An indie developer just released the demo for something genuinely spine-chilling: Tomb of Chacal, a first-person stealth horror game set deep within an untouched Mayan tomb hidden in the jungle. You’re an archaeologist who’s stumbled upon the discovery of a lifetime. The problem is that the treasures and secrets within this ancient burial site are protected by something far older and far more malevolent than any trap or guardian. nLabs has crafted a stealth-based experience that combines archaeological wonder with creeping dread, and the demo is available on Steam right now.
An Archaeologist’s Discovery Becomes a Nightmare
Tomb of Chacal puts you in the shoes of an archaeologist who’s dedicated their career to finding this specific tomb. After months of searching through jungle ruins and decoding ancient texts, you finally find it. An untouched burial chamber hidden deep beneath centuries of overgrowth. This is the kind of discovery that defines archaeological careers. Except something is very wrong. The moment you enter, you realize you’re not alone. Something ancient and powerful still dwells within these walls, and it does not appreciate the intrusion.
The game’s premise takes the Indiana Jones fantasy of tomb exploration and immediately subverts it into something horrifying. Tombs are meant to be dead places. When you realize this one isn’t—that something inhabits it, guards it, hungers within it—the entire tenor shifts from archaeological adventure to desperate survival.
Stealth as Your Only Defense
Unlike typical action-horror games where you have weapons and combat options, Tomb of Chacal strips those away. You’re an archaeologist, not a soldier. You have no combat ability. Your only tools are silence, observation, and intelligence. The game forces you to move carefully through the tomb, avoiding whatever supernatural force dwells within. You’ll crouch through shadows, wait for patrol patterns to pass, solve puzzles that require stealth to access, and generally play as someone desperately trying not to be noticed.
This design choice creates genuine tension. You can’t fight what you encounter. You can only hide, avoid, and escape. Every sound you make could be your last. Every corner could hide something waiting to devour you. The stealth mechanics transform the tomb from a place to explore into a gauntlet of danger where you’re always hunted.
Puzzle Solving Under Pressure
Beyond stealth, Tomb of Chacal features puzzle mechanics that tie directly into the exploration and survival mechanics. You’ll need to solve puzzles to advance deeper into the tomb, but doing so requires you to remain undetected. Some puzzles might reveal the malevolent force protecting the chamber. Others might unlock new paths that offer temporary safety. The puzzle design seems specifically crafted to integrate with stealth rather than interrupt it.
What makes this interesting is that puzzles in horror games often feel disconnected from the horror itself. You solve a puzzle and get momentary safety. In Tomb of Chacal, the puzzles appear designed to increase tension rather than relieve it. Solving a puzzle might attract attention. It might unlock a new threat. The game refuses to let you relax even when you succeed.
Mayan Lore and Authentic Horror
What sets Tomb of Chacal apart from generic tomb-exploring horror is its engagement with actual Mayan culture and mythology. The tomb isn’t just an ancient place. It’s a repository of genuine historical and cultural significance. The malevolent force protecting it appears tied to actual Mayan spiritual concepts and beliefs. This grounding in real culture and history makes the horror feel more authentic and respectful than typical “cursed tomb” scenarios that treat history as window dressing.
By incorporating authentic Mayan elements into the horror framework, nLabs creates something with weight and purpose. This isn’t just about jump scares in a creepy building. It’s about disturbing sacred spaces and awakening forces that have been sealed for centuries. The cultural foundation strengthens the emotional impact of the horror.
The Demo That Hooks You
The demo for Tomb of Chacal is currently available on Steam and serves as an effective introduction to what the full game offers. Early access players report being genuinely unsettled by the atmosphere, the sense of being hunted, and the realization that their usual adventure-game strategies won’t work. You can’t blast your way through. You can’t fight back. You can only survive by staying hidden.
Response to the demo has been positive, with players consistently mentioning the game’s ability to create mounting tension through stealth and atmosphere. The pacing respects player intelligence—there’s no constant threat that never materializes. Instead, the threat is real, present, and genuinely dangerous. When you fail, the consequences feel justified.
Full Release Coming Soon
nLabs has announced that Tomb of Chacal is set to release later in 2025. Exact release dates haven’t been specified, but the existence of a playable demo suggests the game is in advanced development. The team appears committed to delivering a complete, polished experience rather than pushing a half-finished product out the door. This measured approach suggests confidence in what they’ve created.
When the full game releases, expect substantial expansion beyond the demo content. More tomb chambers to explore, additional threats to avoid, deeper puzzle complexity, and more extensive integration of Mayan mythology. The foundation is solid, and the team is building upon it thoughtfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tomb of Chacal?
Tomb of Chacal is a first-person stealth horror game where you play as an archaeologist exploring an untouched Mayan tomb. You must use stealth, puzzle-solving, and intelligence to survive the malevolent supernatural force protecting the tomb’s treasures.
When is Tomb of Chacal releasing?
The game is set to release later in 2025. An exact release date hasn’t been announced, but a demo is currently available on Steam to try before full release.
What platforms will Tomb of Chacal be on?
Currently, Tomb of Chacal is confirmed for PC on Steam. Console releases haven’t been announced.
Can I play the demo right now?
Yes. The Tomb of Chacal demo is currently available as a free download on Steam. You can try it immediately without waiting for full release.
Is Tomb of Chacal a combat game?
No. There is no combat in Tomb of Chacal. You are an archaeologist with no combat training. Your only tools are stealth, puzzle-solving, and avoidance. Fighting is not an option.
How long is Tomb of Chacal?
Exact playtime hasn’t been specified, but stealth horror games typically run 5-10 hours depending on player skill and exploration thoroughness. The demo should give a sense of pacing and scope.
What is the malevolent force in the tomb?
Details about the supernatural threat are kept mysterious to preserve horror and discovery. What little is known suggests it’s tied to authentic Mayan spiritual and mythological concepts.
Are there multiple endings?
Information about multiple endings hasn’t been publicly revealed. The focus appears to be on a singular narrative experience rather than branching paths.
Does Tomb of Chacal have jump scares?
While specific scare tactics haven’t been detailed, early demo feedback suggests the game prioritizes atmospheric tension and genuine threat over artificial jump scares. The horror comes from real danger, not manufactured surprises.
Who developed Tomb of Chacal?
Tomb of Chacal was developed by nLabs, an indie game studio focused on horror and atmospheric experiences.
Conclusion
Tomb of Chacal represents exactly what indie horror should be: a focused, well-designed experience with a clear vision and meticulous execution. By combining stealth mechanics with genuine atmosphere, by respecting player intelligence enough to deny combat options, and by grounding horror in authentic cultural elements, nLabs has created something that stands out in an oversaturated genre. The demo is available right now on Steam. Download it, explore that Mayan tomb, feel the weight of that ancient presence, and experience what happens when an archaeologist discovers something that should have stayed buried. When the full game releases later this year, expect something genuinely unsettling that respects both horror and history. For now, the demo is calling. Try to resist exploring that tomb if you can—but we both know you won’t.