On Thursday, August 6, 2026, a major update will be released for the Steam version of The Forest of Drizzling Rain!
This update will add the original version of The Forest of Drizzling Rain, first released as a freeware game in 2013, at no additional cost.
Due to changes in the distribution environment and the difficulty of continuing support, distribution of the original version ended in 2024 on both Freem! and the Game Magazine app. Since then, for nearly two years, there has been no official way for new players to obtain the game.
At the request of creator Makoto Sanada, rather than rereleasing the original version as a standalone title, we have decided to include it as a free addition to the remake.
Players who already own The Forest of Drizzling Rain on Steam will not need to make any additional purchase or buy the game again.
After the update, you will be able to choose which version to play from the launcher when starting the game:
・The Forest of Drizzling Rain – Remake Version
・The Forest of Drizzling Rain – Original Version
*The original version is available on Windows only and cannot be played on Mac. The remake will continue to support both Windows and Mac.
【What is the Original Version of The Forest of Drizzling Rain?】
The Forest of Drizzling Rain is a multi-ending horror adventure game first released as freeware in 2013.
The story begins when Shiori Kanzaki, a university student who lost both of her parents in an accident, visits Azakawa Village, a remote mountain village and the hometown of her late father.
There, she encounters the mysterious caretaker Koutaro Suga—and the strange horrors lurking within the “forest.”
As Shiori explores the village, she gradually uncovers the truth behind an incident sealed away in its past, along with memories of her own family.
The remake, released in November 2022, completely rebuilt the story, visuals, and dialogue events. It also introduced content not found in the original version, including a new second chapter where players can freely explore Azakawa Village during the daytime, as well as new characters, additional scenarios, and new ending branches. On Steam, 96% of user reviews are positive, earning the game a “Very Positive” rating.
The original version, meanwhile, still retains the dark atmosphere of 2013, when freeware horror games were emerging one after another from the underground scene.
For those who first discovered The Forest of Drizzling Rain through the remake, we especially hope you will take this opportunity to experience where it all began.
*The original version largely preserves the content of the game as it appeared at the time of its original release, although some assets have been adjusted or replaced.
【Update Details】
Scheduled release: Afternoon of Thursday, August 6, 2026
*The exact release time may vary slightly.
Supported OS:
Original version: Windows only
Remake version: Windows / Mac
Languages supported by the original version:
Japanese / English / Simplified Chinese
There will be no additional charge and no change to the game’s price following the update. If you already own The Forest of Drizzling Rain on Steam, you will be able to enjoy the original version on Windows as part of the same game.
The remake—and the original version where it all began.
We hope you look forward to experiencing both versions of The Forest of Drizzling Rain!