In a recent interview, Silent Hill f producer Motoi Okamoto directly addressed the growing comparisons between the upcoming survival horror title and soulslike games, firmly rejecting this classification. The veteran developer also provided guidance for longtime series fans concerned about the game's combat direction.

Early previews of Silent Hill f from August 2025 sparked numerous soulslike comparisons among journalists and players. Initial impressions highlighted several mechanics that seemed reminiscent of the genre, including a stamina management system, stat upgrades available at checkpoints, and a strong emphasis on dodging mechanics. Additionally, boss encounters were described as significant difficulty spikes requiring players to carefully study attack patterns to progress, further fueling these comparisons.

Developer Firmly Denies Soulslike Classification

During the Xbox Gamescom 2025 broadcast on August 21, Okamoto directly addressed these concerns through an interpreter. "This game is not a soulslike," the producer stated unequivocally. He elaborated on this position by describing Silent Hill f as "fundamentally a horror-based, action-based experience," echoing his previous comments about the game featuring more action elements than earlier entries in the franchise.

Story Mode Designed for Traditional Silent Hill Experience

The August 21 interview also revealed Okamoto's advice for series veterans concerned about the increased action focus. He recommended that traditional fans play through the Story Mode, which he stated would "replicate the authentic Silent Hill experience." This suggestion acknowledges that while earlier mainline entries were psychologically unsettling, they were not typically considered mechanically challenging games. Developer Neobards Entertainment has confirmed that the survival horror title will include separate difficulty settings for both combat and puzzle elements.

In an earlier August 2025 interview, Okamoto explained that the increased action focus represents a strategic decision to attract new audiences to the franchise. He argued that contemporary players expect engaging, challenging combat systems, which the development team aimed to deliver. Some fans initially interpreted these comments as confirmation of soulslike or "soulslite" combat mechanics, a notion that Okamoto has now explicitly dismissed.

The first series installment set in Japan, Silent Hill f remains on track for its September 25 release. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the game will launch simultaneously on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC platforms. The PC version will be available through Steam, Epic Games Store, and Microsoft Store. Pre-orders are currently available, with the standard edition priced at $69.99 and the Digital Deluxe edition at $79.99, the latter including two days of early access, special cosmetic items, and digital art and soundtrack content.