Slender: The Arrival

{{short description|2013 video game}} {{Use American English|date=June 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2025}} {{Infobox video game | image = Slender The Arrival (2013) Logo.png | developer = {{ubl|Blue Isle Studios|Parsec Productions}} | publisher = [[Midnight City (company)|Midnight City]]{{efn|Blue Isle Studios published the console versions.}} | producer = Eric Knudsen | engine = {{ubl|[[Unity (game engine)|Unity]] (original)|[[Unreal Engine 5|Unreal Engine 5.2]] (remaster)}} | platforms = {{ubl|[[Windows]]|[[OS X]]|[[PlayStation 3]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[Wii U]]|[[Xbox 360]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[Android (operating system)|Android]]|[[iOS]]|'''Remaster'''||Windows|macOS|[[PlayStation 5]]|[[Xbox Series X/S]]}} | released = {{Collapsible list|title=March 26, 2013|'''Windows''', '''OS X'''{{Video game release|WW|March 26, 2013}}'''PlayStation 3'''{{Video game release|NA|September 23, 2014|EU|September 24, 2014}}'''Xbox 360'''{{Video game release|WW|September 24, 2014}}'''PlayStation 4'''{{Video game release|NA|March 24, 2015|EU|March 25, 2015}}'''Xbox One'''{{Video game release|WW|March 25, 2015}}'''Wii U'''{{Video game release|NA|October 22, 2015|EU|October 29, 2015}}'''Nintendo Switch'''{{Video game release|NA|June 20, 2019|EU|June 20, 2019}}'''Android''', '''iOS'''{{Video game release|WW|October 13, 2021}}'''Remaster'''{{Video game release|WW|October 18, 2023}}}} | genre = [[Survival horror]] | modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]] | writer = {{Unbulleted list|Joseph DeLage|Tim Sutton|Troy Wagner}} | composer = {{Unbulleted list|Mark J. Hadley|Brenden Frank}} | director = Alex Tintor }}

'''''Slender: The Arrival''''' is a 2013 [[survival horror]] game developed by Blue Isle Studios and Parsec Productions. It is based on the [[Slender Man]], a [[creepypasta]] character created by Eric Knudsen, who served as a producer. ''The Arrival'' is a sequel to Parsec's ''[[Slender: The Eight Pages]]'' (2012) and incorporates a [[Video game remake|remake]] of that game. The plot revolves around a young woman who ventures into the woods to investigate her childhood best friend's disappearance. Equipped only with a flashlight, players explore abandoned locations and complete objectives while avoiding the Slender Man and his proxies.

The developers of ''Slender: The Arrival'', Alex Tintor and Brenden Frank, who co-founded Blue Isle Studios, collaborated with Joseph DeLage, Tim Sutton, and Troy Wagner, who are the people behind the [[YouTube]] web series ''[[Marble Hornets]]'' and helped write the script. Blue Isle Studios also collaborated with Eric Knudsen, who served as a producer. Originally released for [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] and [[OS X]] in March 2013, the game has since been [[Video game port|ported]] to various [[video game consoles]], followed by versions for [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]] in October 2021.

''Slender: The Arrival'' received mixed reviews from [[Video game journalism|video game journalists]], who praised its soundtrack, atmosphere, and [[Jump scares in video games|jump scares]], but criticized its short length and repetitive gameplay. A 10th-anniversary [[remaster]] was released for Windows and macOS, the [[PlayStation 5]], and the [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]] in October 2023. [[Virtual reality game|Virtual reality]] versions were planned for release in May 2025, but were delayed until a later date. A sequel, ''S:'' ''Lost'' ''Chapters'', is in development.

