The independent studio Rusty Lake has launched a free demo for Servant of the Lake, its upcoming point-and-click mystery adventure. Available as part of Steam Next Fest, the demo transports players to the eerie Vanderboom estate, where they assume the role of a servant responsible for carrying out daily routines that gradually spiral into unsettling puzzles. Tasked with attending to Aldous Vanderboom and his enigmatic guests, players will slowly uncover clues that hint at disturbing secrets lurking within the mansion’s walls.

Set during the era of Aldous and William Vanderboom, the new title revisits the origins of the Rusty Lake universe. By embracing a familiar single-player format, it promises to expand upon the mythology that long-time fans have come to know, blending psychological intrigue with the studio’s signature surreal atmosphere.

Throughout the experience, players are guided through an evolving series of puzzles that begin with mundane household tasks—such as straightening portraits or doing the laundry—and escalate into assisting with cryptic experiments and cleaning up the grim consequences that follow. Each completed task deepens the sense of unease, challenging players to question the nature of their servitude within the house.

The narrative unfolds decades before the events of Rusty Lake: Roots, offering a rare glimpse into the early days of the Vanderboom family. As the housekeeper, players must navigate each room of the estate, tending to the family’s needs while piecing together the dark web of mystery that binds their fates. The question remains: can one endure a single weekend in this place of secrets?

Complementing the atmospheric storytelling, the game features an original soundtrack composed and performed by Victor Butzelaar, whose haunting melodies accompany every interaction. The music adds emotional weight to each puzzle and deepens the immersion within the estate’s unsettling quietude. The full version is scheduled to arrive in Spring 2026 on Steam, iOS, and Android.