The Grotto Diary
"The Grotto Diary " is a first-person Chinese-style horror game set against a native Chinese backdrop. The story is partially inspired by the works of Lu Xun. You will assume the role of the young girl Hua Xiaoxi lost between dreams and reality, in a story that may still hold hope.. Coming 2026.
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.| ContextThe evidence factors used to assess whether this game belongs on IndieGame.Fan. | Status | Notes Latest Contributor: IGF TeamEdit notes |
|---|---|---|
Updated: Jul 14, 2026Developer scaleThe operating scale of the game's developer. | ||
Updated: Jul 14, 2026Publisher scaleThe operating scale of the game's publisher. | A separate publisher is listed without a proven bounded regional or service-only role. | |
Updated: Jul 14, 2026Release statusWhether and how the game has been released. |
Media
17 itemsAbout the Game
"The Grotto Diary"is a first-person, Chinese-style horror game with a native setting, independently developed by a solo creator.The game is story-driven, incorporating gameplay elements such as stealth, chase sequences, and puzzles.
The story takes place around the turn of the millennium, in the southern city of N.
Hua Xiaoxi, a girl from Long Village, keeps vigil alone by her grandfather's sickbed. Still of school age, the weight of life already bears down on her young shoulders. Days of nightmares have left her physically and mentally exhausted, the horrifying visions and strange whispers lingering even after she wakes. She gradually realizes that the eerie fragments of her dreams are inextricably entangled with and mirror the hardships of her waking reality—trapped even in consciousness. This fear is consuming her, bit by bit... until nothing remains. But will there still be hope? Save them... save the children...
Narrative Features
This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual events or persons is coincidental.
The story draws partial inspiration from multiple works by Lu Xun. This narrative seeks to extend his tradition of keen social observation and reinterpret its themes within a contemporary setting.
Dream and reality mirror each other throughout the story, creating a tale that is surreal, yet sharp with satire and truth. Perhaps... you might even catch a glimpse of your own reflection within it.
Character Design
On this journey, you will encounter individuals who act as mirrors of reality. They may help you, influence you, or even harm you.
In some of these characters—or even your adversaries—you may glimpse traces of Lu Xun's literary legacy.
Scene Features
The environments meticulously recreate the textures of different eras, immersing you in a site that transcends time.
If you are familiar with Lu Xun’s works, you may recognize traces of his literary spirit in the mottled walls and dim lamplight.
The scenes are imbued with a unique Chinese-style horror atmosphere—no excessive gore, yet an ever-present, lingering sense of unease.
Gameplay
The game is primarily presented in a first-person perspective, blending narrative sequences, stealth, chase scenes, and puzzle-solving as its core mechanics.
The choices you make may influence the game's difficulty, yet this design serves a singular purpose: to deepen your immersion and fully convey the narrative's tension.
Multiple Endings
The game features multiple endings, some of which require you to complete hidden challenges. Regardless of the path you take or the ending you reach, each journey will lead you to a deeper understanding of the story.
