Dark Hours: Cooperative Survival Horror Expands to Consoles
Piece of Cake Studios is bringing its tension-filled cooperative experience, Dark Hours, to a wider audience. After a successful run on PC, the survival-horror title is officially launching for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series on April 22, priced at $14.99. The game blends heist mechanics with supernatural horror, forcing players to pivot from a planned robbery to a desperate fight for survival.
From Heist to Horror: The Gameplay Premise
In Dark Hours, players grab on the role of a crew of robbers attempting to execute the perfect heist. Yet, the mission takes a dark turn when a supernatural event occurs, the power cuts out, and the team finds themselves trapped inside the building with a predatory monster. The objective shifts instantly from stealing loot to finding a way out or hiding until daylight arrives.
The game supports 1-4 players in co-op, emphasizing cooperation to overcome the threats lurking in the shadows. For those who want a taste of the experience before committing, a free Dark Hours: Prologue is available on Steam.
Comprehensive Features and Content
The console release brings a wealth of content developed during the game’s PC lifecycle, which saw an Early Access launch on October 24, 2024, and a full release on October 23, 2025. To date, the title has sold over 500,000 units.
Players can expect a deep set of tools and environments to navigate:
- Diverse Environments: 60 maps spread across five distinct settings, including Museums, Casinos, Auction Houses, Cruise ships, and Nuclear Power Plants.
- Heist Equipment: Over 50 items to aid survival and infiltration, such as EMP and Ice grenades, hacking devices, remote-control tools, GPS trackers, and entity scanners.
- Enemy Variety: Eight different monsters, each featuring exclusive abilities and specific weaknesses.
- Progression and Customization: Over 100 customization items and three different mafia factions that players can build reputations with to unlock exclusive gear.
Advanced Game Modes and Challenge
Beyond the standard cooperative campaign, Dark Hours offers several ways to play. The game includes four difficulty levels, culminating in the grueling Nightmare mode. For those seeking variety, the developer has included three extra game modes: Red Light Green Light, Curling, and Golden Rabbit.
Competitive players can also engage in a Player-versus-Player-versus-Environment (PvPvE) mode, where two separate teams of robbers compete against each other although simultaneously fighting the environment’s monsters. To ensure a seamless experience, the console version supports cross-play and a dedicated friends online system.
Key Takeaways for Players
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | April 22 (PS5, Xbox Series) |
| Price | $14.99 |
| Player Count | 1-4 Players (Co-op) |
| Core Mechanics | Heist planning, survival horror, and puzzle solving |
| Key Environments | Casinos, Museums, Power Plants, Auction Houses, Cruise ships |
Final Verdict
By combining the tactical planning of a heist game with the unpredictability of survival horror, Piece of Cake Studios has created a high-stakes experience. With the addition of cross-play and a robust set of game modes, the console launch of Dark Hours is positioned to bring its unique blend of terror and teamwork to a broader gaming community.
