Haunted Heist Brings Asymmetrical Horror Party Chaos to Steam Deck

If you have ever wanted to ruin a friendship over a game of digital cat-and-mouse, Haunted Heist might be your next obsession. Developer Autotroph Games, a best-friend duo, has announced that their round-based PvP horror party game is coming to Steam later this year, with a specific focus on cross-platform accessibility.

The core loop is straightforward but chaotic: a team of Heisters infiltrates a luxury mansion to secure gems, while cryptid-like Tricksters attempt to stop them. With matches lasting only 10 minutes, the game is designed for high-intensity, replayable sessions. Because the mansion layout, routes, and hiding spots change each round, the developer aims to keep the experience fresh.

Linux and Steam Deck Support

For those playing outside of the Windows ecosystem, the announcement carries some weight. Autotroph Games has confirmed that Haunted Heist will feature native Linux support at launch. The studio also noted that their recently removed demo was fully Steam Deck compatible. By building the title in the Godot engine, the team has paved a smoother path for this support, ensuring that couch-play or desktop Linux users are not left behind.

The Mechanics of Betrayal

The game relies on proximity chat, meaning communication is limited by where your teammates are positioned. If you wander off, you might find yourself isolated and out of earshot, leaving you vulnerable to the Tricksters. Heisters are equipped with flashlights, handguns, and various power-ups like flares and defibrillators, but these tools drain battery life quickly. Players must decide whether to expend resources early to survive or hoard power for the end-game.

Tricksters, meanwhile, have a toolkit designed to sow paranoia. Beyond standard ambushes, they can utilize voice-swapping tools and mimicry based on past player voice notes. This "voice deception" mechanic means that players will have to question every call for help they hear in the dark.

Visual Overhaul and Upcoming Playtests

The team is currently working on a character style overhaul led by Micah Holland, formerly of MonitorHead Studios and known for his work on Sable. Players interested in getting an early look at these visual changes can join the official Discord before June 27th to gain access to an upcoming playtest. While a final release date remains TBD, the project is already gaining traction, with over 50 million views on social media clips showcasing its blend of tension and party-game panic.