Harthorn is a first-person psychological survival horror. It also has shooter elements. At first, the hero is defenseless. As he progresses, he gains the ability to use firearms. The guy does not wander through dark locations alone. He is helped by a female dispatcher, April, via radio. All dialogues and monologues are voiced here. The gameplay consists of exploring the area, solving puzzles, talking to NPCs, chases, and action moments. Also, as is traditional for the genre, you can search for and read notes that reveal the backstory or contain clues. Part of the lore is explained by the protagonist's interlocutor. The indie project has a short duration. You can reach the finale in 2-3 hours.

Harthorne is the name of the project and the name of the high school where the main events take place. You can also wander around its wooded surroundings. Inspired by old urban legends, the plot begins in 1994. The protagonist gets a job as a security guard at an educational institution for troubled teenagers. The building is empty, as it is being renovated during the winter holidays. One day, someone breaks a window in the girls' restroom and gets inside. The hero is tasked with finding the supposed tramp and throwing him out. When the main character goes on the night shift, his routine part-time job quickly gives way to a series of nightmarish events.