Traced In Ink

3.9 / 5

24,612 plays

adventure Mobile Friendly

Game Information

Developer: SZ Games

Rating:

3.9/5

Released: April 2024

Last Updated: June 2025

Technology: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)

Platform: Browser

Size: ~15 MB

Plays: 24,612

Mobile Support: Yes

About Traced In Ink

Step into the shadowed corridors of "Traced In Ink," an indie horror adventure that dares to blur the line between memory and madness. You take on the role of Haruto, a boy who wakes up alone in his once-familiar school—only to realize everything has changed. Night stretches endlessly outside the windows, lockers creak with secrets, and a haunting sensation creeps over you: someone missing lingers just out of reach, their face an empty canvas in your mind.

This atmospheric RPG Maker masterpiece draws you into a beautifully eerie narrative, where every choice and clue pulls back the ink-stained veil of Haruto’s fragmented past. Expect classic adventure mechanics finely tuned for suspense—roam the school’s pixelated halls, investigate chilling clues, and piece together cryptic notes that tell a hauntingly personal story. Each classroom is a puzzle, and each footstep echoes with the tension of not knowing what hides around the next corner.

"Traced In Ink" makes the most of its hand-crafted pixel art and creeping soundscape, building dread not with jump scares, but with masterful pacing and uneasy silences. The soundtrack pulses and wanes, heightening every moment as you’re drawn further into Haruto’s unraveling world. Perfect for fans of psychological horror, the game blends relatable high school anxieties with otherworldly terror, pulling emotions taut like the strings of its haunting melodies.

Optimized for browser and mobile play, "Traced In Ink" offers accessibility without losing depth. Whether you have time for a quick session or want to get lost in mystery for hours, your choices and discoveries are never wasted. With medium difficulty and smart puzzle design, it’s rewarding for both casual gamers seeking a thrilling story and hardcore players eager to piece together every secret.

Are you ready to confront the chilling truth trapped within these haunted halls? Dive into "Traced In Ink" free online, and let every shadowed memory test your resolve.

How to Play

Start your eerie journey by launching Traced In Ink right in your browser or on mobile—no download required. Use the arrow keys or on-screen controls to move Haruto through the dimly lit school corridors. Interact with objects, notes, and doors by pressing the Z or Enter key (on desktop), or tapping onscreen prompts (mobile). Access your inventory with the X key or via the menu to review clues and key items. Begin by exploring each accessible room, taking note of locked doors or unusual sounds. The school is packed with puzzles that require sharp observation and problem-solving; clues are scattered in dialogue, environmental details, and written documents. Pay close attention to every detail—what seems innocuous at first may become vital later.

Dialogue choices can influence certain scenes and unlock hidden story elements, so think carefully before responding. Save regularly at the provided save points (chalkboards), especially before attempting new puzzles or venturing into unfamiliar areas, as the game includes tense, suspenseful segments that may catch you off guard. Listen to musical cues and sound effects for hints about danger or secrets. If you encounter a technical error in the browser version, simply reload the game and load your recent save—your progress remains safe. Immerse yourself in the narrative, embrace the anxiety, and challenge yourself to reclaim Haruto’s lost memories.

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Save at every chalkboard to avoid losing progress to rare browser errors.
Pay attention to small environmental details—sometimes graffiti or desk notes hold key clues.
Conserve time by mapping out the school’s layout as you explore for quicker backtracking.
Dialogue choices can unlock secret memories, so experiment with different responses.
Investigate every locker and classroom—hidden items are essential for story progression.
Listen carefully to the ambient soundtrack for subtle hints about imminent danger.
Combine items in your inventory for creative puzzle solutions deeper in the game.