Full notes
Full Don't Fret update
Read the full published notes in a cleaner layout. The original post stays linked below.
What changed
- Gameplay
Don't Fret changes
Dear Community,
Hey everyone!
It’s been a little while since our last official Steam Hub post, so thank you for your patience and continued interest in Don't! Fret. If you haven't already, be sure to join our Discord for more frequent updates and behind-the-scenes content: 👉 https://discord.gg/vHkv6HQztB
We recently released a detailed devlog video with tons of new info on development progress. You can check it out here:
UPDATES
We’re actively playtesting the first third of Don't! Fret! All core gameplay mechanics are now complete. Our main enemy, Tapehead, has undergone a major overhaul — and Fret has received some updates too. We’ve created a brand-new, redesigned capsule art that better represents the game’s vibe and characters. Can’t wait to share it with you soon! The current playtime for the first third of the game is averaging 1.5 hours, which means you can expect the full game to be around 4–5 hours long. We've decided to make all cutscenes in-engine, resulting in a more seamless and immersive experience.
GAMEPLAY UPDATES
You may have seen this mentioned on other platforms, but for those who haven't: the demo was just a tiny peek at Don't! Fret's atmosphere and tone — the final game is significantly more robust and polished in terms of gameplay.
Our original inspiration was to capture the intense, cat-and-mouse style of Alien: Isolation. And while we're a small team with limited resources, I truly believe we've built something that captures that same kind of tension.
The gameplay now blends elements of Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and Alien: Isolation. The demo’s AI was very basic — “run-at-the-player” style — but that's completely changed. We’re spending a ton of time refining enemy behavior and making every encounter feel fun, tense, and rewarding.
VARIETY
One of the things I’m most proud of is the variety in Don't! Fret.
Yes, the game is set in a school — but trust me when I say, it’s a wild ride of constantly evolving environments and surprising set pieces. We’re working hard to make sure each area feels distinct and keeps you on your toes.
When I say varied, I really mean it.
RELEASE DATE
We’ve made the decision to move our release window to early 2026.
This gives us the time we need to avoid crunch, polish the experience, and make sure Don't! Fret is the best it can possibly be when it reaches you.
THANK YOU
Thank you all so much for your continued support. It means the world to our team.
If you haven’t already, come hang out with us on Discord — we’d love to chat and keep you in the loop as we get closer to release!
See you soon, 💀 Scary Kid Studios
Source
Changelog.gg summarizes and formats this update. How we read updates.
