Silent Hill: Townfall looks to be a new chapter for the franchise, shifting to a fresh setting and introducing a new protagonist. Developed by Screen Burn Interactive and published by Annapurna Interactive and Konami, we were fortunate to witness a hands-off preview at Summer Game Fest 2026!

In this preview, we followed Simon Ordell through the eerie town of St. Amelia, exploring early puzzles, stealth systems, and combat encounters. Extensive research was conducted on the setting, with the developers drawing inspiration from their Scottish hometown to craft a quaint yet unnerving environment.

The narrative begins as Simon awakens in a hospital to discover his partner, Zoe Ellis, missing, leading him into the fog‑shrouded town armed only with a portable CRTV.

Silent Hill: Townfall Hands-off Preview

Set in the 1990s, Silent Hill: Townfall embraces analog horror aesthetics. The CRTV serves as a multi‑purpose tool, guiding players to objectives, delivering story beats, and warning them of nearby threats, similar to the radio mechanic from the original Silent Hill.

Without any other tools at his disposal, Simon heads toward the nearest residential block, guided only by the flickering CRTV. When the device replays a cutscene featuring Zoe, it becomes clear that the building where the footage loops is the next destination to investigate.

Entering the apartment, Simon quickly realizes it belongs to Zoe, with clues scattered throughout. His first objective is to restore power, which requires locating the breaker in the basement, a task complicated by the need to retrieve batteries for his flashlight.

Returning to the dark corridor, Simon discovers that a prepaid power card is also required and can only be obtained from a nearby shop. This introduces another marked objective on the map, forcing players to step back into the fog‑laden streets of St. Amelia once more.

Screen Burn Interactive leans heavily on atmospheric storytelling here, using a deliberate slow burn to cultivate a creeping sense of dread that keeps players engaged. Story-wise, there are also some parallels to Silent Hill 2, as Simon’s journey is framed by unreliable glimpses of reality, deepening the psychological tension.

Simon Says

At this stage, the CRTV begins to detect faint signs of life. In any other setting, this might suggest another survivor, but in Silent Hill, it signals imminent danger. The choice is clear: fight or flee.

With only his wits and the CRTV at hand, Simon is encouraged to rely on stealth. Avoiding combat is often the safest path, reinforcing the game’s emphasis on tension and survival. Still, Townfall does not shy away from confrontation. As Simon explores the streets of St. Amelia, he secures a prepaid power card to restore Zoe’s computer and picks up a wooden plank, his first weapon, before facing the lurking entity outside.

Combat in Silent Hill: Townfall is deliberately straightforward, offering block, dodge, and attack options. Encounters are punishing, with Simon taking heavy damage but dealing significant blows in return. In one battle, defeat seemed certain until his IV drip revived him, granting just enough vitality to finish the fight and press onward toward Zoe’s home.

By the end of the preview, Silent Hill: Townfall leaves us with more questions than answers. What lies behind the fog, and what role does the CRTV truly play? Thankfully, we won’t have to wait long as the release date is fast approaching, and the mysteries of St. Amelia are nearly within reach.

Silent Hill: Townfall launches on September 24, 2026, on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.