2026 is the year of the tugboat games as 'comfort meets dread' in eerie cosy horror indie

We're setting sail on some haunted seas, with a new indie horror hitting that sweet spot of creepy and cosy. The likes of Steam are full of so-called cosy horror games, and as we wait for ConcernedApe's Haunted Chocolatier to eventually release, there's a slew of skin-crawling titles to keep us busy.

We recently covered Welcome to Elderfield as a pixelated cosy horror that feels like Stardew Valley has been given a Halloween twist, while others like Grave Seasons offer up similar frights and fun.

Beneath the Dying Sun is a tugboat horror for all

Maritime simulators are all the rage in 2026, and it seems like a case of waiting for a tugboat game and three (literally) come along all at once. Although not quite sure where this trend came from, the likes of Professional Ship Simulator and Seafarer: The Ship Sim are taking us out to sea in 2026. Hoping to avoid a watery grave (or maybe that's the point), Beneath the Dying Sun is the work of a solo developer and was apparently created in around two weeks.

A YouTube trailer says it's a proof of concept rather than an exact look at the finished product, but it still comes with plenty of promise. The game's description explains how you pilot an aging tugboat across a subterranean ocean in this nautical delivery sim that has shades of Death Stranding.

Players have to physically load and manage their cargo, meaning balancing weight distribution and securing fragile goods are crucial for protecting their haul. If that wasn't enough, you have to keep track of your sanity as you navigate some particularly shady seas.

Being told that comfort meets dread, we're reminded that while you can find warmth in your cabin and support from your trusted radio, horror "slowly intrudes upon your routine."

The clue is in the name, as dynamic sun cycles pull you through unstable phases that alter visibility and add new hazards in real time, as a seemingly peaceful journey can quickly deteriorate.

This isn't any old trip on the high seas, with progression coming from studying routes and purchasing supplies to upgrade your vessel and cabin for more perilous expeditions.

Importantly, there's a disclaimer on the site that no generative AI was used in the creation of Beneath the Dying Sun.

READ MORE: Steam 94% rated ‘cozy horror’ brings nostalgic PS1 charm to modern gaming

Does Beneath the Dying Sun have a release date?

If Beneath the Dying Sun looks like your kind of thing and you think it can scratch that cosy horror itch, there's good news and bad news. A Steam page is apparently coming soon, although developer Ray Ervian also posted on X saying they were looking for a publisher.

Things seem to be progressing nicely, but with no official release date, Beneath the Dying Sun might not be joining 2026's tugboat trend.

Either way, Beneath the Dying Sun has clearly hit a chord with some, comparing it to Black Salt Games' 2023 release, one fan cheered: "Yesss! Loved Dredge, want more games with that vibe. This looks incredible!"

Another added: "Saw this and went to wishlist as this looks insanely fun and terrifying but no steam page yet. (Saw the message under the post too late) Definitely keeping an eye out so I can do so!"

A third concluded: "Absolutely love it. It's like Dredge's edgy brother who wraps caution tape around his bedroom door."

Even though Beneath the Dying Sun definitely looks like it has the 'pull' to become our next tugboat title, we'll have to wait and see.