==Gameplay== ''Slender: The Arrival'' is a [[survival horror]] game played from a [[First-person (video games)|first-person]] perspective.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Griffin |first=Joe |date=2015-04-01 |title=Slender: The Arrival {{!}} Game Review |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/games/game-reviews/slender-the-arrival-game-review-1.2162823 |access-date=2026-05-29 |website=[[The Irish Times]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":14">{{Cite news |last=Kyllo |first=Blaine |date=2014-05-25 |title=Bask in the terror of the Slender Man with 'The Arrival' |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/gaming/bask-in-the-terror-of-the-slender-man-with-the-arrival/article18721500/ |access-date=2026-05-29 |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |language=en-CA}}</ref> It takes place in abandoned areas and structures such as forests, buildings, mountanious areas, and a mining facility, each with different objectives.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Braddy |first=T. Blake |title='Slender: The Arrival' (PS4) Review: Second Guest |url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3337472/slender-arrival-ps4-review-second-guest/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250901224818/https://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3337472/slender-arrival-ps4-review-second-guest/ |archive-date=2025-09-01 |access-date=2026-05-29 |language=en-US|publisher=[[Bloody Disgusting]]|date=March 26, 2015}}</ref> Like its predecessor ''[[Slender: The Eight Pages|The Eight Pages]]'', the player is equipped only with a flashlight.<ref name="escapistreview" /><ref name=":13" /><ref name=":14" /> Sprinting depletes the [[player character]]'s stamina, after which it takes time to regenerate, forcing players to conserve their energy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rouner |first=Jef |date=2015-03-26 |title=5 Reasons Slender: The Arrival Didn’t Live Up to the Hype |url=https://www.houstonpress.com/arts/5-reasons-slender-the-arrival-didnt-live-up-to-the-hype-6395532/ |access-date=2026-05-29 |website=[[Houston Press]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":14" />

[[File:Slender The Arrival gameplay.png|thumb|The player wanders around the mines, attempting to power an emergency lift, while Kate–under the control of the [[Slender Man]]–attacks the player.]]

Enemies include the [[Slender Man]], who can teleport from place to place with the only option for the player to run away.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |title=Slender: The Arrival Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/slender-the-arrival-review/1900-6416097/ |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US|last=Starkey|first=Daniel|date=2015-04-10}}</ref> The player is also chased by a masked, hooded figure controlled by the Slender Man.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=C. |first=Luiz H. |title='Slender: The Arrival' - Revisiting the Playable Jump Scare Machine Ten Years Later |url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/video-games/3752375/slender-the-arrival-revisiting-the-playable-jump-scare-machine-ten-years-later/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250829132548/https://bloody-disgusting.com/video-games/3752375/slender-the-arrival-revisiting-the-playable-jump-scare-machine-ten-years-later/ |archive-date=2025-08-29 |access-date=2026-03-18 |language=en-US|publisher=Bloody Disgusting|date=March 6, 2023}}</ref> The only way to subdue her is by focusing the flashlight on her face.<ref name="gspotreview" /> The game features three difficulty modes: 'Easy', 'Normal', and 'Hardcore', with the last one being unlocked after completing the game.<ref name=":4" /> In hardcore mode, the flashlight's battery can deplete,<ref name=":4" /> and enemies behave more aggressively.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Andy |date=2013-06-18 |title=Slender: The Arrival review |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/slender-the-arrival-review/ |access-date=2026-03-12 |website=PC Gamer |language=en}}</ref>

A secret level is unlockable by collecting a [[Child abduction|missing child]] poster near Kate's House, then restarting the game, and repeating this procedure three times.<ref name=":19" /> The level takes place at Kate's House and tasks the player to play a [[hide-and-seek]] from the Slender Man.<ref name=":19">{{Cite web |last=Thielenhaus |first=Kevin |date=2013-04-08 |title=Slender: The Arrival – Easter Eggs and Secrets Guide |url=https://www.gamefront.com/news/slender-the-arrival-easter-eggs-secrets-guide |access-date=2026-05-31 |publisher=[[GameFront]]}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web |date=2016-05-11 |title=Slender The Arrival: Additional chapters |url=https://www.gamepressure.com/slenderthearrival/additional-chapters/zb50ae |access-date=2026-05-30 |publisher=[[Gamepressure]] |language=en}}</ref> In version 1.3, a level called "Genesis" was added which remakes ''The Eight Pages''<ref name=":16" /> and is unlocked after the campaign.<ref name=":18">{{Cite web |last=Acevedo |first=Paul |date=2015-03-25 |title=Slender the Arrival review: A short and terrifying game for Xbox One, 360, and Windows |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/slender-arrival-review |access-date=2026-05-30 |website=[[Windows Central]] |language=en}}</ref>

==Plot== A woman named Lauren arrives to help her childhood best friend Kate sell and move out of her childhood home in Oakside Park. The road to Kate's house is blocked forcing Lauren to walk to the house. Upon arrival, Lauren discovers Kate's belongings disheveled. After finding a flashlight and unlocks Kate's bedroom to see the walls filled with scratchings and messages about the [[Slender Man]], a tall, faceless entity who can be seen through the [[video camera]]. Lauren hears Kate's screams coming from outside and heads into the wooded park behind the house.

