Don’t Fret adds PS5 version, launches October 1 [Update: Delayed]

First-person psychological horror game Don’t Fret will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store on October 1, publisher Digital Pajamas and developer Scary Kid Studios announced. The PlayStation 5 version is newly announced. A demo is available now for PC.

Update 08/12/26: Scary Kid Studios has delayed Don’t Fret to an unannounced date:

Scary Kid Studios and Digital Pajamas are announcing that Don’t Fret will be delayed.

From the very beginning, our goal has been simple: deliver the best possible experience. Don’t Fret is the studio’s first game and has been an ambitious project, and while we’ve made incredible progress, some parts of the game are taking longer to refine than we originally expected. These aren’t major setbacks, just areas where we believe the game deserves more time, more polish, and more care.

We are incredibly proud of the game so far and have become even more committed to ensuring that when players finally get their hands on Don’t Fret, it will be a genuinely unique and special experience. Rushing the final polish would compromise that, and that’s something we’re not willing to do.

Thank you for your patience, your excitement, and your support.

It means everything to us. We’ll share a revised release date once we’re confident in the updated schedule, and we’ll continue to be transparent as development moves forward.

We’re still working hard every day, and we can’t wait for you to experience what we’ve been creating. You can find out more about the games development over on our Discord or following our social channels.

Here is an overview of the game, via its Steam page:

About

Don’t Fret is a first person psychological mascot-horror puzzle game, where music and horror intertwine in ways never before seen by the indie gaming community. Navigate the hallways of Harmonic Heights as “Fret,” a young talented guitar who is in search of finding a way back home.

Meet Fret: The Living Instrument

Meet Fret, a sentient guitar trapped in a nightmare of music and madness. Navigate the decaying halls of Harmonic Heights, uncover its secrets, and confront the horrors in a music world.

A Stylized World of Sound and Fear

Step into the visually stunning world of Don’t Fret, where every instrument, hallway, and shadow is alive with purpose. The game’s bold art direction blends psychological horror with musical surrealism, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that sets it apart from every other indie horror title.

Explore a Massive, Musical World

Shattering the boundaries of traditional indie horror with an expansive world spanning dozens of handcrafted environments—from classrooms and underground tunnels, to outside courtyards, gondola rides, and more.

Every area in Harmonic Heights is designed to keep you engaged at every turn.

A Cinematic Narrative Experience

Don’t Fret delivers a story-driven horror experience that unfolds through audio logs, inspectable items, and cinematic cutscenes seamlessly woven into gameplay. Unravel a tale of exploitation, performance, and identity as you descend into the nightmare of Harmonic Heights.

The Guitar Tuner: Your Lifeline Hud

Your guitar tuner doubles as a diegetic HUD, displaying your health, stamina, and battery levels—and even detecting nearby enemies through sound. As you progress, upgrade your tuner with new abilities to aid you on your journey.

Adaptive Enemy Encounters

Every encounter in Don’t Fret demands creativity. Some enemies are drawn to sound and movement, forcing you to be stealthy. Others are relentless, fast, and unpredictable, attacking from any angle. And some cannot be fought at all. You’ll need to observe, listen, and adapt to survive.

Musical Puzzles and Interactive Instruments

Music is more than atmosphere—it’s the key. Don’t Fret features a range of instrument-based puzzles, from pianos to percussive drum riddles, to guitars and harps. At the center is the G-PAD, a guitar-inspired lock mechanism requiring you to perform under pressure at every turn.

A World Scored by Rockit Music

Composed by Russell McKamey of Rockit Music, the soundtrack fuses cinematic orchestration with industrial horror. The soundtrack reacts to gameplay, evolving dynamically as you explore, hide, or fight—making sound itself part of the fear. The world of Don’t Fret, and the music is created by Rockit of Rockit Music. As pioneers in the Nerdcore music genre, they stand at the forefront, boasting an impressive record of over 400 million views and a thriving community of over one million subscribers on YouTube. Their expertise lies in crafting immersive soundscapes inspired by indie horror and pop culture, ensuring an electrifying auditory experience for enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

Don’t Fret is truly one-of-a-kind adventure that you can’t miss!

Watch a new trailer below.

Release Date Trailer