Cthulhu’s Reach: Devil Reef Is a Roguelike Descent Into Madness—Now With Co-Op

If you’re the type to throw yourself headfirst into a haunted dungeon just because someone named “Mr. Blackwood” asked you to— Cthulhu’s Reach: Devil Reef might be your next favorite obsession. This isometric roguelike, now in Early Access, drops you into the cursed, crumbling town of Innsmouth, where nothing good ever happens and the best-case scenario is “only mildly insane.”

Developed by The Fine Arc Nordic AB, Devil Reef mixes Lovecraftian horror, 90s-style pixel art, and fast-paced combat in a world where you’re just one cult ritual away from being very, very dead.

What’s the Story Of Cthulhu’s Reach?

You play as a debt-saddled protagonist (that’s a whole mood)  who’s made a very bad deal (because of course, you did). Now you’re trapped in Devil Reef, fighting your way through procedurally generated chaos. Think binding run and gun meets eldritch nightmares, but with a sharper coat of atmosphere and tentacle horror.

Combat, Progression, and How You’ll Die (Repeatedly)

Combat is slick, fast, and punishing. You’ll pick up weapons and magical abilities mid-run, and gold lets you unlock permanent upgrades so future-you doesn’t suffer quite as much. Every weapon you unlock stays unlocked for future playthroughs, which is great because, spoiler alert: you’re going to die. A lot.

The game’s got three acts so far, each ending with a boss that would make your therapist cancel on you. The latest? Mother Hydra in Act II’s lava-soaked hellscape known as Hydra’s Hollow. Bring sunscreen. And a backup soul.

But Wait, There’s Co-Op Now

That’s right—up to four-player online co-op is now live. So if you want to suffer together instead of solo, the option is finally on the table. Also new? A playable character named Florence, and a customization system so you can suffer in style.

Early Access Verdict?

It’s dark, it’s messy, it’s a little unhinged—in a good way. Fans are loving the vibe, even if they want more variety in upgrades and deeper progression. But for an Early Access title, it’s already shaping up to be a real monster.