indiegame.fan
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow header art

The Excavation of Hob's Barrow

The Excavation of Hob's Barrow is a folk horror narrative-driven adventure. Explore the isolated moors of rural Victorian England as you uncover the mysteries of Hob's Barrow. The answers lie in the soil...

Steam Page
Release
September 28, 2022
3 years and 309 days ago
Steam Reviews
Very Positive3,182 reviews92.0%

Does this feel indie?

Vote based on whether this game feels indie to you. You can change your vote at any time. Results earn an IGF score after 10 accepted votes.
No votes yet
Vote on More Games
Game contextLatest: IGF Team
ContextThe evidence factors used to assess whether this game belongs on IndieGame.Fan.Status
Notes
Latest Contributor: IGF TeamEdit notes
Updated: Jul 13, 2026Developer scaleThe operating scale of the game's developer.
Updated: Jul 13, 2026Publisher scaleThe operating scale of the game's publisher.
The publisher meets the large-publisher threshold through its catalog and developer network.
Search Google: Is The Excavation of Hob's Barrow self-published or published by Wadjet Eye Games?Publisher statusHow the game's publishing relationship is classified.
Search Google: How is The Excavation of Hob's Barrow and Wadjet Eye Games funded?FundingThe known source of funding behind the game.
Search Google: Who controls the creative direction and IP for The Excavation of Hob's Barrow and Cloak and Dagger Games?Creative controlWho appears to retain creative control of the game.
Updated: Jul 13, 2026Release statusWhether and how the game has been released.
The game was released through a separate publisher.

Media

15 items

About the Game


Antiquarian Thomasina Bateman is writing a book on the barrows of England, documenting the treasures she finds buried within. When an intriguing letter summons her to the small village of Bewlay, tucked away in the remote countryside, she sets off by train with her assistant a day behind.

Upon her arrival, however, the mysterious man who summoned her is nowhere to be found. Her assistant never arrives. A stubborn landowner refuses access to the barrow, and the locals are wary of this woman who is traveling alone and (gasp!) wears trousers.

The excavation of Hob’s Barrow is off to a rocky start. And then Thomasina starts having strange dreams…

  • A dark, complex and evolving storyline featuring interwoven elements from real English folklore.

  • Traditional point and click adventure game puzzles and interactions, with an easy modern interface.

  • A cast of intriguing characters, from suspicious villagers to sickly vicars to lordly landowners, all with their own unique stories and motives.

  • A distinct folk horror tone and grounding.

  • Evocative pixel-art graphics, featuring cut-scenes and engaging animations.

  • A suitably atmospheric original soundtrack from The Machine. The Demon. - one half of the duo behind the award-winning "Football Game" soundtrack.

  • Fiends in the furrows, the smell of damp soil, and a cat or two.