Beyond Hanwell

About Beyond Hanwell

Beyond Hanwell is a first-person survival horror game by Steel Arts Software, a small UK developer. It followed Welcome to Hanwell, came out on Steam in September 2024 after a month of early access, and arrived on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S that November.

The game moves from the town of Hanwell into the deeper parts of London. You explore a dark take on Westminster, from barricaded streets under Big Ben to tiled corridors, grand halls and a theatre, in a semi-open way, following the story in your own order and finding notes and lore that explain what happened and who you are.

The Anomalies that fill it are grotesque: twisted human figures, a jester, a towering thing of black cables and bosses unique to each area. You fight them with a two-button melee system and a small set of guns, scavenging scarce ammunition, and can use the environment to burn, electrocute or crush them. There is no HUD, so all feedback is shown in the world itself.

Players compare its atmosphere and exploration to Silent Hill and The Evil Within 2 and like its creatures, but call the combat and optimisation rough. It suits survival horror fans who enjoy scavenging and exploring and can forgive some jank.

How to play Beyond Hanwell

1. Buy it on Steam, the PlayStation Store or the Xbox store.
2. Explore Westminster in first person; there is no HUD, so watch the world for feedback.
3. Scavenge every room for weapons, ammo and items.
4. Fight the Anomalies with melee and guns, and use fire, electricity and heavy objects around you.
5. Follow the notes and story at your own pace and take on each area's boss.

Tips

• Melee weapons break, so keep a spare.
• Save ammunition for the bigger creatures and bosses.
• Look for environmental hazards to use against groups.
• Read the notes you find; they explain the Anomalies and the story.

Questions