Idols of Ash

Idols of Ash is a first-person survival horror game developed by Leafy Games, which was released and became a sensation in the gaming community in early April 2026. The game's unique feature is the lack of weapons: no guns, no swords, no combat. All you have is a grappling hook and courage.

Continuous, precise, and rapid movement is essential

Your mission is to plunge thousands of meters into a dark, ancient abyss, avoiding giant centipedes (dubbed "murderpedes"), and try to survive for as long as possible. The deeper you go, the greater the pressure, the more treacherous the terrain, and the more aggressive the centipedes become. At this point, you must move constantly and precisely.

How to play Idols of Ash: Grab your grappling hook and begin your descent into the abyss

Master the grappling hook

Aim at the surface (rock, ceiling, anchor point), press and hold the left mouse button to hook, then use Shift or Ctrl to climb up or slide down. Each hook must be carefully calculated for a safe landing point.

• Take time to familiarize yourself with the hook mechanism, throwing angle, and inertia when climbing and sliding. A missed hook can result in freefall and loss of health.
• Don't spam the grappling hook, as it will waste your time. Aim carefully, identify the anchor point, and throw accurately.

Beware of centipedes

You are not alone in the abyss. Giant centipedes can appear at any time. They don't have a fixed behavior pattern; you can't predict their movements. Listen for sounds (hissing, crawling) to tell you danger is approaching. When you see a centipede, don't panic; don't stop—move immediately.

Manage your health bar

Your health bar will gradually decrease when attacked by centipedes or falling from a great height. If it reaches zero, you have to start over. Scattered throughout the game are glowing ember lanterns; pick them up to restore health. Don't ignore them if you want to survive.

In short, Idols of Ash is a unique survival horror experience. The very movement mechanics stress you out, and the fear of centipedes hunting you adds to the tension. You have no weapons, only a rope and the ability to stay calm. Each descent into the abyss is a confrontation with the fear of heights, darkness, and creatures that never stop chasing you.