Darkwood 2 was recently announced at the Xbox Fall 2025 showcase, exciting fans of the original due to the overwhelming praise it received upon its release in 2017. However, some fans may be worried now that another team is taking over the project, as the original creators, Acid Wizard Studio, have been on hiatus for the past few years with no signs of returning. The big question now is: What do we know about Darkwood 2? Is Ice-Pick Lodge a good fit?

Ice-Pick Lodge Background

Ice-Pick Lodge has quite a history in horror. Russian developer Nikolay Dybowski founded Ice-Pick Lodge in Moscow in 2002. Ice-Pick Lodge is mainly known for the games Pathologic, The Void, and Knock-Knock. The group isn't a new team taking over but one that has already shown their legacy and has won a few awards during it. They have stated that:

"We’re glad that gaming has embraced survival—a genre that allows us to put the player in a really uncomfortable situation, not hold their hand on a walk through a theme park." Pathologic Website

It would seem that being veteran developers in this genre has paid off, as they fully understand and grasp the intense nature of what made Darkwood so much fun.

Was Acid Wizard Studio Pushed Aside?

In August 2023, Acid Wizard Studio announced in an interview that they were going on an indefinite hiatus. The work environment that they created wasn't healthy for them or their families. They decided to walk away from their current situation, but their departure doesn't mean they are finished. They have stated they will be consulting behind the scenes and they were the ones who picked Ice-Pick Lodge to handle this project.

"We're genuinely excited to pass on the torch to Ice-Pick Lodge - creators whose work on Pathologic has inspired us for years. The team at IPL really gets what makes Darkwood a unique experience. We believe they will not only honor its spirit but will create something truly exceptional. As for us, we'll be in the background, making sure it stays true to the original vision." Darkwood 2 Steam Discussion

What Do We Know About Darkwood 2?

A trailer is currently available, but that is the only information released so far. People have already made comments and are worried about the new visual changes. Darkwood's dark, gritty 2D look created a nightmarish feel, but the new 3D look, although still top-down, is already causing division among fans.

Currently, there is no release date set; however, you can add it to your Steam Wishlist.