In an age of sprawling open-worlds and explosive set-pieces, Eriksholm is a quiet revolution. Developed by River End Games and published by Nordcurrent Labs, Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream is an upcoming (will be released later in 2025) isometric stealth and narrative-heavy adventure that invites players into a handcrafted world inspired by the Scandinavian cities of the early 1900s.
But underneath its beautiful facade lies a story of loss, resistance, and the desperate hope of a sister searching for her missing brother. We got a preview copy of Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream, and after fiddling with it for a few days and completing it, here are our impressions.
Eriksholm Preview on PC - A Story Rooted in Emotion
At the heart of Eriksholm is Hanna, a young woman who sets out to find her brother Herman after his mysterious disappearance. The search soon spirals into something much bigger, threatening not just Hanna's family, but the city itself. The preview showcases a key early turning point and a later chapter introducing a new character and gameplay elements, hinting at the depth and scale of the full experience.
What stands out immediately is the emotional weight of the narrative. River End Games, a team of just 17 developers, clearly values storytelling as much as mechanics. Their experience working on titles like Mirror's Edge, Battlefield, Unravel, and Little Nightmares shines through in the game's pacing and tone. There's a sense of intimate world-building that feels personal rather than procedural.
Three Voices, One Dream
Eriksholm's gameplay is structured around three distinct playable characters: Hanna, Alva, and Sebastian. Each brings their own abilities and perspectives to the table, and utilizing each one's abilities effectively is crucial for puzzle solving and navigation.
- Hanna can crawl through tight spaces and silently disable enemies from afar with her sleeping darts and blowpipe.
- Alva, a streetwise survivor, can scale drainpipes and use a slingshot to distract guards or break lights.
- Sebastian, the muscle of the trio, can swim through waterways and silently choke out threats.
These characters aren't just tools for gameplay. They feel lived-in. Their personalities, flaws, and strengths are reflected not just in dialogue but in how they interact with the world. Sebastian's quiet stoicism contrasts with Alva's sarcasm and Hanna's quiet resolve, creating a subtle but powerful dynamic. Their skills are designed to complement each other, and solving later challenges requires thoughtful coordination and creativity.
Eriksholm is About Thoughtful Stealth, Not Frantic Combat
Unlike many action-stealth hybrids, Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream is fully committed to its stealth-first identity. There's no frantic melee backup when things go wrong. If you're caught, you'll be forced to restart the section. That tension is purposeful because you're not a soldier or an assassin. You're someone who survives by staying unseen.
Shadows and light are central to gameplay. Characters become invisible in deep shadow, but flashlights cut through darkness, making timing and positioning crucial. You'll need to observe guard patrols, use diversions (like Alva's pebbles), and rely on clever thinking rather than brute force.
This approach results in slower-paced, more intentional gameplay. It may not appeal to those looking for instant action, but it offers immense satisfaction for players who enjoy careful planning and clever problem-solving.
Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream – A Living, Breathing World
One of Eriksholm's greatest strengths is its visual design. The city feels real, both beautiful and bruised by industrial hardship. The hand-painted environments ooze atmosphere, blending Nordic charm with a sense of looming oppression. It's a place that feels both magical and melancholic, and players will want to explore every alley, rooftop, and canal.
And the environments are not just visually rich. They're mechanically layered. Hidden collectibles, alternate paths, and vertical exploration add depth to the otherwise linear paths. Whether it's climbing rooftops to avoid patrols or sneaking through ventilation shafts, every character sees the world a little differently.
This layered design comes into full focus in more complex chapters, where all three characters must work together. Switching between them mid-mission becomes a puzzle in itself. Who should create the distraction, who should slip past, and who should finish the job?
A Promising Debut From River End
Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream isn't just River End Games' first title, but a passion project that's been years in the making. According to the studio, it's a story they've carried with them for a long time. That shows in every detail, from the tightly woven narrative to the character-driven mechanics and the evocative art style.
It's rare to find a debut that feels this confident and cohesive. While the preview build doesn't show the full breadth of Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream, it offers a compelling look at what's to come: a mature, emotionally resonant stealth adventure where choice, patience, and empathy matter more than firepower.
And that does it for our Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream preview. If the final release maintains the quality of what's on display here, Eriksholm might just become one of the standout narrative indies of 2025. Also, to find gameplay guides for this and other indie games, visit the guides section here on Pro Game Guides.
