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: 33,158

Mobile Support: Yes

About Holder of Place

Dive into the haunting echoes of a long-dead kingdom in *Holder of Place*, a free online indie horror experience blending gothic atmosphere, heart-pounding adventure, and strategic RPG elements. The kingdom’s glory lies forgotten, consumed by a primordial gloom unleashed by a young dragon—its suffocating shadow slowly swallowing all life and hope. Fueled by faith and desperation, you must traverse this darkness, rallying followers and companions resistant to the gloom, to restore light amid encroaching doom.

Crafted by a passionate indie team, *Holder of Place* stands tall among browser horror games, boasting chilling visual artistry brought to life through HTML5 technology. Grayscale palaces, shattered battlements, and flickering lantern light set the stage, while eerie soundscapes and subtle whispers summon tension with every step. This game is fully mobile-compatible, letting you fight back the darkness whether at home or on the move.

Central to your odyssey is the act of gathering faith—both literal and figurative. As you search the misty ruins, you’ll find and recruit unique followers, each with their own backstory, skills, and personality. Their strengths empower your party; their fears threaten your survival. Strategic turn-based combat pits you against aberrant horrors lurking in the gloom, demanding sharp tactics, resource management, and the will to push ever deeper toward the dragon’s lair.

Player choice and consequence drive every decision. Will you risk splitting the party for critical loot, or huddle close to avoid being overwhelmed? Hold tight your faith: new powers and abilities unlock as your band grows stronger and more unified. The branching narrative offers fresh surprises on every playthrough, inviting gamers to experiment, explore, and challenge themselves against escalating threats and unforeseen twists.

Whether you’re a horror enthusiast or indie game explorer, *Holder of Place* promises relentless suspense, rewarding replayability, and the thrill of taking back a world on the brink. Ready your resolve—add to your Steam wishlist, or dive right in for free within your browser!

How to Play

Begin your journey by clicking "Start" or "New Game" from the main menu. Navigate the haunted kingdom using either arrow keys (desktop) or simple swipe controls (mobile) for smooth exploration. Your objective: seek out survivors lost in the dark, persuade them to join your cause, and advance toward the dragon’s lair at the kingdom’s heart.

Gameplay unfolds in atmospheric, turn-based sequences. As you move through fog-laden corridors, tap (or click) objects and glowing points of interest to interact, uncover hidden lore, or collect vital supplies. When shadows gather, prepare for combat: commands like Attack, Defend, and Use Ability cycle through with keyboard shortcuts (1-4) or on-screen buttons. Each follower you recruit introduces new tactical options—learn their strengths and coordinate moves for maximum impact.

Managing resources is key. Monitor your party’s morale and faith, as certain actions deplete these over time. Make strategic detours to side rooms for morale-boosting relics or time-limited buffs. If companions fall to the gloom, you must choose: risk a daring rescue, or press onward?

Beginner tips: Don’t rush! Meticulously explore each area—secrets abound, and missing followers can tip the odds. Experiment with follower combinations, and pay close attention to their dialogue for hidden clues. Above all, embrace trial and error; the most rewarding victories come from learning the kingdom’s shifting dangers.

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Prioritize recruiting followers early—each brings unique skills that boost survivability.
Keep your party’s morale high by exploring side rooms for rare relics and faith-restoring items.
In combat, use abilities synergistically; some follower skills chain together for devastating effects.
Watch for environmental cues—flickering lights or distant growls warn of nearby horrors.
Replay with different party compositions for new story paths and hidden endings.
On mobile, toggle gesture hints in settings for smoother combat and navigation.
Avoid splitting the party unless you’re well-equipped—isolated followers are vulnerable to powerful monsters.

Game Features

Intense, atmospheric horror crafted with indie artistry and attention to detail
Browser-based HTML5 gameplay—play instantly, no download required
Mobile compatibility for haunting adventures on the go
Strategic, party-based combat and deep follower mechanics
Branching narrative with multiple endings and replay value
Chilling sound design and visual storytelling immerse you in dread
Free to play on browser, with optional Steam wishlist and downloadable demo

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Holder of Place really free to play online?

Yes! Holder of Place is 100% free to play through your browser via itch.io, with no downloads required. For even more content, check out the free demo and wishlist on Steam.

Can I play Holder of Place on my phone or tablet?

Absolutely. The game is fully compatible with mobile browsers, offering intuitive touch controls and an optimized interface for seamless play.

How do I recruit new followers?

Explore every area thoroughly—followers can be found hiding in the shadows or behind key objects. Interact with them and successfully respond to their dialogue challenges to add them to your party.

What happens if a follower is lost to the gloom?

If a follower succumbs, you can risk a rescue attempt or continue your journey with fewer allies. Saving lost companions can unlock new story branches and strengthen your team.

Are there multiple endings or secrets to discover?

Yes, Holder of Place features branching narrative paths and secret content. Your choices, party composition, and exploration diligence all affect the game’s outcome.