Red Candle Games has hidden a complete first-person horror game inside Nine Sols on Steam. Players can access this secret game by entering a beta code, revealing a departure from the main game that returns to the developer’s horror roots. The hidden experience is part of an ongoing alternate reality game that began in September 2025.
Nine Sols Secret Game Access Steps
Players must own Nine Sols on Steam to access the secret content [2]. Right-click Nine Sols in the Steam library, select Properties, navigate to the Betas tab, and enter the code “shanhaiarchive” [1]. After entering the code, Steam will download additional files for the hidden game titled “yuukimindscape” [3]. The game launches when players start Nine Sols after the download completes.
Nine Sols Beta Access Requirements
The hidden game requires players to have completed the true ending of Nine Sols [2]. Red Candle Games warns that the secret content may reveal story elements from the main game. Players should change their Steam username to “Yuuki Wu” before starting for the full experience [3].
Nine Sols ARG Background History
The hidden game connects to an alternate reality game that Red Candle Games launched on September 10, 2025 [4]. The ARG began with a video titled “The Dark Legacy of the Sun Tribe” posted to the official YouTube channel [4]. The video presented cryptic information about a fictional civilization and asked viewers to inspect their hands for signs of descent from “the four-fingered ones.”
Red Candle Games previously developed horror titles Detention and Devotion before creating Nine Sols, a 2D action platformer released in May 2024 [5]. The hidden first-person horror game marks a return to the studio’s horror expertise while existing within the Nine Sols universe. The secret content demonstrates advanced game development skills by embedding a completely different genre inside an existing title.
Nine Sols Community Response Details
The hidden game features first-person platforming through a temple inspired by Penglai from Nine Sols [6]. Players navigate dark chambers using a limited flashlight while working to save a character named Yuuki. Key features include:
- First-person perspective with horror atmosphere
- Temple exploration with limited visibility
- Score-based completion system
- Progress tracking via live stream
- Single high score submission per player
- Community participation requirements
The community has responded with significant excitement since the discovery on October 1, 2025 [3]. Players share completion videos and theories about potential sequels or expansions. The ARG requires community participation to fill a progress bar displayed on a live stream, though the reward upon completion remains unknown. Nine Sols is currently priced at $29.99 on Steam with regional pricing variations [5].
