SMS Returns

Survival horror with a faceless stalker and escalating danger

Marc Steene · Published by Dark Pathogen Studios · Released Sep 27, 2026

Reviews: Very Positive; 83% of 81
Recent reviews: Not enough recent
Players: 1; daily peak, Oct 28, 2026
Steam Deck: Untested
Last update on Steam: 1 day ago; Oct 26, 2026
Minimum PC: GeForce GTX 1060; 8 GB RAM · 40 GB disk; Full requirements

What is SMS Returns?

In this survival horror remake of Slenderman's Shadow, you evade a faceless man across maps including Sanatorium, Prison, and Forest. Seven game modes span different difficulties, and completing them raises your level.

For you if...

+you want online, LAN, or split-screen survival with friends
+you want to play horror in virtual reality
+you like building maps and customizing your character

Not for you if...

−you want relaxed exploration without being hunted

What players say

83% of 81 reviews are positive

Players praise the recreation of the original game's maps and atmosphere. Common complaints concern uneven performance and a pursuer players find too punishing, even on easier settings.

Screenshots and trailer

SMS Returns system requirements

Minimum: GeForce GTX 1060, 8 GB RAM, 40 GB of disk space.

As published by the developer.

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Minimum

OS: Windows 10 64-bit (version 1909 or newer)
Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB / AMD Radeon RX 580 8 GB (DirectX 12 with Shader Model 6 support required)
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Storage: 40 GB available space
DirectX: Version 12

Does SMS Returns have co-op or multiplayer?

Yes: co-op online and split-screen and LAN. It also has a single-player mode. With Remote Play Together, one copy is enough to play the local modes online with friends.

Does SMS Returns run on Steam Deck?

Untested Not yet tested by Valve on Steam Deck.

PC version details

DRM: None declared on Steam
Controller: Full controller support
Platforms: Windows
Achievements: 45
Steam features: Workshop, Cloud saves, Family Sharing, HDR
Languages: Text only: English, French, German, Spanish - Spain, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese - Brazil, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Turkish.

Does SMS Returns 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