The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu Wraps Closed Beta, Shifts Focus to Steam Next Fest Free Demo

ACE Team Concludes Closed Beta, Seeks Player Feedback

The jungle has fallen silent—at least for now. On June 8, 2026, developer ACE Team and publisher NACON officially wrapped up the Closed Beta expedition for The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu. Over the course of the test, players braved the cursed canopy, fought off unsettling anomalies, and struggled against the game's creeping psychological degradation.

With the test now over, the development team is urging beta testers to submit their official feedback reports. This feedback is critical. With the release date set for July 15, 2026, the developers have just over a month to implement final balance passes, squash lingering performance bugs, and refine the core gameplay loop. If you took part in the beta, you can access the submission form directly through the official Steam announcement page.

A Longer, Free Demo Heads to Steam Next Fest

If you missed out on obtaining a Closed Beta key, or if you are simply itching to return to the depths of the earth, you won't have to wait long. The developers announced that The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu will participate in the upcoming Steam Next Fest.

Unlike the restricted Closed Beta, the Steam Next Fest version will be free for all Steam users. Even better, ACE Team is promising a new, longer demo than what was previously showcased. This longer chunk of gameplay should give players a much better sense of the progression systems, map layouts, and cooperative dynamics.

Given the game's emphasis on team survival, this upcoming demo serves as the perfect opportunity to coordinate with your squad. If you plan to play with friends, you can read our breakdown of how co-op, crossplay, and solo play function to prepare your party.

New Gameplay Showcase Trailer Reveals Fresh Horrors

Coinciding with the end of the beta, a new gameplay showcase trailer has made its way online. The footage highlights the game’s distinct blend of gunplay and supernatural survival horror.

In the trailer, we get a closer look at the gnarled, oppressive flora of the jungle and the ancient, crumbling architecture hiding beneath it. Light plays a pivotal role in survival; explorers are seen relying heavily on hand-held lanterns to push back the dark. Letting your light source fail or wandering too far into the shadows quickly triggers the game's sanity penalties, a mechanic that threatens to distort your vision and hallucinate threats that aren't actually there. You can learn more about how to manage these hallucinations in our overview of the sanity system.

The trailer also showcases several of the terrifying entities hunting players. ACE Team—best known for their bizarre and surreal designs in games like Zeno Clash—looks to have brought their signature visual style to the Lovecraftian mythos. For an idea of the monstrosities you will encounter, check out our guide to the confirmed creatures in the game.

Preparing for the Descent on July 15

With the launch rapidly approaching, the Steam Next Fest demo will be the final public test before the full game goes live. If you plan on picking up the game on day one, check out the available editions and preorder bonuses to see which package fits you best. Additionally, make sure your hardware is up to the task by checking the estimated PC system requirements.

Be sure to wishlist the game on Steam to stay updated on when the Next Fest demo goes live.