‘Silent Hill f’ Takes Brutal Dive Into Japanese Folk Horror

By Danial Martinus  •  09 Jun 2025 in Games

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We all know the Silent Hill franchise for its unsettling, foggy aesthetic. This time, however, it’s heading east.

Konami has just released the trailer for Silent Hill f, and it’s clear as day (unless it’s foggy, hehe) that this isn’t the same haunted town we’ve come to fear over the years.

The next chapter in the iconic series trades American suburbia for the eerie beauty of 1960s Japan. It’s a shift that’s as equally haunting as it is refreshing.

New aesthetic and story based on Japanese folklore

In terms of aesthetics, Silent Hill f is visually stunning. Gone are the dimly lit diners and cracked pavements. Instead, we’re dropped into Ebisugaoka, a sleepy rural town where crimson flowers bloom ominously in the mist and decay seeps in slow, creeping waves.

Don’t worry, though. It’s still Silent Hill, but through the lens of Japanese folklore and horror traditions. You’ll play as high school student Shimizu Hinako, trying to survive as her town succumbs to a supernatural rot that’s as poetic as it is grotesque.

The trailer gave us our best look yet at Ebisugaoka’s unsettling charm. From vine-covered school buildings to underground shrines drenched in darkness, there’s a blend of quiet dread and surreal beauty that feels genuinely fresh for the franchise.

But it’s not just the setting that’s changed. According to Konami producer Motoi Okamoto, Silent Hill f will lean more heavily into action and combat, with a focus on melee. Yep, you’re going to be swinging things a lot more than you’re used to.

This slight deviation from the franchise norm isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though. If you liked the more dynamic gameplay in 2024’s Silent Hill 2 remake, this might be right up your alley.

The trailer even teased a new weapon, and some of the enemy designs look brutal—think mutated plant-monsters and plenty of body horror.

For people who enjoy the slower, psychological, puzzle-heavy gameplay that defined earlier Silent Hill titles, this might be a step too far into Resident Evil territory. But Okamoto assures that puzzles are still a core component, designed to reflect “psychological anguish and suffering.”

A standalone story with familiar DNA

One of the most exciting aspects about Silent Hill f is the fact that you won’t need prior knowledge of the franchise to fully enjoy the game. It’s neither a sequel nor a prequel.

But if you’re a longtime fan, you can still expect subtle nods and Easter eggs sprinkled throughout. With decision-making playing a role in shaping Shimizu’s fate (and possibly her descent into madness), there’s potential here for a truly personal horror experience.

All things considered, Silent Hill f is shaping up to be one of the boldest and most visually distinct entries in the franchise’s history. It’s not Silent Hill as you remember it—but maybe that’s a good thing.

The game is set to launch on 25 September for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Watch the Silent Hill f trailer below:

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