Silent Hill f: A Standalone Horror Experience Breaking from Series Tradition

Konami has confirmed that Silent Hill f will be a completely standalone experience—no previous franchise knowledge required. Whether you're a longtime fan or brand new to the foggy horrors of Silent Hill, this new title is designed to welcome everyone in.

A Fresh Start in 1960s Japan

Silent Hill f marks a bold shift for the series, moving away from the familiar American town of Silent Hill, Maine. Instead, the game is set in Ebisugaoka, a fictional rural Japanese town in the 1960s. It’s a total reset in both setting and story.

You’ll step into the shoes of Shimizu Hinako, a teenage girl trapped in this haunted village. Her journey promises not only unsettling creatures and twisted phenomena but a “beautiful yet terrifying choice” that will shape how the story ends.

According to Konami’s Silent Hill Transmission broadcast on March 13, 2025, this standalone format was a deliberate move. Following the success of the Silent Hill 2 remake in 2024, the company saw a prime opportunity to bring in a new generation of players—without expecting them to wade through decades of complex lore.

No Cults, No Pyramid Head—Just Something New

Unlike previous titles that leaned heavily on recurring lore—like the mysterious cult known as the Order or monsters such as Pyramid Head—Silent Hill f does away with all of that. Instead, it introduces entirely original characters, monsters, and mythos, making it easy for anyone to jump in without doing homework.

It’s a fresh start, but still true to the core of what Silent Hill has always been about: unsettling environments, psychological horror, and eerie storytelling.

A Cultural Shift: “100% Japanese” Silent Hill

The shift to a Japanese setting isn’t just cosmetic—it’s a core part of the game’s identity. Producer Motoi Okamoto has described Silent Hill f as a return to a “100% Japanese” horror experience, offering a fresh creative direction after years of the series leaning heavily into Western-style storytelling.

The game is written by Ryukishi07, best known for cult horror series Higurashi and Umineko. His influence brings a distinctly Japanese storytelling lens, tackling themes like gender discrimination, child abuse, and bullying within a supernatural horror framework.

Visually, it’s a big departure from the industrial decay seen in earlier titles. Instead, the game leans into Japanese rural aesthetics, with haunting images like red flowers blooming from human skin—an unsettling blend of beauty and body horror.

Designed to Be Accessible

Konami emphasized that the game’s puzzles and mechanics are intuitive, meaning you won’t need a guide or a degree in cryptic logic to play.

All the creature designs are brand new, too—created by artist Kera—so even longtime fans will find themselves facing unknown horrors.

Still Silent Hill at Heart

While this is a fresh start, it doesn’t mean it’s unrecognizable. Silent Hill f still focuses on the core psychological horror themes the series is known for—like trauma, guilt, and surreal horror—but now through a uniquely Japanese lens.

And yes, longtime fans will be happy to know that Akira Yamaoka is back on soundtrack duty, helping to craft the haunting, eerie atmosphere that Silent Hill is famous for.

While the game avoids lore-heavy callbacks, Konami has teased that there may be subtle easter eggs and thematic nods sprinkled throughout—just enough to reward veterans without alienating newcomers.

A Smart Move for the Series

From a business standpoint, this shift to a standalone format is a clever one. With nine mainline games and multiple spin-offs, jumping into Silent Hill can feel intimidating for new players. Silent Hill f removes that barrier completely.

And so far, fans seem to be onboard. Online reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the idea of a fresh story that doesn’t rely on years of background knowledge—while still delivering the kind of mind-bending horror the series is known for.

Release and Availability

Silent Hill f is now available for preorder at $70 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. It’s rated 18+ in Japan and Mature 17+ by the ESRB, so expect intense horror themes and graphic content.

It’s part of Konami’s broader push to revive the Silent Hill brand, alongside other projects like Silent Hill: Townfall and the Return to Silent Hill film. With the Silent Hill 2 remake bringing in fresh interest, Silent Hill f feels like the right game at the right time.