DreadOut 3: Everything We Know

Are you ready to step back into a world where your smartphone is your only weapon against the horrors of the unseen? If you've played DreadOut or DreadOut 2, you already know the terrifying feeling of being hunted by ghosts from Indonesian folklore. But this time, things are about to get even darker. DreadOut 3 is officially in the works, and it promises to bring a fresh wave of supernatural terror, updated gameplay, and more Indonesian myths to discover.

We’re talking improved mechanics, dense spooky locations, new spirits from Indonesia’s vast folklore, and more of the series' iconic mobile phone gameplay. And yes — there’s already a teaser trailer out that hints at the kind of fear we’re in for. The game has been announced for PC and is set to release sometime after GTA VI, in 2026. If you're curious about what’s coming, here’s everything we know about DreadOut 3 so far.

What is DreadOut 3?

DreadOut 3 marks the third entry in the cult-favorite horror series from Indonesian studio Digital Happiness. This third-person horror adventure draws heavy inspiration from Asian-Indonesian urban legends and folklore. The game builds its themes, setting, and supernatural elements around local ghost stories, giving it a unique and refreshing identity in the horror genre.

Players will once again step into the shoes of Linda, a young woman with the ability to see and confront spirits. The game promises a spine-chilling atmosphere, filled with creepy rural locations, eerie whispers, and terrifying encounters, to deliver another haunting chapter in the world of the unseen. It builds on the unique tone the series is known for, mixing ancient myths with modern storytelling. It may remind fans of classics like Fatal Frame with its camera-based gameplay.

DreadOut 3 Story

DreadOut 3 picks up with Linda Meilinda once again as the main character. But this isn’t the same Linda from the earlier games — she’s older now, more in control, and has fully embraced her role as the Keeper of the Dark. The story follows her as she journeys into what the devs call an “interdimensional rabbit hole” to track down the source of an unseen power. That alone sounds like things are going way beyond haunted schools and ghost towns this time. The stakes feel bigger – less about surviving the moment and more about solving a deeper problem connected to the balance between light and darkness.

The devs haven’t laid out the full plot yet, but they’ve made it clear the game will still be heavily inspired by Indonesian ghost stories and urban legends. They’ve even mentioned that Indonesia’s vast setting, with over 17,000 islands, is influencing the lore and ghost designs in this game. That probably means more unique spirits tied to specific myths, and maybe even new types of hauntings. Overall, it sounds like DreadOut 3 is diving further into spiritual horror, with a darker and more complex story than the previous games. If you’re into creepy folklore and slow-burning mystery, this might be the most story-rich DreadOut yet.

DreadOut 3 Gameplay

If you’ve played the first DreadOut, you know what it’s like to use your phone as your only weapon. That classic mechanic returns in DreadOut 3 — the IRIS Phone is back. It will allow players to switch between first-person and third-person views as they explore haunted environments.

The original DreadOut was terrifying because it stripped you of combat and forced you to face ghosts head-on using only a camera. You had to frame the ghost in your screen, snap the right moment, and pray it disappeared before you did. Combine that with Indonesian ghost designs, and you had an experience that stuck with you long after the game ended.

In DreadOut 3, the devs are keeping that spirit but expanding the gameplay in big ways. The exploration will remain non-linear, similar to DreadOut 2, but now more focused and claustrophobic. Moreover, there will be day and night cycle, and you’ll go back and forth between the real world and the spirit world. In the ghost world, everything is darker and scarier. And while yes, there will definitely be moments of running and surviving, the game also includes puzzles.

Development

DreadOut 3 is being developed by Digital Happiness, the same indie studio from Indonesia that created the original DreadOut games. They've been working on this series for over 10 years, and the team clearly cares about their fans. During their DHXP 2025 showcase, they shared that they’re using feedback from players to make this the best game in the series. They want to keep the parts that fans loved from the older games and improve the things that didn’t work so well.

Moreover, the technical director also confirmed that the game is being built using Unreal Engine 5. This means better graphics, smoother gameplay, and creepy environments that look more realistic than ever. They’re keeping the non-linear exploration style from DreadOut 2, but this time it will feel more focused and intense, with a heavier sense of mystery and claustrophobic horror. They’re also working to make sure the game runs well on most devices, so more people can enjoy it without performance issues.

Trailer

The DreadOut 3 trailer opens with a dark and eerie scene where the protagonist, Linda, is performing some kind of ritual in a dimly lit room. The camera pans around, showing arcane symbols drawn on the floor. Linda then picks up her phone, which is a signature tool in the series, and starts exploring the creepy environment. The atmosphere is thick with tension, and the trailer ends with a quick glimpse of a horrifying ghost before the title card appears. Overall, it sets a chilling tone and promises a spine-tingling experience for players.

DreadOut 3 – Release Date, Platforms and Editions

The developers confirmed that DreadOut 3 is coming in 2026, but they also joked it’ll release “definitely after GTA VI.” So don’t expect to play it until Rockstar’s next big game is out, most likely in late 2026.

As for platforms, PC players can already count on a Steam release. But console fans have something to look forward to as well. According to the official website of Soft Source Publishing, DreadOut 3 is also coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, making it accessible to more horror lovers. There’s no word yet on special or collector’s editions, so we’ll have to wait and see what extras, if any, will be available closer to launch.