Billy Went to a Carnival

4 / 5

47,286 plays

adventure

Game Information

Developer: SZ Games

Rating:

4/5

Released: April 2024

Last Updated: June 2025

Technology: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)

Platform: Browser

Size: ~15 MB

Plays: 47,286

Mobile Support: No

About Billy Went to a Carnival

Step into a chilling tale of friendship, fear, and folklore with Billy Went to a Carnival, a gripping free online adventure that seamlessly blends nostalgia with hair-raising suspense. A decade after a mysterious disappearance, relive the fateful night through the eyes of a haunted friend, drawn back to a carnival filled with playful lights—and sinister secrets. Created by acclaimed indie developer A.V. Dossow for the RPG Maker Horror Game Jam, this atmospheric experience is a love letter to retro RPGs with a modern storytelling twist.

Players will find themselves exploring the nostalgic yet unnerving carnival grounds, rendered with evocative pixel art and enveloped in an eerie, orchestral score. You'll converse with intriguing NPCs, solve clever puzzles, and piece together clues that slowly build a tapestry of tragedy and legend. The engaging narrative delivers impactful choices—each interaction could uncover a fragment of the truth, or expose you to greater terrors lurking beneath the carnival's cheerful facade.

What sets Billy Went to a Carnival apart is its emotional depth; the story’s dark undertones are balanced with moments of innocence and hope. Written in both English and Spanish, it's accessible to players worldwide, inviting you deep into a world where every shadow holds a chilling tale. As you guide Billy through the carnival’s twisting paths, you'll uncover secrets, encounter unsettling surprises, and face the ultimate question: what really happened that night?

With easy-to-learn mechanics and a streamlined, browser-based interface—no downloads necessary—this indie gem entices both casual players who love a good story and horror enthusiasts seeking a fresh, bite-sized thrill. Perfect for fans of narrative-driven mysteries and those looking to immerse themselves in a cinematic, interactive experience. Light the lantern, enter the gates, and confront the legend yourself—the carnival is waiting.

How to Play

Your journey begins as you guide Billy through a deceptively cheerful carnival, using simple keyboard controls (arrow keys to move, Enter/Space to interact) to explore, talk to characters, and investigate clues hidden throughout the environment. Observe your surroundings carefully—each area offers interactive objects and NPCs, with context-sensitive actions driving the story forward. Puzzles and narrative choices surface organically as you navigate the grounds, with clear prompts ensuring you never feel lost even if you’re new to adventure games. Pause the game anytime to review objectives or check your inventory, keeping tabs on collected items or crucial information characters have shared. Save points are strategically placed, letting you experiment with decisions and retrace your steps to uncover alternate paths or endings.

For beginners, take your time with dialogue, examine every tent and shadowed corner, and don't be afraid to revisit locations—many secrets reward the observant. Hints are subtly integrated, so persistent explorers are always rewarded. Whether you’re in it for an evening of immersive storytelling or quick bursts of puzzle-solving, Billy Went to a Carnival adapts perfectly to your play style. Let your curiosity lead the way and never ignore a detail—your choices might just change the outcome.

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Always interact with the same NPCs multiple times—dialogues can change as events unfold.
Thoroughly inspect tents, booths, and back alleys—hidden clues and items are often tucked away.
Pay close attention to the narrative: even seemingly minor details can unlock secrets later.
Experiment with your choices; there are alternate conversations and paths based on your actions.
Take notes on recurring symbols or stories—these often relate to puzzle solutions.
Use save points before making major decisions to easily explore different outcomes.
Don't rush—soak in the atmosphere and let the music and visuals guide your intuition.

Game Features

Rich, narrative-driven gameplay with emotional depth and branching outcomes.
Classic retro-inspired graphics paired with atmospheric audio for immersive storytelling.
Easy, approachable controls—perfect for newcomers and adventure fans alike.
Designed and developed with RPG Maker MZ for a nostalgic feel with modern polish.
Playable directly in browser, no downloads or installations required.
Bilingual support: enjoy in English or Spanish for global accessibility.
Free to play indie title from itch.io, offering pure adventure without paywalls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Billy Went to a Carnival really free to play?

Yes! The entire adventure is available to play for free via your browser on itch.io—no payments or downloads required.

What platforms can I play this game on?

Billy Went to a Carnival is playable in modern desktop browsers (Windows, Mac, Linux) but is not currently supported on mobile devices.

How long does it take to complete the game?

Most players complete the adventure in 30-60 minutes, but exploring every secret and alternate ending can add replay value.

Does the game support multiple languages?

Absolutely! You can play in either English or Spanish, selectable from the main menu for a broader audience.

Is there any horror or disturbing content?

Yes, the game features psychological horror elements, eerie atmosphere, and dark themes. While not graphically violent, it's recommended for players who enjoy suspenseful stories.