On March 13, 2025, Konami finally pulled back the fog-shrouded curtain on Silent Hill f, the next mainline installment in the beloved survival horror franchise, during a highly anticipated Silent Hill Transmission livestream.
After years of silence since its cryptic announcement in October 2022, along with our own musings here, fans finally received a substantial look at the next evolution to the series. With a new trailer, key development insights, and a confirmed multi-platform release, Silent Hill f promises to blend psychological horror with a striking new Japanese setting.
Here’s everything we learned yesterday about this haunting new chapter.
Breaking from the traditional misty streets of the titular Silent Hill, and the recent Silent Hill 2 remake Silent Hill f transports players to the rural Japanese town of Ebisugaoka, set in the 1960s.
This marks the first time a main Silent Hill game has ventured outside its American roots, offering a culturally rich backdrop steeped in Japanese aesthetics and sensibilities. (Catch our original article for more on that note.)
Inspired by real-world locations like Kanayama in Gifu Prefecture (an idea proposed by the game’s writer, Ryukishi07), Ebisugaoka is a secluded, picturesque town that hides a sinister underbelly. The trailer showcased vibrant yet eerie visuals: colorful flowers juxtaposed against desolate streets, blood-streaked walls, and a pervasive, thickening fog that transforms the town into a nightmarish labyrinth.
Konami emphasized a central theme for Silent Hill f: “finding beauty in terror.”
This concept is woven into the game’s design, where the serene beauty of rural Japan (think blooming flora and traditional architecture!) clashes with grotesque, otherworldly horrors. The developers teased that this duality reflects a Japanese philosophical idea: when something becomes too perfect or beautiful, it can tip into the deeply unsettling, a notion that promises to amplify the psychological dread the series is known for.
At the heart of Silent Hill f is Shimizu Hinako, an ordinary teenage schoolgirl whose life unravels when Ebisugaoka is consumed by an ominous fog. Described as a relatable character thrust into extraordinary circumstances, Hinako must navigate the twisted paths of her once-familiar hometown, now a warped reflection of reality. The trailer hints at her wielding a bent lead pip — a classic Silent Hill weapon of choice — suggesting she’ll face combat alongside the series’ signature puzzle-solving and exploration.
Hinako’s story is framed around themes of doubt, regret, and inescapable choices, echoing themes found in the recent Silent Hill: The Short Message, which also dealt with suicidal ideation, self harm, bullying, depression and more. While specifics of Hinako’s journey remain shrouded, the trailer’s disturbing imagery, including monstrous figures emerging from the fog, and floral motifs twisting into grotesque forms, suggests her psyche will be as much a battleground as the town itself. Konami’s focus on her perspective hints at a narrative-driven experience, where players will unravel her personal horrors alongside the town’s dark secrets.
Though the trailer leaned heavily on cinematic atmosphere rather than raw gameplay footage — for now at least — Konami confirmed that Silent Hill f will retain the core pillars of the series: exploration, survival, complex puzzles, and combat against grotesque monsters. The developers at NeoBards Entertainment, a Taiwan-based studio with a pedigree in supporting Capcom’s Resident Evil titles, aim to honor the franchise’s roots while pushing it forward. Hints of Unreal Engine 5’s graphical prowess were evident in the trailer’s detailed environments and chilling creature designs, promising a visually stunning yet terrifying experience.
The monsters, designed by artist Kera (known for Spirit Hunter: NG), are teased as entities that “infiltrate players’ psyches,” suggesting a blend of physical and psychological threats. While gameplay specifics remain sparse, the emphasis on “complex puzzles” and a “twisted” town layout indicates a return to the obtuse, brain-teasing challenges that defined early Silent Hill games back in the day, balanced with modern survival horror sensibilities.
Perhaps one of the reasons Silent Hill f is drawing so much attention this week is due to its impressive lineup of talent. The story is penned by Ryukishi07, the acclaimed writer behind the When They Cry visual novel series, known for its intricate narratives and psychological depth. During the Transmission, Ryukishi07 expressed his lifelong fascination with the series’ oppressive atmosphere, stating he’s poured his all into this script, perhaps even to the point it could be his last. His involvement signals a narrative that will dig deep into the human condition, layered with sadness, horror, and a touch of dark humor.
The game’s haunting soundscape is also set to feature contributions from Akira Yamaoka, the legendary composer whose work defined the sonic identity of previous Silent Hill titles. While not confirmed as the sole composer, his presence ensures that eerie ambiance and emotional resonance will remain at the forefront. NeoBards Entertainment, under the guidance of Konami producer Motoi Okamoto, rounds out the team, bringing their horror expertise to craft a title that feels both fresh and faithful.
Konami confirmed that Silent Hill f will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Microsoft Store.
Notably, it’s an Xbox Play Anywhere title, allowing play across Xbox consoles and PC with a single purchase. The game is also wishlistable now across these platforms, though a release date remains unconfirmed.
The trailer, which you can watch below, encapsulates this vision: a blend of beauty and terror, tradition and innovation. From Hinako’s quiet determination to the floral nightmares lurking in Ebisugaoka’s fog, Silent Hill f is shaping up to be a meaningful addition to the series.
Stay tuned for more updates. Catch the last images, trailer, and full Silent Hill Transmission below, and follow us @TVPulseMag on X, or TVPulseMag.com on Bluesky for more TV and gaming news.