On her way, Lauren searches the park for clues as to Kate's whereabouts, and finds eight scribbled drawings. As Lauren ventures deeper into the woods, she is attacked by the Slender Man, slips down an embankment and passes out. She regains consciousness in the morning, and continues her search for Kate, stumbling upon an abandoned [[Coal mining|coal mine]].

Lauren attempts to power a emergency lift in the abandoned mine, but is attacked by a masked, hooded figure known as the "Chaser", who seems to have an aversion to light. Evading the Chaser and the Slender Man, Lauren powers and uses the lift to escape the mine. She continues up the mountainside towards a radio tower and reaches a storage outpost with a television and two tapes. The first one shows Kate hurriedly scribbling upon papers before learning that the Slender Man is trying to get inside her house. Kate closes every door and window, but the Slender Man appears in her bedroom and she jumps out of the window as the tape abruptly ends.

The second tape shows Kate's childhood friend Carl "CR" Ross investigating a farm where he collects evidence about Charles Matheson, whose son Charlie disappeared in a nearby beach after following a trail of toy trains that led him into the woods, where he was caught by the Slender Man. While Investigating. CR finds a [[chapel]] where he discovers that the Matheson family were responsible for accidentally summoning the Slender Man to Oakside Park. Charlie, revealed as a deformed child-like figure, pursues CR and eventually chases him away from the farm.

After watching the tapes, Lauren continues onward to the radio tower. Upon leaving the outpost, Lauren finds herself emerging into a forest fire, where the Slender Man aggressively pursues her. Lauren enters the radio tower building, where she discovers a [[Dead-end street|dead end]] corridor and CR's [[Self-immolation|burnt corpse]]. She finds a camera with a recording of Kate's and CR's panicked screams. Suddenly, the corridor goes dark and Charlie runs towards Lauren, blacking her out.

Lauren wakes up in the burnt farmhouse's basement, with Charlie blocking the way out. After she finds two documents, Charlie disappears. Lauren hears Kate's crying upstairs and finds her, but Kate reveals herself as the Chaser and attacks her. Lauren's camera briefly turns back on to show her legs being dragged away by the Chaser as the camera dies.

=== Remaster-exclusive chapter "Nightmare" === After watching the tapes, Lauren continues onward to the radio tower and finds another storage outpost with a box of files. She learns that sometime after Charlie's disappearance, Charles saw him in his proxified form before being attacked by the Slender Man. He wakes up in a derelict hospital which he explores while facing many of the Slender Man's hallucinations. Charles eventually exits the hospital and finds a crying Charlie, but when he approaches his son, Charlie transforms again and attacks him. Charles finds himself back in the hospital and sees messages on the walls telling him that he can save Charlie by cleansing himself with fire and sets the hospital ablaze.

== Development and release == [[Slender Man]] is a fictional [[supernatural]] character based on a [[creepypasta]], an online horror-based [[urban legend]]. After Eric Knudsen [[Slender Man#Origin (2009)|created Slender Man in June 2009]], the character and its related lore spread on the Internet. Users began making their own stories and fan creations about it, one of which was the ''[[Marble Hornets]]'', a [[YouTube]] channel known for its horror videos which heavily featured Slender Man content and helped shape the modern version of the character.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cohn |first=Gabe |date=2018-08-15 |title=How Slender Man Became a Legend |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/15/movies/slender-man-timeline.html |access-date=2026-05-30 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lovitt |first=Bryn |date=2016-08-03 |title=Slender Man: From Horror Meme to Inspiration for Murder |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/slender-man-from-horror-meme-to-inspiration-for-murder-248430/ |access-date=2026-05-30 |website=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref> ''[[Slender: The Eight Pages|The Eight Pages]]'' was developed by Parsec Productions, the one-man studio of Mark J. Hadley.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Klepek |first=Patrick |date=2012-08-23 |title=One, Two, Slender Man's Coming For You |url=https://giantbomb.com/posts/one-two-slender-mans-coming-for-you |access-date=2026-05-30 |website=Giant Bomb |language=en}}</ref> Unlike ''Slender: The Arrival'', ''The Eight Pages'' was [[freeware]].<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cowan |first=Danny |date=2013-10-29 |title=Slender: The Arrival, Blood of the Werewolf hit Steam at a 20% discount |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013-10-28-slender-the-arrival-blood-of-the-werewolf-hit-steam-at-a-20-d.html |access-date=2026-05-30 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":18" />

