Ice Pick Lodge has unveiled new details about Pathologic 3, the continuation of their cult series following Pathologic 2. Originally intended as a single game with three characters, the project has evolved into three distinct titles featuring unique gameplay and narratives for the Haruspex, Bachelor, and Changeling. The Bachelor will have his own game, while the Changeling’s role remains uncertain. Previous supporters of Pathologic 2 will receive free keys for the new installment, slated for release in 2025 on multiple platforms.
—
Ice Pick Lodge hat neue Details zu Pathologic 3 enthüllt, der Fortsetzung ihrer Kultreihe nach Pathologic 2. Ursprünglich als ein einziges Spiel mit drei Charakteren geplant, hat sich das Projekt zu drei eigenständigen Titeln mit einzigartigem Gameplay und Erzählungen für Haruspex, Bachelor und Changeling entwickelt. Der Bachelor erhält sein eigenes Spiel, während die Rolle des Changeling ungewiss bleibt. Frühere Unterstützer von Pathologic 2 erhalten kostenlose Keys für die neue Folge, die 2025 auf mehreren Plattformen veröffentlicht werden soll.
In an intriguing update reminiscent of a plague doctor carefully managing leeches, Ice Pick Lodge has revealed additional details about the recently announced Pathologic 3. They outlined the evolution of their plans for this acclaimed series, which tackles epidemic challenges, since the release of Pathologic 2.
As noted in our earlier announcement, Pathologic 2 served as a remake of the original 2005 title. The game was intended to feature three distinct playable characters: the Haruspex, the Bachelor, and the Changeling, each with the mission of rescuing a grim town of slaughterhouse workers from a devastating infection.
The Haruspex was introduced during the game’s launch in 2019, with plans for the other two characters to be released as downloadable content (DLC). However, as Ice Pick explained on their Steam page, this approach proved challenging, as the development of the Haruspex’s storyline took longer than anticipated. Consequently, the Bachelor will now be at the center of his own narrative. Whether the Changeling, a character with the ability to heal or harm at a touch, will also have her own game remains uncertain, but that is certainly the intention.
Ice Pick stated on Steam, „The game simply grew beyond our concept of DLC. It will feature different gameplay and entirely new elements. Instead of a single game offering three playthroughs with identical mechanics but varied storylines, as seen in both the original 2005 version and the Classic HD remaster, we’re developing three comprehensive games, each with unique gameplay and major narrative differences.“
They added, „These are three distinct protagonists, each with unique perspectives on the world, differing realities, and specialized tools. From a gameplay standpoint, this translates to three unique methodologies and a complete reevaluation of the original scripts.“
While it appears that the Changeling may lead the narrative in Pathologic 4, the developers wish to avoid making premature declarations. „We recognize that prior commitments regarding earlier titles in the series resulted in unmet expectations,“ they noted. „We apologize for this and aim to avoid misleading anyone in the future. Unlike the characters in our games, developers should not be unreliable narrators.“
The update also highlighted some differences between the Bachelor and the Haruspex, familiar to players of the 2005 game. „The Haruspex had to ensure his survival by scavenging for food, fighting, and saving his loved ones along the way,“ the developers explained. „In contrast, the Bachelor is an intellectual. His focus isn’t merely survival; he seeks to achieve goals that surpass the limits of one lifetime. His journey involves theorizing, collecting evidence, and ultimately giving commands to observe the outcomes. This difference will be emphasized through gameplay, mechanics, objectives, and audio design.“
Supporting backers who contributed to the development of Pathologic 2 under the original concept of having three protagonists will receive keys for Pathologic 3. Specifically, free access will be extended to all ‚Kickstarter backers and other platforms that supported the game during its fundraising phase,‘ including ‚Backers from 2014 and 2015.‘ Individuals eligible for multiple copies will receive corresponding keys.
The game is expected to be available on all the same platforms as its predecessor, with console versions launching after the PC edition. More information will be shared as the 2025 release date approaches.