Game Overview
Hillthorn is a dark investigation game set around a mysterious mountain and a secluded community. A child has gone missing, and you are given the task of uncovering what happened while dealing with dangerous wildlife, suspicious locals, and a limited amount of time.
The mystery is presented in an unusual way, with the story unfolding without traditional spoken dialogue. Instead, players use Clue cards to investigate and explore the world and gradually discover more about the disappearance.
Story & Setting
The game takes place around the strange and isolated mountain of Hillthorn. Its maze-like trails hide secrets, while the local community appears reluctant to provide information to an outsider.
As the investigation continues, players must search for clues and uncover the truth behind the missing child. The limited time available makes every action important.
Gameplay
Hillthorn focuses on investigation and exploration rather than traditional dialogue-driven storytelling. Players interact with Clue cards, which can be investigated, explored, and in some situations used to talk.
Every action moves the clock forward, meaning players have to consider their choices while following different leads. Knowledge gained during the investigation also serves as a form of progression.
Key Features
- Explore a mysterious mountain and uncover its secrets.
- Investigate the mystery through a card-based system.
- Experience a story presented without traditional dialogue.
- Manage your actions while the clock continues to move.
- Discover multiple possible endings.
- Use knowledge as a form of progression.
- The game does not use Generative AI.
Gameplay Experience
Hillthorn combines exploration, investigation, and time-based decision-making. Because the clock moves forward with every action, players need to think carefully about which paths and clues to follow.
The card-based investigation system gives the game a distinctive way of presenting its mystery, while the possibility of multiple endings encourages players to explore different leads and uncover more of Hillthorn’s secrets.
The World of Hillthorn
The mountain is filled with mysterious trails and unsettling details. Players can encounter dangerous wildlife as well as locals who may not be willing to share what they know.
Since the player character is an outsider, gaining information from the community requires some finesse.
Game Modes & Players
Hillthorn supports single-system play for one player. It can be played in TV mode, Tabletop mode, and Handheld mode on Nintendo Switch. The game is also supported on Nintendo Switch 2, with Nintendo stating that game behavior is consistent with Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo Switch Features
The game supports the Touch Screen feature. Nintendo Account family-group lending is supported, and Save Data Cloud is available through Nintendo Switch Online. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required for Save Data Cloud backup.
Game Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Game | Hillthorn |
| Platform | Nintendo Switch |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Supported |
| Edition | Digital |
| Developer | Fool Moon & Finnegan Motors |
| Publisher | Raw Fury |
| Players | Single system (1) |
| File Size | 417 MB |
| Play Modes | TV, Tabletop, Handheld |
| Languages | Japanese, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, American English, Polish |
| Release Date | November 10, 2026 |
| Touch Screen | Supported |
| Save Data Cloud | Supported |
| ESRB Rating | Blood, Use of Drugs and Alcohol, Violence |
The specifications above are taken from Nintendo’s official product listing.
Why Play Hillthorn?
Hillthorn stands out with its card-based investigation system, wordless storytelling, time-based decisions, and multiple endings. Players who enjoy uncovering mysteries and exploring unusual worlds can follow clues, gain knowledge, and decide how to spend their limited time while investigating the disappearance