''Slender: The Arrival'' was developed by Blue Isle Studios and Parsec Productions<ref>{{Cite news |last=Grayson |first=Nathan |date=2012-09-25 |title=Slenderman Re-Arrives In Slender: The Arrival |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/slenderman-re-arrives-in-slender-the-arrival |access-date=2026-03-13 |work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |language=en}}</ref> using the [[Unity (game engine)|Unity]] game engine.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Gemma |date=2023-10-24 |title=How Slender: The Arrival 10-Year Anniversary Update Compares To The 2013 Edition |url=https://gamerant.com/slender-the-arrival-10-year-anniversary-update-2013-edition-comparison/ |access-date=2026-05-30 |website=GameRant |language=en}}</ref> In September 2012, roughly three months after ''The Eight Pages''<nowiki/>' release, game director Alex Tintor<ref>{{Cite news |last=Plass-Fleßenkämper |first=Benedikt |date=2014-10-08 |title=Horrorspiele: Amnesia und Slender sorgen für Schrecken |url=https://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/games/horrorspiele-amnesia-und-slender-sorgen-fuer-schrecken-a-995860.html |access-date=2026-05-31 |work=[[Der Spiegel]] |language=de |issn=2195-1349}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Good |first=Owen S. |date=2014-09-06 |title=Scare the crap out of yourself on consoles with Slender: The Arrival |url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/9/6/6114277/scare-the-crap-out-of-yourself-on-consoles-with-slender-the-arrival/ |access-date=2026-05-31 |website=Polygon.com |language=en}}</ref> and Brenden Frank, who together co-founded Blue Isle Studios,<ref name=":9" /> announced that they were working on ''Slender: The Arrival'' and that it would have "more levels, improved visuals, and an engaging storyline".<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Hillier |first=Brenna |date=2012-09-21 |title=Slender: The Arrival announced as follow up to Eight Pages |url=https://www.vg247.com/slender-the-arrival-announced-as-follow-up-to-eight-pages |access-date=2026-03-18 |website=VG247 |language=en}}</ref> Also in this announcement, they released the first teaser screenshots showing updated graphics compared to ''The Eight Pages''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Corriea |first=Alexa Ray |date=2012-09-24 |title='Slender: The Arrival'{{'}}s first screenshots show the same eerie forest with updated graphics |url=https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/9/24/3383640/slender-the-arrivals-first-screenshots-show-the-same-eerie-forest/ |access-date=2026-03-12 |website=Polygon.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{cite web|last=Onyett|first=Charles|title=New Slender Game in Development|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/21/new-slender-game-in-development|website=IGN|date=September 21, 2012|access-date=September 22, 2012|archive-date=September 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120924015908/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/21/new-slender-game-in-development|url-status=live}}</ref> Blue Isle Studios cooperated with [[indie game]] publisher [[Midnight City (company)|Midnight City]] to publish ''Slender: The Arrival''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nunneley-Jackson |first=Stephany |date=2013-08-29 |title=Majesco Entertainment forms new independent label called Midnight City |url=https://www.vg247.com/majesco-entertainment-forms-new-independent-label-called-midnight-city |access-date=2026-03-12 |website=VG247 |language=en}}</ref> [[File:Left to right, Joseph DeLage, Troy Wagner, Tim Sutton.png|thumb|From left to right: Joseph DeLage, Troy Wagner, and Tim Sutton, the creators of ''[[Marble Hornets]]'' wrote the script for ''Slender: The Arrival'']] In December 2012, Blue Isle Studios announced its partnership with Joseph DeLage, Tim Sutton, and Troy Wagner, who helped write the script. They are the creators of ''Marble Hornets.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Farokhmanesh |first=Megan |date=2012-12-02 |title=Slender: The Arrival developers partner with Marble Hornets creators |url=https://www.polygon.com/2012/12/2/3718888/slender-the-arrival-developers-partner-with-marble-hornets-creators |access-date=2025-07-26 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillier |first=Brenna |date=2012-12-03 |title=Slender: The Arrival written by Marble Hornets team |url=https://www.vg247.com/slender-the-arrival-written-by-marble-hornets-team |access-date=2026-03-12 |website=VG247 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Masters of Slenderman Terror Join Slender Sequel |url=https://kotaku.com/5964988/masters-of-slenderman-terror-join-slender-sequel |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121205002841/https://kotaku.com/5964988/masters-of-slenderman-terror-join-slender-sequel |archive-date=2012-12-05 |access-date=2026-03-12 |work=Kotaku|last=Good|first=Owen|date=December 2, 2012}}</ref>'' Blue Isle Studios also collaborated with Eric Knudsen,<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Wery |first=Jackson |date=2021-10-02 |title=Slender: The Arrival Coming to Mobiles this Month |url=https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/484826/slender-the-arrival-coming-to-mobiles-this-month/ |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=Dread Central |language=en-US}}</ref> who served as a producer.<ref name=":8" /> In February 2013, ''Slender: The Arrival'' was opened to the public for [[beta testing]]; those who pre-ordered ''Slender: The Arrival'' were entitled to a free demo.<ref>{{cite web |author=Matulef |first=Jeffrey |date=February 11, 2013 |title=Pre-orders for Slender: The Arrival are half-off, come with instant beta access |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-02-11-pre-orders-for-slender-the-arrival-are-half-off-come-with-instant-beta-access |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518004932/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-02-11-pre-orders-for-slender-the-arrival-are-half-off-come-with-instant-beta-access |archive-date=May 18, 2013 |accessdate=April 3, 2013 |website=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref>

