Games Like Monsterhearts: Welcome to Drowned Lake

There’s something sinister in the small town of Drowned Lake—and the murder of your best friend’s just the tip of the iceberg. In this queer horror narrative deck-builder based on the acclaimed Monsterhearts TTRPG by Avery Alder, you navigate the drama of your fellow high-schoolers, investigate the town’s dark secrets, and tap into your supernatural side. What horrifying truths will you uncover?

Welcome to Drowned Lake, a small mountain town where supernaturals live among unsuspecting humans and high-school drama draws you into dark places. It’s the 1990s, and you’re a sophomore student recovering from the murder of your closest friend.

MAKE YOUR MOVE, THEN FACE THE CONSEQUENCES

Talk to characters both familiar and unknown, in and out of school. Use action cards called Moves that come in different types—Hot, Cold, Dark, Volatile—to develop relationships or break them down. Uncover secrets, confront foes, and maybe find some love along the way.

PLAY THE HAND YOU’RE DEALT

Use cards to sway the outcome of your Moves. Strings give you influence over others, while Conditions can be a thorn in the side. Strategically work your way through sticky moments—but be warned, Chance is always there to nudge your fate.

BUILD YOUR DECK OF EXPERIENCES

Earn new cards from the consequences of your actions, whether they’re good or bad. Discover cards with intriguing effects and a range of exciting upgrades, and use these to steer your personal arc through the game.

SOLVE THE MYSTERY…OR NOT

Will you try to find the truth behind your friend’s murder? Investigate your classmate’s esoteric rituals? Manipulate the upcoming student council elections to your benefit? Or will you strike out on a path entirely your own?

EMBRACE THE <i>MONSTERHEARTS</i> SPIRIT

Discover iconic features from the acclaimed Monsterhearts tabletop game, part of the Powered by the Apocalypse system. From Strings to Moves to the Darkest Self, it’s all reimagined for a digital experience that stays true to the tabletop game’s spirit while taking them in intriguing new directions.

ABOUT THE DEVELOPER

Ludic Lemur makes games that are radically playful. A queer women-led indie studio, we’re on a search for new play and new players. We believe that well-designed games help people grow, joyously improving lives and society. That’s why we make games that expand play to a new level of inclusivity.

Ludic Lemur’s first game was an experimental interactive audio narrative called Calm the Storm, which was nominated in the Achievements in Accessibility category at the Indie Game Awards in 2025. Our narrative paint-by-numbers game, Sun Catcher, will be released in the summer of 2026.