The Bornless Brings Occult Horror to Steam Next Fest

What happens when you mix a 1960s occult nightmare with fast-paced PvPvE combat? You get The Bornless, a horror extraction shooter by Cathedral Studios that’s turning heads during Steam Next Fest. From June 9 to June 16, this terrifyingly stylish FPS is free to play as a public demo — and trust us, it’s not your typical multiplayer experience.

In this article, we’ll explore why The Bornless is one of the most intriguing blockchain games to emerge recently, and why now is the perfect time to dive in.

What Is The Bornless?

The Bornless is a competitive first-person shooter that blends survival, ritualistic horror, and high-stakes strategy. Set on the eerie Farmouth Island in the 1960s, players step into the role of a Seeker — one half of a duo trying to survive a supernatural deathmatch.

The twist? You’re not just fighting other players. You’re navigating ancient shrines, looting haunted buildings, fending off AI cultists, summoning demons, and occasionally becoming one.

Each match supports up to eight teams of two, all racing to perform a deadly ritual, obtain a powerful artifact (called a Sigil), and extract with their lives intact. It’s chaotic, unsettling, and refreshingly unique.

Core Gameplay: Rituals, Demons, and PvPvE Mayhem

Matches in The Bornless unfold in three dynamic stages:

1. Loot and Explore

You begin in a rustic cabin with your partner. Your goal here is to scavenge for weapons, resources, and a key substance called Incense. This mystical material is essential to performing the ritual that lies ahead.

But it’s not a quiet scavenger hunt — cultists patrol the island, defending sacred sites and attacking intruders. This AI threat adds tension and keeps you on your toes from the very first minute.

2. Summon the Demon

Once you’ve gathered enough Incense, you head to a Demon Gate — a monstrous, horned altar. These gates require three skulls, which you earn by activating Incense Totems scattered across the map.

Complete the ritual, and you summon a demon. Defeat it, and you’ll be rewarded with a Sigil — a powerful item that marks the next phase of the game.

3. Hunt or Be Hunted

Now things get really dangerous. Once you claim a Sigil, your position is broadcast to all players. You gain temporary demon powers and a significant edge, but you’re also everyone’s top target.

This late-game twist forces you to make tough decisions: defend your position, go on the offensive, or try to extract unnoticed. No two matches feel the same.

Demons, Black Magick, and Supernatural Strategy

Combat in The Bornless goes beyond bullets. Players can wield Black Magick, special abilities like Hellfire Grenades and Sigil Shields that turn every encounter into a tactical puzzle.

Demonic entities play a major role too. Players may face — or even become — monstrous beings like:

• Orobas – fast and vicious

• Phenex – an area-damage fire demon

• Belial – manipulator of blood and shadows

More demons are planned for future updates, expanding the ways you can play and frighten your opponents.

Fractured Souls and Visual Overhaul

Before Steam Next Fest, Cathedral Studios held the Fractured Souls Playtest from June 7–8. This mini-event introduced new features like:

• Quest chains and progression

• A merchant NPC named Haag

• A trading system

• Enhanced graphics using ray tracing and Nanite tech

Players could unlock 10 unique Seekers and 3 Demons — all of which carry over into the current demo. If you played during Fractured Souls, you’re already ahead of the curve.

How to Join and Find Your Duo

No one should wander into occult territory alone. Thankfully, The Bornless community has made teaming up simple via the official Discord server.

Here’s how you can squad up:

• Call a Duo – Find a partner for the ritual.

• Call a Shepherd – Get help and guidance from a seasoned veteran.

• Join Voice Chat – Coordinate in real time and stay alive longer.

The developers have also created support channels for bug reports, feedback, and live updates — making it easy to stay informed and engaged.

Why The Bornless Stands Out in Blockchain Gaming

In a genre crowded with lookalikes, The Bornless dares to be different. It’s not just another battle royale or extraction shooter. It’s a blockchain game that’s pushing creative boundaries with deep lore, evolving gameplay, and web3 integration on the horizon.

Its occult aesthetic, unpredictable match flow, and supernatural mechanics give it a distinct identity — and its community-driven approach ensures it will keep evolving.

Whether you're a horror fan, a competitive FPS player, or a blockchain gaming enthusiast looking for something fresh, The Bornless is worth your time.

Bonus: Try Sparkball Too!

If demons and dread aren't quite your thing, you might want to check out Sparkball, also free during Steam Next Fest. It’s a competitive 4v4 sports brawler — think League of Legends meets Rocket League. Fast-paced, colorful, and action-packed, it’s a perfect palate cleanser after a ritual gone wrong.

Ready to Enter the Ritual?

The Bornless is more than just a game — it’s an experience. Part FPS, part survival horror, part occult strategy, it’s one of the most innovative blockchain games currently playable.

You’ve got until June 16 to download the free demo during Steam Next Fest. So light the incense, grab a partner, and prepare for a supernatural showdown like no other.

Search “The Bornless Demo” on Steam now and start your descent into darkness.