Pathologic 2, a beloved horror title for PC, is set to be followed by a new installment. HypeTrain Digital announced on Monday that Pathologic 3, developed by Russian studio Ice-Pick Lodge, is currently in development and is expected to launch on Steam in 2025.
In the original Pathologic, released in 2005, players could select among three distinct characters: the Bachelor, the Changeling, or the Haruspex. Although Pathologic 2 features a number in its title, it serves as a remake and reimagining of the original game, primarily following the Haruspex. In contrast, Pathologic 3 will allow players to assume the role of the Bachelor, subsequently setting the stage for a possible Pathologic 4 where players might play as the Changeling. Each of these characters are doctors with unique narratives and ties to their town, striving to save it from a devastating plague and social strife within a 12-day deadline.
This storyline will carry on in Pathologic 3, which introduces a time travel element that enables players to rewind or fast-forward through those 12 days, aiming for the most favorable outcomes. While this time manipulation mechanic is new to the sequel, time travel has been a theme in previous games; for example, Pathologic 2 begins with the Haruspex failing a mission, prompting a reset of time to give it another shot.
“We can define this mechanic as surrealist time management,” stated game director Nikolay Dybowski in a press release. “Our objective is to convey the notion that time is more intricate than we typically understand it—as a mere linear progression.”
Another key change in Pathologic 3 involves the perception of the main character by the townsfolk. In Pathologic 2, the Haruspex is pursued for alleged murder, while in the new installment, the Bachelor is seen as the town doctor. A press release mentions that players will “immerse yourself in the role of a physician,” making critical health decisions for the community while confronting the plague on their own terms.
The Pathologic series may not be the most approachable franchise; its gameplay can feel unwieldy, its narrative esoteric, and its characters distinctly unsettling. Nevertheless, it stands out among PC games for its unique blend of horror, RPG, and immersive simulation elements, all wrapped in an intensely bleak atmosphere. If you’re intrigued by its concepts, starting with Pathologic 2 is a solid choice to explore the best iterations of its themes.
