Cathedral Studios has released a public demo for The Bornless as part of Steam Next Fest, running from June 9 through June 16. The demo offers a full preview of the game’s core mechanics and invites players to explore a supernatural 1960s setting shaped by occult themes and competitive multiplayer gameplay. The Bornless combines elements of horror, first-person shooting, and strategy, positioning itself within the growing extraction shooter genre.

About The Bornless

The Bornless is a first-person multiplayer game where players take on the role of Seekers—duos tasked with exploring the haunted Farmouth Island. Set in a stylized 1960s world, the game blends atmospheric horror with tactical objectives. Each match, referred to as a Ritual, involves surviving encounters with AI-controlled cultists, collecting resources, and facing off against other player duos. The island’s design features environments such as abandoned diners, occult shrines, and ruins, all of which contribute to a tense and unsettling backdrop.

Play The Bornless Free During Steam Next Fest

Gameplay Structure and Match Phases

Matches in The Bornless follow a structured three-phase progression. In the first phase, players explore the island in search of weapons, items, and a resource called Incense. This stage also involves encounters with cultist enemies who guard key locations. Once enough Incense is gathered, players can proceed to the second phase by activating Demon Gates—large altars that require skulls obtained from totems. Completing this ritual summons a demon that players must defeat in order to earn a Sigil.

The final phase of each match shifts the pace. Once a Sigil is claimed, the player holding it becomes visible to all others on the map and gains the ability to transform temporarily into a demon. This mechanic introduces a high-stakes chase as other players attempt to intercept the Sigil before the match concludes. Victory is achieved by holding the Sigil and extracting from the island, creating a constantly shifting balance between aggression and survival.

Play The Bornless Free During Steam Next Fest

Demons, Abilities, and Strategic Combat

In addition to firearms and standard equipment, The Bornless introduces a supernatural layer through Black Magick abilities. Players can deploy various occult-themed powers, such as Hellfire Grenades or defensive Sigil Shields, to alter combat dynamics. The game also features multiple demonic forms, each with distinct characteristics. Orobas offers speed and aggression, Phenex introduces fire-based area attacks, and Belial uses abilities tied to blood manipulation and darkness. These elements contribute to strategic diversity and encourage different styles of play.

Updates from the Fractured Souls Playtest

Ahead of the public demo, Cathedral Studios conducted the Fractured Souls Playtest on June 7 and 8. This event introduced new gameplay elements, including quests, a trading system, and a merchant character named Haag. It also marked a visual upgrade, incorporating ray tracing and Nanite rendering technology. Progress made during the playtest, including unlocked Seekers and demons, carries over into the demo available during Steam Next Fest.

Play The Bornless Free During Steam Next Fest

Community Features and Team Coordination

The Bornless encourages cooperative gameplay through its integrated community features. Players can join the game’s official Discord server to connect with others using the Shepherd system. This allows individuals to either find a partner or request guidance from experienced players. Voice communication is supported, and the server includes dedicated spaces for updates, bug reports, and gameplay suggestions. These tools aim to streamline matchmaking and improve the overall experience for new and returning participants.

Availability During Steam Next Fest

The demo is available to all users via Steam throughout the duration of Steam Next Fest. It can be accessed by searching for "The Bornless Demo" on the platform. This version of the game is separate from earlier builds and includes recent updates and content additions. Players interested in occult themes, extraction mechanics, or competitive survival gameplay have the opportunity to explore what The Bornless offers during this limited-time event.

While The Bornless targets players looking for a darker, slower-paced experience rooted in strategy and horror, those interested in faster multiplayer action may also want to explore Sparkball. This title, also featured during Steam Next Fest, is a 4v4 competitive brawler that blends elements from traditional sports games and MOBA-style combat.