Ice-Pick Lodge’sPathologicis a compelling and ambitious title. Released in 2005, the indie game has since garnered a demanding reputation thanks to its complex story and steep difficulty, yet it rewards those who see it through.Pathologichas become a bonafide hidden gem, leaving a memorable impact on those who have experienced it. After the 2015 HD remaster version, the studio Kickstarted a campaign to provide fans withPathologic 2, and nowPathologic 3will be released in 2025.
2019’sPathologic 2wasn’t a sequel in the strictest sense, but instead a retooled reimagining of the first. One notable change, though, was that it followed only one of the three playable characters from the original. While it fleshed out the Haruspex’s journey,Pathologic 2saw the Bachelor and the Changeling appearing only briefly, with their full tales promised to come later. As revealed inPathologic 3’s official announcement, Ice-Pick and publisher HypeTrain Digital have confirmed the Bachelor as the protagonist ofPathologic 3, but the character comes with a much different history and mindset. Studio founder and creative director Nikolay Dybowski recently explained to Game Rant how this viewpoint will connect to and resonate within the established setting as well as with players themselves.
How Pathologic 3 Will Explore Diverging Character Perspectives
Pathologic 3focuses on the Bachelor, aka Daniil Dankovsky, and his account of events within the Town. However,Pathologic’s greater tale is still formed by the other characters, each with their own agendas and interpretations that diverge in significant ways. Elaborating on how the third outing will consider this narrative conceit, Dybowski explained,
Think of it as a subjective retelling of the same events. This is the same Town, the same twelve days, the same participants and events that occurred in the Haruspex’s story, but this is a different perspective. Like two witnesses recounting the same event inRashomon—the stories vary greatly, each focusing on different details.
How Pathologic 3’s Protagonist Relates to its World
Dybowski also stated that the Bachelor is meant to serve as a more traditional stand-in for the player inPathologic 3, especially compared to the previous presentation seen with the Haruspex. As someone who initially sees himself as knowledgeable and in control, Dankovsky will approachPathologic’s surrealistic settingfrom a very different angle. Along the way, he’ll be confronted with conflicting information and be given reasons to reevaluate his preconceptions and perceptions. The intent behind this is to be a parallel that reflects players' experience:
The original Pathologic was designed so that players could begin with any character, but as the Bachelor, it’s easier to get acquainted with the Town because he’s an outsider, much like many new players. He doesn’t understand much, is unfamiliar with local ways, and initially dismisses many customs as superstitious. This makes it easier for players to absorb new things from that perspective—gradually shifting their views on familiar aspects.
Pathologic 2’s Marble Nest DLC hinted at some of what fans might expect from playing as the Bachelor in the third title.
Pathologic 3will thus be a window into the Bachelor’s dealings with themysterious plagueaffecting the Town. By stepping firmly into the Bachelor’s shoes in the upcoming entry, fans will find themselves drawn into its unsettling world as he sees and reacts to it. Through his eyes, players will discover and unravel the various threads, with the title seeking to provide fans with a similar sensation of how the experience might shape or transform the Bachelor.
