There Swings a Skull: Grim Tidings

Narrative horror about a desert town's sacrifices to the sun

Conor Walsh, Quinn K. · Published by Poison The Inkwell · Released Sep 15, 2022

Reviews: Very Positive; 97% of 69
Recent reviews: Not enough recent
Players: 0; daily peak, Oct 28, 2026
Steam Deck: Untested
Last update on Steam: 3 years ago; Dec 22, 2022
Minimum PC: 1024x768; 0.3 GB RAM; Full requirements

What is There Swings a Skull: Grim Tidings?

This single-player, 2D narrative horror game takes place in Pareildas, a desert town threatened by worsening heat. You follow train station worker Anatoli and artist Pyotr through separate story routes with multiple endings, pursuing escape or a way to save the town.

For you if...

+you like short, story-focused games centered on queer characters
+you enjoy interpreting stories that leave some questions unanswered

Not for you if...

−you want lighthearted stories without oppressive or disturbing themes

What players say

97% of 69 reviews are positive

Players praise the writing, characters, and soundtrack. One reviewer reports display restrictions and an inability to take screenshots.

Screenshots and trailer

There Swings a Skull: Grim Tidings screenshot 1

There Swings a Skull: Grim Tidings system requirements

Minimum: 1024x768, 0.3 GB RAM.

As published by the developer.

Can my PC run There Swings a Skull: Grim Tidings?

The published requirements do not name a graphics card we can compare.

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Minimum

OS: Microsoft® Windows® XP/Vista/7/8
Processor: Intel® Pentium®4 1.5GHz
Graphics: 1024x768 or better video resolution in High Color mode
Memory: 256 MB RAM

Does There Swings a Skull: Grim Tidings have co-op or multiplayer?

No: single-player only, no multiplayer modes declared.

Single-player

Does There Swings a Skull: Grim Tidings run on Steam Deck?

Untested Not yet tested by Valve on Steam Deck.

PC version details

DRM: None declared on Steam
Controller: Keyboard and mouse
Platforms: Windows
Steam features: Family Sharing
Languages: Full audio: English. Text only: French.

Does There Swings a Skull: Grim Tidings use AI-generated content?

No AI-generated content is disclosed on the game's Steam page.

Self-reported by the developer under Steam rules: it covers AI content that ships in the game, not tools used to make it. Steam page checked on Oct 27, 2026. How to filter AI games on Steam