After months in Early Access and a stellar 92% “Very Positive” rating on Steam, Back to the Dawn is officially making its full breakout on July 18, 2025. Developed by Metal Head Games and published by Singapore-based Spiral Up Games, the pixel-art prison escape RPG will launch on PC (Steam) for $19.99, with a limited-time 15% launch discount dropping the price to $16.99 for its first week.
🦊 Wrongfully Accused. Locked Away. Time to Escape.
In Back to the Dawn, players take on the role of Thomas the Fox, a brave investigative journalist who gets framed and tossed into Boulderton Prison after digging too close to a government conspiracy. Inside, players must fight to survive, navigate dangerous inmate alliances, uncover the truth—and most importantly—plan the perfect escape before time runs out.
Whether you befriend fellow prisoners, run covert operations, or turn the guards against each other, your choices matter. Every action influences your story and your survival in this darkly atmospheric RPG inspired by classics like The Escapists and Papers, Please.
🐾 What’s New in the Full Release?
The version 1.0 launch brings with it the Black Panther Arc, a gritty new story chapter that introduces Bob the Black Panther, an undercover cop with secrets of his own. Expect:
- 🎭 Morally complex choices and narrative twists
- 🧩 Multiple new quests and side objectives
- 🏢 Expanded prison areas to explore and manipulate
- 🔥 High-stakes events and unforgettable setpieces
This new arc dramatically enhances the already rich RPG mechanics, giving both new players and returning fans something to sink their teeth into.
🎮 RPG Systems and Survival Mechanics
Back to the Dawn blends traditional RPG progression with sandbox survival gameplay inside a pressure-cooker prison setting. Features include:
- 👊 Turn-based combat and stealth options
- 🔧 Skill trees for lockpicking, hacking, persuasion, and more
- 🛠 Crafting, trading, and prison economy mechanics
- 📖 Dynamic relationships with guards and inmates
- 🔓 Multiple endings based on your escape strategy
The game’s pixel-art visuals lend an old-school charm to a story that is anything but lighthearted.
🌍 A Global Indie Success
Already boasting a 92% positive rating in English, Chinese, and Japanese on Steam, Back to the Dawn has been praised for its storytelling, deep RPG systems, and art direction. The full release aims to take everything that made the Early Access build shine—and crank it up several notches.
⏳ Launch Details
🗓 Release Date: July 18, 2025
💵 Price: $19.99
🎉 Launch Discount: 15% off for the first week ($16.99)
🖥 Platform: PC (Steam)
🌐 Languages: English, Simplified Chinese, Japanese
📣 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a fan of tactical RPGs, tense survival games, or just love a well-written prison break narrative, Back to the Dawn is shaping up to be one of 2025’s standout indie hits. With a gripping new storyline and meaningful player choice, it’s time to sharpen your shivs, pick your allies, and plot your escape—because no prison can hold you forever.
