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The Past Within

The Past Within is the new co-op experience from Rusty Lake! Play together with someone you deem trustworthy: one in The Past, the other in The Future. Observe and communicate what you see around you. Solve the puzzles and uncover Albert Vanderboom’s plan.

Developer
Rusty Lake
Publisher
Rusty Lake
Release
November 2, 2022
3 years and 362 days ago
Steam Reviews
Very Positive16,940 reviews94.6%
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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 10, 2026Developer scaleThe operating scale of the game's developer.
Updated: Jul 14, 2026Publisher scaleThe operating scale of the game's publisher.
Updated: Jul 14, 2026Publisher statusHow the game's publishing relationship is classified.
Search Google: How is The Past Within and Rusty Lake funded?FundingThe known source of funding behind the game.
Search Google: Who controls the creative direction and IP for The Past Within and Rusty Lake?Creative controlWho appears to retain creative control of the game.
Updated: Jul 10, 2026Release statusWhether and how the game has been released.

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About the Game

Note: The Past Within is a co-op-only game. Both players need to own a copy of the game and a way to communicate with each other. Play with a friend or find a partner on our official Discord, which is linked in the sidebar! 

The past and future cannot be explored alone! Team up with a friend and piece together the mysteries surrounding Albert Vanderboom. Communicate what you see around you to help one another solve various puzzles and explore the worlds from different perspectives!

The Past Within is the first co-op only point-and-click adventure set in the mysterious world of Rusty Lake.

Features

  • A co-op experience
    Play together with a friend, one in The Past, the other in The Future. Work together to solve the puzzles and help Rose set her father’s plan in motion!

  • Two worlds - Two perspectives
    Both players will experience their environments in two different dimensions: 2D as well as in 3D - a first-time experience in the Rusty Lake universe!

  • Cross-platform play
    As long as you can communicate with each other, you and your partner of choice can each play The Past Within on your preferred platform: PC, Mac, iOS, Android and (very soon) Nintendo Switch!

  • Playtime & Replayability
    The game contains 2 chapters and has an average play-time of 2 hours. For the full experience, we recommend replaying the game from the other perspective. Plus you can use our replayability feature for a fresh start with new solutions to all puzzles.

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