Cucina Stellata, a free horror game, launches on Steam ahead of Halloween

ComicBook.com reports that developer Filthy Eden and publisher Critical Reflx launched the free horror game Cucina Stellata on Steam on Oct. 25, 2026, ahead of Halloween.

ComicBook.com reported on Oct. 25, 2026 that Cucina Stellata carries the Steam Deck Verified designation. ComicBook.com reports that, based on 438 reviews from users, Cucina Stellata holds a 97 percent positive rating, which produced a Very Positive assessment as of Oct. 25, 2026.

ComicBook.com reports that Very Positive is the second-highest rating on Steam, below Overwhelmingly Positive, the best rating on Valve’s platform. Only 11 of the 438 reviews are negative. That keeps the score high despite the graphic content.

ComicBook.com says Steam ratings move up through tiers as more reviews arrive. The outlet says Cucina Stellata could receive an Overwhelmingly Positive rating if it keeps its current review rate as the number of reviews grows. That depends on the review rate holding near 97 percent positive as more users leave reviews.

ComicBook.com reports that players take the role of a cook in 19th-century Italy. Hunger has taken on a supernatural, haunting presence in the kitchen where the cook works. Developer Filthy Eden says the psychological horror brings together gastronomy, ritual and cosmic appetite at the same table.

ComicBook.com says it takes about 1-2 hours of playtime to complete the game. The outlet says the short length suits the horror genre’s usual runtime, and being free lowers the barrier to trying it because horror games are generally shorter and Cucina Stellata is completely free.

ComicBook.com reports that the content warning points to extreme violence, self-harm and scenes that may cause nausea. Reviewers say players should take that content warning seriously. Those same reviews express surprise that the game is free and say the warning deserves to be taken seriously.

ComicBook.com reports that user reviews mention motion sickness, and some players have felt physically ill while playing the game. A few reviews noted motion sickness even as players called the experience more revolting than frightening. It describes Cucina Stellata as not overly scary but revolting and haunting. The outlet calls it quite disturbing, much like great Lovecraftian horror.

ComicBook.com reports that user reviews describe Cucina Stellata as short, enjoyable, Lovecraftian and surprisingly free. Players expressed disbelief that a polished, short horror game is being offered without charge. Fans of Lovecraftian horror have been among the game’s most receptive audiences for its unsettling cosmic themes.

ComicBook.com reports that reviewers say the game could command a fee. PC and Steam Deck users can try Cucina Stellata at no cost.

ComicBook.com reports that one reviewer calls the game short but says it left them questioning what they experienced because the impression was so strong. That reviewer found the game memorable enough to cause confusion about its events despite the brief runtime. Another reviewer says the game makes players feel uncomfortable, adding that they never guessed what happens in it.

ComicBook.com reports that Cucina Stellata comes out at a time when few horror games have been released in 2026. The outlet says 2026 has seen few horror releases. The timing is especially fitting near Halloween, and the free launch fills a gap in the seasonal lineup.