Highly anticipated by fans,<ref name=":7" /> ''Slender: The Arrival'' was released on [[Personal computer|personal computers]] on March 26, 2013,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Favis |first=Elise |date=2013-03-26 |title=Slender: The Arrival Preview - Survival Horror Hit Comes to Xbox One And PlayStation 4 Next Month |url=https://gameinformer.com/games/slender_the_arrival/b/playstation4/archive/2015/02/26/survival-horror-hit-comes-to-xbox-one-and-playstation-4-next-month.aspx |access-date=2026-03-12 |website=Game Informer |language=en}}</ref> through their official website.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Melendez |first=C. J. |date=2014-08-07 |title=Interview: Blue Isle Studio talks about the Past and Future of Slender: The Arrival |url=https://www.relyonhorror.com/in-depth/interview-blue-isle-studios-talks-about-the-past-and-future-of-slender-the-arrival/ |access-date=2026-05-31 |website=Rely on Horror |language=en-US}}</ref> In October 2013, it was released through [[Steam (service)|Steam]], and published by Midnight City. The Steam version included support for the [[Oculus Rift]].<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |date=2013-10-21 |title=Slender: The Arrival launching Oct. 28 on Steam, consoles in 2014 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/10/21/4862772/slender-the-arrival-steam-release-date-consoles/ |access-date=2026-05-29 |website=Polygon.com |language=en}}</ref> In 2014, Midnight City announced that they would release the game for the [[PlayStation 3]] via the [[PlayStation Network]], and for the [[Xbox 360]] via [[Xbox Live Arcade]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=2014-01-08 |title=Slender: The Arrival coming to PSN, XBLA |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2014/01/slender-arrival-coming-psn-xbla |access-date=2026-05-29 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}}</ref> Publisher Midnight City released it for the PlayStation 3 in North America on September 23, 2014, followed by a European release on September 24, 2014, the same day the Xbox 360 version released.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-09-08 |title=Slender: The Arrival sets a PS3 and Xbox 360 release date |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/slender-the-arrival-sets-a-ps3-and-xbox-360-release-date |access-date=2026-03-12 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en|last=Matulef|first=Jeffrey}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nunneley-Jackson |first=Stephany |date=2014-09-06 |title=Slender: The Arrival will finally release on consoles later this month |url=https://www.vg247.com/slender-the-arrival-release-date-ps3-xbox-360 |access-date=2026-03-12 |website=VG247 |language=en}}</ref> The [[PlayStation 4]] version released on March 24, 2015 in North America, and the [[Xbox One]] and European PlayStation 4 versions released on March 25, 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nunneley-Jackson |first=Stephany |date=2015-03-24 |title=Slender: The Arrival terrorizes PS4 and Xbox One this week |url=https://www.vg247.com/slender-the-arrival-ps4-xbox-one-release |access-date=2026-05-29 |website=VG247 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=2015-02-26 |title=Slender: The Arrival PS4, Xbox One release date revealed |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/slender-the-arrival-ps4-xbox-one-release-date-revealed |access-date=2025-07-26 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en}}</ref> The [[Wii U]] version released on October 22, 2015 in North America<ref name=":0" /> and in Europe on October 29,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillier |first=Brenna |date=2015-10-26 |title=Slender: The Arrival looks pretty fun on Wii U |url=https://www.vg247.com/slender-the-arrival-looks-pretty-fun-on-wii-u |access-date=2026-05-29 |website=VG247 |language=en}}</ref> and the [[Nintendo Switch]] version released via the [[Nintendo eShop]] on June 20, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doolan |first=Liam |date=2019-05-28 |title=Slender: The Arrival Creeps Onto The Switch eShop Next Month |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/05/slender_the_arrival_creeps_onto_the_switch_eshop_next_month |access-date=2026-03-12 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref> On October 13, 2021, Blue Isle announced that ''Slender: The Arrival'' would be released for [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]], with the first chapter being available for free.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Botadkar |first=Tanish |date=October 2021 |title=Celebrate Halloween with Slender: The Arrival coming to stalk your mobile this month |url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/articles/088218/celebrate-halloween-with-slender-the-arrival-coming-to-stalk-your-mobile-this-month/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001172502/https://www.pocketgamer.com/articles/088218/celebrate-halloween-with-slender-the-arrival-coming-to-stalk-your-mobile-this-month/ |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |access-date=2021-10-01 |website=[[Pocketgamer]] |language=en}}</ref>

