Get ready to investigate more of the Cthulhu mythos, with the new gameplay mechanic on the way with Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss
It seems that if it falls into this mythology, there is going to be some investigation out there, and Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss is diving right into that in the game. It just seems to be human nature, or something that always has to go down when cosmic horrors are out there, and Big Bad Wolf is making sure that investigation is at the core of it all. Now, we get to see how that gameplay mechanic will unfold in Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss when it hits the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on April 16th. Even if Nacon is making sure that we are all getting a slight taste of it today, February 23rd, with a new demo out there to help highlight the gameplay and horror of it all. Let us have a little look at it before that all fires off.
While doing all of the investigating in Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss, we are not going to be alone, but we will be using an AI called KEY to help log and identify all of the clues hidden in the game. This also builds into the multitool having a bit of a sonar ability to scan the environment to help us along. The bigger thing here, though, is that we are going to need to link all of the clues together using the Clue Analysis function while also taking a deep look at all of the items and areas we find ourselves in. This leads to the Object Manipulation that we will have to do so our character Noah can spot little things linked back to the Cthulhu mythos, while also allowing KEY to spot things the human eye just might miss. All as we rotate and twist objects around in the game world to see if there are things hidden out there. Of course, there will be a lot of things hidden out there, given the subject matter and the fact that these are some of the core gameplay elements we are going to have to master as we wander about these realms.
Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss — Investigation
As the release of Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss draws near, Nacon and developer Big Bad Wolf are pleased to unveil a new gameplay trailer entirely dedicated to one of the game’s core pillars: investigation. This video plunges players into the heart of Noah’s investigation in a seemingly abandoned underwater mining station, where his sanity is put to the test against unspeakable horrors.
To discover the unique atmosphere and original mechanics of this narrative investigation game before its release on April 16, players can try the public demo on PC during the Steam Next Fest on February 23rd.
This new trailer takes us through the oppressive corridors of the Ocean-I mining station, which Noah finds deserted. The location bears the marks of a fierce struggle and a devastating madness: claw marks on the walls, strange runes painted in blood, unknown organic matter, a severed arm… all clues that point to violent and occult events. To understand what happened, the player must use their wits and the abilities of their personal AI called KEY.
The trailer highlights several key mechanics:
- Clue Analysis: KEY is permanently connected to the database of the ANCILE (the agency Noah works for). This allows it to cross-reference what Noah finds in the field with what other investigators have encountered in previous cases. Analyzing evidence allows KEY to determine the composition of materials, which in turn unlocks new frequencies for its sonar. These frequencies can then be used to track elements with a similar composition.
- The Sonar: A multitasking tool, the sonar helps Noah navigate dimly lit areas and discover hidden paths by highlighting volumes. Another feature allows it to track clues by tuning into specific frequencies. In the trailer, the player tracks bloodstains through the station to learn more about the attack on the Ocean-I personnel.
- Object Manipulation: Every object can hold a secret. By inspecting evidence from all angles, Noah and KEY can uncover additional information and hidden clues essential for progressing in their investigation.
Dive into an investigation where every decision shapes your destiny and your sanity. In Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss, each chapter presents a dilemma: will you choose the obvious but perilous path, accelerating your descent into madness, or the more subtle trail that requires thorough investigation to make the right choice? Be warned, every discovery comes at a price, and your decisions will directly impact the end of your story.
Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss is a narrative investigation game inspired by the universe of Lovecraft. In this frightening first-person thriller, the player embodies Noah, an agent of the Ancile, an office specializing in occult affairs, investigating the mysterious disappearance of miners in the heart of the Pacific Ocean. His research will plunge him into the depths of the immense labyrinthine prison of R’lyeh, an ancient sunken city where Cthulhu is held captive. The player and theirAI companion, KEY, will have to solve complex puzzles, make choices that will influence his destiny, and try to resist the corruption of the mind caused by the influence of Cthulhu.
Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC on April 16, 2026.
How rare is it that we get a Cthulhu title that does not come with an Investigation mechanic, and do you think this one will stand out more from others we have experienced? What number of objects in the game do you think will have something secret about them, or will that be something that is in the game to help pad the runtime of the game? Are we going to actually face off with any of these beings we see in the game, or will it all be about trying to find ways of isolating or moving around them as we go through the motions? Let us have those thoughts splayed out in the comment section further down the page. We are so very close to the release of Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss, so we expect that we are going to see a lot more along the way for the gameplay. Be sure to visit the website to see all of those, and follow along on all of our social channels to ensure you are some of the first to spot the new clues we have to drop out there.