Tabernacle is a cooperative survival horror game for one to four players on PC. Developed by the two-person studio Dongo Wongo Games, it places participants in the role of inquisitors tasked with investigating and reclaiming holy sites overtaken by corruption and malevolent forces.
Gameplay
Players explore corrupted locations as inquisitors, searching for evidence of wickedness, hexed objects, keys, and other resources scattered through the environments. Objectives include performing cleansing rituals, solving puzzles that reveal secrets, and dispelling the evil presence. The core loop centers on completing these tasks while managing limited resources and avoiding detection. Survival hinges on a careful balance of speed, stealth, and resource use, whether working solo or in a group. Monsters patrol the sites with distinct abilities and behaviors, forcing players to identify patterns, use environmental distractions or items to create openings, and prioritize escape or concealment over direct confrontation.
Exploration rewards thorough searching, as hidden items and clues advance progress toward the final objective of escaping alive. All core tasks remain feasible alone, yet coordination becomes essential when threats intensify, encouraging players to divide attention between objectives and monster awareness.
Game Modes
The game supports single-player sessions alongside online co-op for up to four participants. No separate named modes exist beyond this flexible structure, allowing the same objectives and threats to scale with player count. Solo runs emphasize personal resource management and stealth timing, while group play introduces opportunities for shared responsibilities such as one player drawing attention while others complete rituals or searches.
Monsters and Survival Mechanics
Distinct monsters serve as the primary danger, each with unique abilities that require observation and adaptation. Rather than combat, players rely on hiding, environmental use, or temporary distractions to create escape windows. This design keeps tension high across both solo and co-op experiences, as monsters remain a constant presence regardless of team size. Items found during exploration can aid in these moments, adding layers to the decision-making process without shifting focus away from evasion and objective completion.
Early Access Development
Tabernacle enters Early Access as a work in progress, with core systems already functional and several monsters, items, perks, and maps prepared. Developers plan to expand content through player feedback, aiming for a longer Early Access period that incorporates additional variety in threats and tools. The current build focuses on the foundational loop of investigation, puzzle-solving, and escape in corrupted sacred sites.
Is It Worth Playing?
Tabernacle suits players who enjoy tense, objective-driven survival horror that rewards careful planning and teamwork or solitary caution. Its emphasis on stealth, resource balance, and monster pattern recognition offers a focused experience without reliance on combat. As an Early Access title with no completed reviews available yet, its value depends on tolerance for ongoing development and interest in contributing feedback through community channels. Those drawn to co-op horror or atmospheric single-player investigations may find the setting and mechanics compelling once the game launches.
