Mundaun

About Mundaun

Mundaun is the first game from Hidden Fields, released on 16 March 2021 for PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch, with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions on those stores. Steam names Annapurna Interactive as its publisher; GOG and the Epic Games Store name MWM Interactive. All its textures are drawn by hand in pencil, giving the game a grey, grainy look like an old illustration.

You play Curdin, who rides a bus up into the valley of Mundaun for his grandfather Flurin's funeral, his first visit since childhood. The old man died when his barn caught fire. The priest says he is already buried, yet the chapel is locked and the grave turns out to be empty. The few inhabitants are eccentric and speak their own obscure language, and something old and diabolical seems to hold the valley. Glimpses of the grandfather's past in the war, and of a deal with a malevolent figure, come together as you climb.

The levels are open, from steep meadows across stony fields to the snow-covered peak. You drive a hay-baling truck and a sled, ride a chair lift, fill an inventory and solve puzzles built into the world. Days are for exploring. When the sun sets, slow figures made of hay rise from the fields, and the mountain holds other things too, from floating beekeepers to a beast in the snow. A pitchfork breaks after a few uses and the old rifle has little ammunition, so sneaking past is often the better choice. A fear-resistance factor means the more frightened Curdin is, the more slowly he moves.

Brewing coffee is a small task of its own: find a cup, grounds, a pot, water and wood, then light the stove. It strengthens Curdin for good, as do the food and the pages of a rifle manual you find.

It is a slow game where dread comes from silence, weather and folk belief. It suits players who like folk horror, exploring at their own pace and a game with a look of its own.

How to play Mundaun

1. Explore the valley in first person, talk to the inhabitants and pick up items for your inventory.
2. Solve the puzzles you meet by finding the right item for each place, such as a key for a locked supply room.
3. Watch your fear: the more frightened Curdin is, the more slowly he moves, so prepare before you go out at night.
4. Avoid the creatures where you can; your pitchfork breaks and the rifle has few shots, so fight only when you have to.
5. Use the vehicles, such as the hay-baling truck, the sled and the chair lift, to cross the larger areas on your way to the peak.

Tips

• Brew coffee whenever you have the cup, grounds, pot, water, wood and matches; it strengthens Curdin for good.
• Pick up food and the pages of the rifle manual; they improve health and aim.
• Explore in daylight. The hay figures rise from the fields after sunset, and night crossings are much harder.
• Look in side buildings and supply rooms; many items and keys sit off the main path.

Questions