On July 27, 2023, to celebrate its 10th anniversary, Blue Isle announced a remaster of the game made in [[Unreal Engine 5|Unreal Engine 5.2]] which was released on October 18, 2023 for Windows and macOS, the [[PlayStation 5]], and the [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Gemma |date=2023-10-26 |title=Slender: The Arrival Interview: Dev Talks Bringing Slender Man Back For 10-Year Anniversary |url=https://gamerant.com/slender-the-arrival-interview-10-year-anniversary-slender-man-return/ |access-date=2026-05-11 |website=GameRant |language=en}}</ref> It features a redesign for the Slender Man, a new story chapter,<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-01 |title=Cult classic horror game Slender Man: The Arrival gets an Unreal Engine 5 overhaul and new chapter this Halloween |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/cult-classic-horror-game-slender-man-the-arrival-gets-an-unreal-engine-5-overhaul-and-new-chapter-this-halloween/ |access-date=2026-05-12 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en-US|last=Gerblick|first=Jordan}}</ref> and overhauled graphics,<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Benfell |first=Grace |date=October 18, 2023 |title=Slender: The Arrival Gets An Unreal Engine 5 Powered Overhaul For Its 10th Anniversary |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/slender-the-arrival-gets-an-unreal-engine-5-powered-overhaul-for-its-10th-anniversary/1100-6518498/ |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref> including support for [[Deep learning super sampling|DLSS]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2023-10-18 |title=Slender: The Arrival gets DLSS 3 in time for Halloween |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/nvidia/slender-the-arrival-dlss-3 |access-date=2026-03-12 |website=PCGamesN |language=en-US|last=Newcombe|first=Rosalie}}</ref> Alongside the announcement of the remaster, a sequel titled ''S: Lost Chapters'' was announced.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Deschamps |first=Marc |date=July 28, 2023 |title=New Slender Man Game ''S: Lost Chapters'' Announced |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/slender-man-s-lost-chapters-announced-steam/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729182634/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/slender-man-s-lost-chapters-announced-steam/ |archive-date=July 29, 2023 |access-date=2023-07-29 |website=[[ComicBook.com]] |language=en}}</ref> The game is in development, with no release date.<ref name=":5" /> On March 11, 2025, Blue Isle Studios and Perp Games announced [[Virtual reality game|virtual reality]] versions for [[Quest 2|Meta Quest 2]], [[Meta Quest 3]], [[Meta Quest 3S]], [[Meta Quest Pro]], and [[PlayStation VR2]] for release on May 13, 2025.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.ign.com/videos/slender-the-arrival-vr-official-gameplay-trailer-vr-games-showcase-march-2025 |title=Slender: The Arrival VR - Official Gameplay Trailer {{!}} VR Games Showcase March 2025 - IGN |date=2025-03-11 |language=en |access-date=2025-03-11 |via=www.ign.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Iain |date=2025-03-20 |title=Slender: The Arrival VR puts you directly into the creepy horror alongside the Slender Man |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/horror/slender-the-arrival-vr-puts-you-directly-into-the-creepy-horror-alongside-the-slender-man/ |access-date=2026-03-12 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en}}</ref> The ports were delayed until a later date.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayden |first=Scott |date=2025-05-07 |title=VR Version of Viral Horror Game 'Slender: The Arrival' Delayed to Later This Year |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/slender-arrival-vr-delay-quest-steam-psvr-2/ |access-date=2025-07-26 |website=Road to VR |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Reception== {{Video game reviews | MC = PC: 65/100<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/slender-the-arrival/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Slender: The Arrival for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=March 26, 2013}}</ref> PS3: 48/100<ref name="MCPS3">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/slender-the-arrival/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=Slender: The Arrival for PlayStation 3 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=September 23, 2014}}</ref> X360: 61/100<ref name="MCX360">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/slender-the-arrival/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Slender: The Arrival for Xbox 360 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=September 24, 2014}}</ref> PS4: 60/100<ref name="MCPS4">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/slender-the-arrival/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Slender: The Arrival for PlayStation 4 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=March 24, 2015}}</ref> XONE: 59/100<ref name="MCXONE">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/slender-the-arrival/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Slender: The Arrival for Xbox One Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=March 25, 2015}}</ref> NS: 55/100<ref name="MCNS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/slender-the-arrival/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Slender: The Arrival for Switch Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=May 14, 2020}}</ref> | GSpot = 8.5/10<ref name="gspotreview">{{cite web |last=Starkey |first=Daniel |date=April 10, 2013 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/slender-the-arrival/reviews/slender-the-arrival-review-6406776/ |title=Slender: The Arrival Review |website=[[GameSpot]] |accessdate=April 11, 2013 |archive-date=April 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413234014/http://www.gamespot.com/slender-the-arrival/reviews/slender-the-arrival-review-6406776/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | IGN = 6.5/10<ref name="ignreview">{{cite web |last=Silva |first=Marty |date=April 3, 2013 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/04/03/slender-the-arrival-review |title=Slender: The Arrival Review |website=[[IGN]] |accessdate=April 3, 2013 |archive-date=April 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406012859/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/04/03/slender-the-arrival-review |url-status=live }}</ref> | VG = 4/10<ref name='VideoGamerreview'>{{cite web |last=Hamilton |first=Andi |date=April 5, 2013 |url=http://www.videogamer.com/reviews/slender_the_arrival_review.html |title=Slender: The Arrival Review |publisher=VideoGamer.com |accessdate=April 5, 2013 |archive-date=May 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513190909/http://www.videogamer.com/reviews/slender_the_arrival_review.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | rev2 = ''[[Digital Spy]]'' | rev2Score = 3/5<ref name='DigitalSpy'>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/levelup/a470979/downloadable-reviews-slender-battleblock-theater-no-one-has-to-die.html|last=Lee |first=Ben |title=Downloadable reviews: Slender, BattleBlock Theater, No-One Has to Die|website=Digital Spy|date=April 11, 2013|accessdate=June 25, 2013|archive-date=April 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412202953/http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/levelup/a470979/downloadable-reviews-slender-battleblock-theater-no-one-has-to-die.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev4 = ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]'' | rev4Score = 4.5/5<ref name="escapistreview">{{cite magazine |last=Goodman |first=Paul |date=April 2, 2013 |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/reviews/10269-Slender-The-Arrival-Review-Short-and-Scary |title=Escapist Review: Slender: The Arrival |magazine=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] |accessdate=April 3, 2013 |archive-date=April 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420010903/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/reviews/10269-Slender-The-Arrival-Review-Short-and-Scary |url-status=dead }}</ref> | EuroG = 8/10<ref name=":4" /> | NLife = 4/10<ref name=":2" /> | GRadar = 3/5<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Evans-Thirlwell |first=Edwin |date=2015-03-30 |title=Slender: The Arrival review |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/slender-arrival-review/ |access-date=2026-03-18 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en}}</ref> | PCGUS = 65/100<ref name=":1" /> }}

