A horror puzzle-platformer by the studio behind Limbo
Inside is the long-awaited follow-up to the award winning indie masterpiece Limbo. This free 2D horror puzzle-platformer puts us, once again, in the shoes of a small boy living all kinds of nightmarish situations while he navigates through a dark and bizarre world inhabited by monsters. Dark, moody and full of mind-wrecking conundrums, Inside has all the elements to become PlayDead’s new hit. But… does it manage to live up to expectations?
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Similar to games like Little Nightmares, Inside will let us explore an eerie world divided by areas. In each of them we’ll have to avoid gruesome threats and hide from our mysterious chasers. There’s no turning back in this dark adventure, we can only move forward and hope that our wits won't lead us to a dead end. Care to join us in this great and surreal platforming adventure?
What is the story behind PlayDead Inside?
One of Inside’s biggest mysteries (and appeals) is its convoluted story. The game isn’t straightforward about it, lacks an introduction and doesn’t really tell us much about it. In PlayDead’s latest game we take the role of an unfortunate boy in red in a world of shadows. From the opening title to the credits no word or text will be shown, so we’ll have to unravel the story on our own. This might shock some players, but it’s a clever way to pull our mind “inside” the game and share the unfortunate boy’s despair.
The game starts out in a forest, where our red-shirted boy runs away from a gang of masked children. From there on the chase will never cease and new enemies will join the hunt for the kid. While exploring this gloomy and post-apocalyptic looking world, all sorts of unfortunate events will befall on our character and bit by bit we’ll be able to know why he is in the forest and what is this dark world he’s trapped in. If you want to find out, well, I’m afraid you’ll have to download Inside and find it out by yourseld. We don't want to spoil its ending!
How’s the gameplay of Inside?
PlayDead Inside is a 2D platformer with puzzle-solving elements. Our little hero in red will be able to run, jump, push, pull and climb any kind of obstacle in the area to be able to get rid of the various horrors that pursue him. The gameplay mechanics are also pretty easy to learn, especially with the help of the numerous signboards scattered around the first few levels of the game that provide you with tips and tricks to help you navigate the in-game world and defeat the multitude of enemies ahead.
But let’s talk about the puzzles. Inside is a very clever game that will let you explore and practically do anything to solve any of its puzzles. You will be able to interact with machines, parts of the environments, elements on the floor and also with the strange inhabitants of this nightmarish story. All of the puzzles of the game have been beautifully crafted and follow a very obvious logic, making them non-repetitive and extremely enjoyable.
Is Inside a difficult game?
PlayDead’s Inside is not an easy nor a hard game, It will all depend on your ability exploring its dark areas and platforming through them without being caught. It’s noteworthy that Inside doesn’t have a hint system, so puzzles can sometimes baffle gamers that aren’t used to these types of games. Some puzzles require lateral thinking and will make you revisit all areas in hope for a possible solution. But overall, Inside’s difficulty is average and will please the vast majority of gamers.
How many endings does Inside have?
If you came here in hopes you’d find the ending of PlayDead Inside explained, you’ll have to look elsewhere. We won’t spoil you anything from its mysterious and confusing ending! However, we’ll let you know that the game has a secret alternate ending that you can achieve by locating and breaking all 14 Orbs. It’s not an easy task but believe us when we say it’s completely worth it.
Should I play Limbo or Inside first?
While both games aren’t connected, it’s recommended to play Limbo first and enjoy the nightmarish adventure of the little boy wanting to save his sister. This way you’ll have a better understanding of PlayDead’s games and it will make you appreciate Inside a lot more.
Critical reception and legacy
Inside continues to receive widespread critical acclaim years after its release, often being ranked among the greatest indie puzzle-platformers of all time. On platforms like Steam, the game maintains “Overwhelmingly Positive” user reviews with over 96% positive ratings, reflecting its enduring admiration from players across the globe. Critics and users alike praise its moody art style, atmospheric soundtrack, and unsettling narrative, which combine to create an emotional and memorable experience that many feel stays with players long after finishing the game. This level of praise places the game alongside other timeless indie classics.
Availability and platform notes
Although Inside was originally released in 2016, it remains available on a wide range of platforms beyond PC. Players can currently find the game on Steam, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS (iPhone/iPad), and other digital storefronts. The game has also been featured in various seasonal sales, sometimes at significant discounts, making it more accessible to new players. Importantly, the mobile versions (especially on iOS) are well-optimized, offering a faithful port of the original experience with touchscreen controls, allowing a broad audience to dive into its eerie world.
Delisting on some stores
In mid-2025, Inside was scheduled to be removed from the GOG PC storefront, likely due to ongoing legal disputes between Playdead’s co-founders. Both Inside and Limbo were set to be delisted from GOG in July 2025, prompting many fans to recommend purchasing the titles while they remain available elsewhere. Despite this, the game continues to be sold and supported on other platforms, ensuring accessibility for players wishing to experience it before any potential wider delistings occur.
Community and continued interest
Even years after release, Inside maintains an active and passionate community of fans who continue to discuss its themes, puzzles, and secrets. Many players report replaying the game multiple times to catch every hidden detail or to better understand its enigmatic narrative. Discussions in forums emphasize how the game’s themes resonate emotionally, with a notable portion of players thinking about the story long after finishing it. This ongoing engagement highlights the depth of impact the game has had within the indie gaming community.
Is PlayDead Inside worth it?
Inside is an excellent horror game that improves all the groundwork previously set by Limbo. From its fantastic platforming sequences to its cleverly crafted puzzles, PlayDead’s new game stands tall as one of the best indie games of the year. While the game can be a little short, its scary and creepy moments make up for it. Do yourself a favor and download Inside right now. It’s free! What are you waiting for?
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