June 2, 2026
By Eva Shrestha
Staff Writer
Cute meets horror in the dark indie role-playing game Cult of the Lamb, originally released on Aug. 11, 2022, and updated on Jan. 22 with the Woolhaven expansion pack. With its diverse gameplay options, this immersive multiplayer game appeals to players with interests across various genres.
Cult of the Lamb also features a co-op mode that fits seamlessly into its dark, quirky world. In co-op, a second player joins as a goat, a cursed follower connected to the same mysterious gods and rituals that drive the game’s lore. This mode allows players to explore dungeons and fight enemies while building and managing their cult. This is only available with local co-op, meaning players must be in the same room to play together. Players can only play online via Steam Remote Play.
The first player always takes on the role of a lamb, the very last of its species in the Lands of Old Faith. All the other lambs have been wiped out because the four Bishops of Old Faith, who are the “gods,” have ordered their execution due to a prophecy that a lamb will free “The One Who Waits.” The player is the last lamb to be sacrificed, but after death, the player makes a deal with “The One Who Waits”: revival in exchange for starting a cult in his name and killing the four Bishops.
Focusing only on the main storyline, Cult of the Lamb takes around 15-16 hours to complete. However, experiencing all available content significantly extends the playtime. With the new Woolhaven update, completing all content takes about 35 hours.
With the Woolhaven expansion pack, which costs $16.99, players have an elaborate postgame storyline. Players have to manage the cruel winter weather back at the cult and rebuild Woolhaven, the abandoned home of the lambs. Players can build new buildings, commune with spirits of the lambs, craft legendary weapons, explore new realms and learn about the Yngya, the Winter Goddess.
This game seamlessly combines a creepy cult narrative with a cutesy aesthetic, successfully blending the two distinct styles. The visuals are impressive and the art style draws players deeply into the game’s world. The characters players can recruit into their cult are adorable animals with big, expressive eyes and an incredibly charming presence.
This game seamlessly combines a creepy cult narrative with a cutesy aesthetic, successfully blending the two distinct styles.
In contrast, the monsters encountered in each realm and dungeon have their own frighteningly unique designs. This striking difference creates an engaging balance between cute and creepy, enriching the overall experience.
This game has four realms — Anchordeep, Anura, Darkwood and Silk Cradle — each led by a bishop. When the players step through the door of a realm, they are transported into a series of randomized rooms and paths where they fight enemies, gather resources, free followers and shop. After the first four crusades of the same realm, the door to fight the realm’s corresponding Bishop unlocks.
The game includes tarot cards that are powerful and stackable buffs that, during that run, grant temporary advantages. The game also offers players powerful curses, temporary spells that serve as secondary attacks. These curses are paid for with energy the player gains by defeating opponents, known as Fervor.
Of all the game mechanics, caring for the cult is the most difficult. Players must attend to all cult members’ needs; otherwise, cult members may die or dissent, ultimately leaving them with no followers. To keep up with these needs, players build beds, collect lumber and stone, decorate the cult, gather Faith from rituals, grow farms and heal those who are sick. Maintaining the growing cult’s happiness is difficult when players cannot be present at the cult at all times.
Maintaining Faith is extremely important. Once a member becomes a dissenter, they spread their propaganda within the cult and recruit other followers. Players can raise Faith by completing follower quests, daily sermons, offering blessings or gifts and performing rituals.
Cult of the Lamb is an ideal game for players who love a mix of genres and experimenting with different playstyles. Successfully blending endearing visuals with dark themes and engaging gameplay, this near-perfect indie game stands out as unique and memorable.
