difficulty level that rewards creative deck-building.

Critics note balance issues, the repetition tied to the roguelike format, and moments of uninspired presentation. They also point to a lack of quality-of-life features that would make lengthy sessions more comfortable. The narrative, while compelling, occasionally loses pace.

The project will appeal to players who enjoy grim atmospheres, card strategy, and a demanding combat system.

Source: iXBT.games