The wait is over for fans of atmospheric horror and deep strategy. The Killing Stone, the latest project from Question—the visionary indie studio behind The Magic Circle and The Blackout Club—is officially available in Steam Early Access as of today, February 18, 2026.
If you’ve been looking for a card-battler that trades the bright colours of Balatro for the chilling, candle-lit dread of a 17th-century seance, your ritual is complete.
A Faustian Bargain in the Arctic
Set in a remote mansion in the frozen Arctic Circle, The Killing Stone casts you as the Maven, a practitioner of the dark arts. Your task? To save the cursed Svangård family from a series of demonic contracts.
Unlike many deckbuilders that focus solely on the “run,” The Killing Stone is deeply narrative-forward. Between card matches, you’ll explore the mansion in first-person, uncovering the mystery of Mariken Svangård’s death and interacting with family members—and their eerie animal familiars.
Key Features at Launch
The Early Access version isn’t just a vertical slice; it’s a substantial offering that includes:
- Three Story Arcs: Play through the chapters of three different family members, each with their own unique decks and “sins” to cleanse.
- The Fanghella Board: A tactile, living game board where you play cards to summon 3D magical figurines and cast spells.
- The Reserve System: A unique mechanic that lets you stack units and buffs above the battle line for later deployment, adding a layer of strategic foresight.
- Dual-Language Narrative: In a brilliant atmospheric touch, you can experience the story in either Modern English or authentic 17th-century Period English, complete with voice acting from industry legends like Emma Gregory (Baldur’s Gate 3) and Liam O’Brien (Critical Role).
Why Early Access?
Originally slated for a full 1.0 release, the developers at Question decided to pivot to Early Access to let the community shape the game’s narrative and balance.
“Playtesters wanted more story, more voice-acted content, and more freedom to solve the mystery themselves,” the studio shared. “Early Access allows us to refine the experience alongside the players who are most invested in this world.”
While the current version offers roughly 6-8 hours of gameplay, the final release (expected in about six months) will include a massive endgame arc titled “The Reckoning.”
Beat the Devil at His Own Game
If you’re ready to sign the contract, The Killing Stone is currently available on Steam with a 25% launch discount. Be warned, though: every choice in the ritual matters, and every boon comes with a bane.
Are you ready to face the Fanghella?
Find out more here – https://www.thekillingstone.com/
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