''Slender: The Arrival'' received mixed reviews, according to [[review aggregator]] platform [[Metacritic]]. Critics praised the game's soundtrack, atmosphere and scares, while criticizing its shorter-than-expected campaign length and repetitive gameplay.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=2013-05-02 |title=Slender: The Arrival review |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/slender-the-arrival-review |access-date=2026-03-12 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en|last=Parkin|first=Simon}}</ref><ref name="ignreview" /> ''The Arrival'' has been described as a bigger budget version of ''[[Slender: The Eight Pages]]'';<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=White |first=Lewis |date=2019-06-21 |title=Review: Slender: The Arrival (Switch) - A Bland And Bare Take On Slenderman Horror |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/slender_the_arrival |access-date=2026-03-12 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref> Dan Whitehead of ''[[Eurogamer]]'' called it more polished and structured than the original game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whitehead |first=Dan |date=2015-04-06 |title=How Slender gave gaming its Blair Witch moment |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/how-slender-gave-gaming-its-blair-witch-moment |access-date=2026-05-14 |website=Eurogamer.net |language=en}}</ref> Edwin Evans-Thirwell of ''[[GamesRadar+]]'' felt it was largely the same game as ''The Eight Pages'' with negligible improvements, spread across multiple levels.<ref name=":6" />

