Meridiem has confirmed that I Hate This Place Elena’s Edition is launching on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch on 14 May 2026. As per the press release, this is a craft-focused, isometric survival horror game packed with twisted monsters, warped realities, and a bold comic book art style soaked in proper ’80s horror energy.
Also worth noting: this is the boxed one. The only boxed one, at least at launch.
What is I Hate This Place?
Developed by Rock Square Thunder and digitally published by Broken Mirror Games and Feardemic (in partnership with Skybound Entertainment), I Hate This Place drops you into a hostile world where staying alive is a job, not a hobby.
You play as Elena, whose survival nightmare kicks off when she and a friend accidentally summon a malevolent force. From there, it’s all about staying alert, looting what you can, and choosing fights carefully. Especially because some of the enemies hunt you by sound, which is great news if you enjoy whispering apologies to your own footsteps.
Elena’s Edition: what you get in the physical box
Meridiem is handling the design and manufacture of the physical Elena’s Edition for PS5 and Switch. The press release says it will be the only physical boxed edition available during the launch period, and it includes:
- A copy of the game
- A special effect cover
- A secret letter from Elena
- An artbook
If you’re the kind of person who still likes shelves to look like shelves, this one’s aimed squarely at you.
Based on an Eisner-nominated comic series
I Hate This Place is inspired by Skybound’s Eisner Award-nominated comic book series, created by writer Kyle Starks and artist Artyom Topilin. That comic book DNA is front and centre too, with the game leaning into a punchy, stylised look and a blend of horror, dark humour, and camp.
Key features you should know about
Craft-based survival horror across Rutherford Ranch
You’ll be scavenging across Rutherford Ranch to stay alive, including haunted forests, a derelict town, and infested bunkers. The loop is familiar but sharp: gather resources, craft gear, upgrade your campsite, and rebuild outposts so you’ve got somewhere to hide when things get ugly.
Day helps you prepare, night comes to ruin your life
There’s a dynamic day-night cycle that changes how the world plays. Daytime is for exploring, scavenging, crafting, and getting your plan together. At night, more enemies show up, they hit harder, and the world gets harder to navigate with only your flashlight. Sometimes the smart move is finding shelter and waiting it out.
Sound matters, and brute force is not always the answer
Stealth and combat go together here, since many creatures stalk you by sound. Running in swinging often ends badly. Instead, you can use sound to lure enemies away, or lead them into traps you’ve set.
‘80s horror vibes with comic book flair
The press release describes a mix of bold colours, retro comic book style, and a heavy dose of ‘80s flair. Expect unsettling dread, stylised charm, and the kind of dark humour that makes you laugh right before something awful happens.
Release date and pre-orders
I Hate This Place Elena’s Edition launches physically on PS5 and Nintendo Switch on 14 May 2026. Meridiem also says you can pre-order the physical edition via specialist stores across Europe and America.
No idea if this place gets any better once you move in, but at least you’ll have an artbook to remember the trauma by.