Hungry Horrors is a delightfully strange roguelite deckbuilder from UK-based indie studio Clumsy Bear Studio—and it’s turning the monster-fighting genre on its head. Instead of battling terrifying folklore creatures, you’re tasked with keeping them happy by cooking up traditional British and Irish dishes they actually enjoy. Yes, you read that right: no swords, just spoons. The game blends strategic deckbuilding mechanics with culinary creativity, all wrapped in a charming retro pixel art style and gothic humor that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly original.
Currently available as a free playable demo on Steam, Itch, and GOG, Hungry Horrors gives players a solid preview of what’s to come. The demo features two handcrafted biomes, six unique monsters to serve (each with very specific tastes), two intense boss encounters, and four quirky NPCs to interact with. Plus, there are peaceful non-combat zones like the Nook and the Trove—perfect for catching your breath, refining your menu, and planning your next meal like a true culinary tactician.
What Makes Hungry Horrors Stand Out?
You play as a princess dropped into a world of hungry legends—from Jenny Greenteeth, the bloodthirsty swamp witch, to Black Annis, the child-snatching hag with iron claws. If you don’t cook exactly what they want, you might end up on the menu yourself. Each creature has distinct flavor preferences: Grendel might crave something sweet, while Redcap gags at the sight of fish. Your job? Figure out their likes and dislikes through trial, error, and smart deckbuilding.
The core gameplay revolves around combining ingredients, spices, and utensils to craft meals that satisfy each monster’s picky palate. It’s not just about throwing random items together—you’ll need strategy to balance flavors, manage resources, and build effective cooking combos. As you progress, unlock new recipes, powerful legendary artifacts, and even rescued familiars that offer helpful bonuses. With its clever twist on deckbuilders and a healthy dose of dark humor, Hungry Horrors is shaping up to be one of the most original indie titles of the year.
While an official release date for PC, mobile, and console platforms hasn’t been announced yet, fans can already get a taste via the Steam demo. The team at Clumsy Bear Studio is actively engaging with the community, recently showcasing the game at the London Game Festival 2025—so expect more updates soon.
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