Hapunan: The Lo-Fi Filipino Horror Game That’s Freaking Out the Internet

Filipinos love a good horror story, whether it’s hearing about the White Lady of Balete Drive or swapping aswang encounters in between family karaoke parties. But what happens when that horror isn’t just a story? When the creeping fear doesn’t come from ghosts but something more real-something closer to home? That’s exactly the kind of dread Hapunan delivers, and it’s why gamers, both Filipino and non, are getting hooked.

Created by Filipino game developer Josef Yenko (known as Yikon), Hapunan isn’t your typical jumpscare-fest. Sure it’s lo-fi but that’s what makes it a little more unnerving: it has eerie visuals, shadowy corridors, and that sinking sense of doom we love in horror games. But what makes it truly terrifying—especially for those of us with Filipino roots—is how it feels like something we’ve heard about before on the news or through some urban legends or folklore.

Here’s the premise: you play the game as Niko, a balut vendor just trying to get the right permits for his business. Simple enough, right? Wrong. What starts as a mundane errand quickly turns into a desperate struggle for survival as you’re thrown into a nightmarish version of barangay politics in a super shady town. The real horror? The game is steeped in themes of power, corruption, and the dangers of being in the wrong place at the wrong time (too real, maybe?).

For Filipinos, the horror hits differently, of course. The eerie glow of barangay streetlights, the rustling sounds in an alley you’re not too familiar with, the way everything feels just a little too quiet…. all these little details make Hapunan more than just a scary game. It’s a game that forces you to think of every creepy story you’ve heard of in the Philippines- whether is criminal or supernatural.

Despite being a short game (around 30-40 minutes of playtime), Hapunan is quickly making its round online- a clear divide between those whole loved it and those who hated it. Either way, it’s racked up thousands of downloads, fueled by streamers and TikTok horror fans who can’t get enough of its unsettling atmosphere, as well as those who have vowed to never step foot in the Philippines because it’s just that creepy. What makes it so palpable?

1. PS1-Style Graphics that gives it such a raw feel. The lo-fi, pixelated aesthetic makes the horror feel off and queasy in the best way possible. The grainy visuals add to the unease, the gentle hum of a trisykel or the electric fan, giving you that classic "is this real or just my imagination?" kind of fear. Like you’re waiting for something to take your soul around every corner.

2. An Eerily Familiar Story. Whether you grew up in the Philippines or just heard your parents’ stories, Hapunan taps into the real-life fears of everyday people. The idea that power can be abused and you’ll be on losing side of that corruption, that danger lurks where you least expect it (human and/or otherwise!)

3. The Suspense is Too Good. You’re not just running from ghosts, you’re sneaking around, hiding behind random cinder blocks and making split-second decisions that could mean life or death.

4. It’s One of the Few Horror Games That’s Truly Filipino. While many horror games borrow from Western tropes, Hapunan is deeply rooted in Filipino culture. From the setting to the sound design to the storyline, it feels uniquely ours. And honestly? That makes it even scarier.

As more streamers pick it up and word spreads, Hapunan is slowly becoming a must-play for horror fans, especially those in the Filipino diaspora. It’s a reminder that some of the scariest stories aren’t just made-up legends or long-winding storylines, they’re stories we already know, wrapped in shadows.

So if you think you’re brave enough, download Hapunan on itch.io and see if you can make it through the night. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself leaving the lights on afterward.

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