Developer and publisher Serenity Forge (Doki Doki Literature Club Plus, Slay the Princess, To the Moon) today revealed a new upcoming choice-based visual novel, Return to Ash. This emotional narrative adventure can be wishlisted now and will launch on Steam next month on July 10, 2025.
Return to Ash follows the journey of Ashleigh, a young adult that awakens in the afterlife following a nearly decade-long hospitalization. Feeling healthier than ever, Ash sets out into the void to forge bonds with other lost souls and overcome the trials of Death themself.
Explore a mysterious afterlife and learn about the past lives of fellow souls, but know that Ash’s decisions will shape their fates as much as her own. Will you trust and help those around you? Or will you fight for a second chance at life, no matter the cost?
Key Features
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Dialogue Choices That Matter: Build relationships with a cast of memorable characters, each with their own dreams, regrets, and reasons to return to life.
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Unique Art Style: A distinct and atmospheric visual design brings the afterlife, and its mysteries, to life.
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Original Soundtrack: Experience a beautiful, emotional score that complements every twist and turn of Ashleigh’s journey.
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Short and Impactful: A complete story experience designed to be finished in 2–4 hours.
“Return to Ash was partly inspired by my personal experience struggling with my near-fatal illness hospitalized as a teenager, trapped and forgotten by the world,” said Zhenghua (Z) Yang, Founder/CEO of Serenity Forge and Executive Director & Artist of Return to Ash. “What brought me back during those dark times were the connections and friends I met through the games we shared. I hope that this game reminds people that life is worth living, even when the world seems to have moved on without you.”
-Press Release
Return to Ash can be wishlisted on Steam. It will release for PC on July 10th, 2025.
