Among the Trolls is a first-person survival adventure, where players step into the role of Anna, who travels through untamed wilderness shaped by Finnish mythology, nature, and long-buried family memories. This game is new to me, but it looks interesting, kind of like The Forest.

Developers revealed that exploration in the game will extend beyond the forest overworld into a network of ancient portals and story-driven dungeons scattered across the archipelago. These stone arches appear in locations known as kynnykset, or Thresholds, and are described as relics created by the tietäjät, the shamanic keepers of the islands. The portals are not permanently active. Players must locate special items called Portal Pages, each tied to a specific destination and its corresponding word. Using a page unlocks access to a dungeon connected to that location.

In the game, dungeons are designed as distinct narrative spaces rather than repeatable combat arenas. Each one carries its own tone and implied history. Some focus on mystery, others emphasize sustained tension and survival pressure, and certain environments suggest traces of prior human presence. After completing a dungeon, players can either return to the original entrance point or exit into a different part of the world. Alternative exits may exist within these spaces, but they are not always immediately accessible and can require additional conditions or items before they can be used. Discovering new Portal Pages expands traversal options and can lead to hidden knowledge, resources, or otherwise unreachable areas.

The studio has also confirmed that the game will appear at Steam Next Fest, accompanied by its first public demo already available on February 12. Rather than presenting a full sandbox experience, the demo offers curated, nonconsecutive sections of the archipelago to reflect the core pillars of the game. Gamers will gather resources, craft tools and weapons, manage inventory systems, and monitor physical needs while progressing through early narrative moments centered on Anna’s search for her grandfather. Non player characters are introduced during this segment, alongside environmental landmarks, some of which are interactive within the demo build.

Although larger mythological encounters are being reserved for Early Access, the demo includes early supernatural elements that react to player actions. Feedback from a recent private playtest has already led to refinements in crafting systems, tutorials, player orientation, and hit detection. An updated Among the Trolls demo version is scheduled for February 23 to address known issues and incorporate additional improvements as development continues toward a planned 2026 release.