''Slender: The Arrival''<nowiki/>'s gameplay was divided among critics. Marty Sliva of ''[[IGN]]'' called the objectives repetitive and the enemies unfair.<ref name="ignreview" /> Andy Kelly of ''[[PC Gamer]]'' described the gameplay as challenging but criticized the levels as repetitive and poorly paced, which he found frustrating.<ref name=":1" /> Ben Lee of ''[[Digital Spy]]'' said that the [[game mechanics]] make for a "quite a dull game."<ref name="DigitalSpy" /> Andi Hamilton of ''VideoGamer.com'' was more negative and described the gameplay as minimal, repetitive and dull, and felt that the [[Artificial intelligence in video games|AI]] was unfair.<ref name="VideoGamerreview" />

Critics were positive to the story. Whitehead said for a [[horror game]], it offered a different cinematic experience.<ref name=":4" /> Daniel Starkey of ''[[GameSpot]]'' praised the "presentation of narrative".<ref name="gspotreview" /> When compared to ''The Eight Pages'', Paul Goodman of ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]'' found it has "a much more robust story".<ref name="escapistreview" /> Sliva and Simon Parkin of ''Eurogamer'' criticized its shorter-than-expected campaign length.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="ignreview" />

The game's graphics and soundtrack received praise. Kelly found the graphics beautiful and said they provided a welcoming break in the daylight scenes from the otherwise dark game and show the "surprisingly beautiful world design."<ref name=":1" /> Starkey put the graphics into perspective, calling the visuals cutting-edge, while criticizing the game's constant use of "peculiarly pervasive darkness."<ref name="gspotreview" /> Hamilton was more positive towards the graphics and compared them to ''[[Dear Esther]].''<ref name="VideoGamerreview" /> He also said that they helped the atmosphere.<ref name="VideoGamerreview" /> According to Sliva, the soundtrack "really adds to the already creepy atmosphere."<ref name="ignreview" /> Lee similarly found that the experience was helped by the [[sound design]] and soundtrack.<ref name="DigitalSpy" />

The [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Nintendo Switch]] versions for ''Slender: The Arrival'' were received poorly. Graham Banas of ''[[Push Square]]'' criticized the PlayStation 3 port for its awkward textures, low-resolution graphics, washed-out flashlight effect, and uncomfortable controls.<ref name=":17" /> He did praise the audio though, calling it a "saving grace in this shudder-inducing outing".<ref name=":17">{{Cite web |last=Banas |first=Graham |date=2014-10-05 |title=Review: Slender: The Arrival (PlayStation 3) |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps3/slender_the_arrival |access-date=2026-05-29 |website=Push Square |language=en-GB}}</ref> Lewis White of ''[[Nintendo Life]]'' criticized the Nintendo Switch port, saying its "visual downgrades [...] are drastic."<ref name=":2" />

The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of ''Slender: The Arrival'' sold over 100,000 copies within one month of release.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Chris |date=2014-10-27 |title=PS4 and Xbox One Getting Horror Game Slender: The Arrival |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-and-xbox-one-getting-horror-game-slender-the-a/1100-6423209/ |access-date=2026-05-13 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US|last=Pereira}}</ref>

==Notes== {{Notelist}}

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == * {{official website|http://www.slenderarrival.com}}

[[Category:2010s horror video games]] [[Category:2013 video games]] [[Category:Blue Isle Studios games]] [[Category:Indie games]] [[Category:MacOS games]] [[Category:Nintendo Switch games]] [[Category:Parsec Productions games]] [[Category:PlayStation 3 games]] [[Category:PlayStation 4 games]] [[Category:PlayStation Network games]] [[Category:Sequel video games]] [[Category:Single-player video games]] [[Category:Slender Man]] [[Category:Unity games]] [[Category:Unreal Engine 5 games]] [[Category:Video game remakes]] [[Category:Video games about missing people]] [[Category:Video games based on Internet-based works]] [[Category:Video games developed in Canada]] [[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]] [[Category:Video games set in abandoned buildings and structures]] [[Category:Walking simulators]] [[Category:Wii U eShop games]] [[Category:Wii U games]] [[Category:Windows games]] [[Category:Xbox 360 games]] [[Category:Xbox 360 Live Arcade games]] [[Category:Xbox One games]]