9 Things You Must Know Before Playing Unknown 9: Awakening

Unknown 9: Awakening combines supernatural powers with a gripping narrative—here’s what you should know about it.

When Unknown 9: Awakening was first announced, it promised something unique—a supernatural adventure wrapped in a deep narrative. Now, with the release on the horizon, it’s clear this game brings more than just action. It focuses on story, mystery, and some truly inventive gameplay mechanics.

With Anya Chalotra (from The Witcher) voicing the main character, this game is ready to offer a fresh experience. So, before you jump in, here are the 9 key things you need to know.

What You Need to Know About Unknown 9: Awakening

Standalone Story in a Bigger Universe
This game is part of the Unknown 9 universe, which spans books and comics. But the great thing? You don’t need to know any of that to enjoy this game. It’s a standalone story that focuses entirely on Haruna, a young woman with extraordinary abilities. The larger universe adds depth for those who want it, but the game itself is fully self-contained.

Anya Chalotra as Haruna
Anya Chalotra (Yennefer from The Witcher) brings Haruna to life. Her portrayal gives Haruna both strength and vulnerability, making her more than just another protagonist. You’ll feel Haruna’s struggles and victories as she learns to control her powers and confront the dangers in front of her.

The Fold: A Central Gameplay Mechanic
The Fold is a hidden dimension that overlaps with the real world. Haruna can access it, and it’s key to the gameplay. You’ll use it to see hidden enemies, find secret pathways, and even gain an edge in combat. The Fold isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a central mechanic that changes how you approach the game’s world.

Linear, Focused Storytelling
This isn’t your typical open-world game. Unknown 9: Awakening offers a more focused, linear experience. You’ll move through rich environments like 19th-century Portugal and Indian jungles, but the game keeps you locked into the story. It’s all about narrative, making each moment count.

Combat with a Supernatural Edge
Haruna doesn’t just fight with her fists—she uses Umbric Talents, special powers tied to the Fold. These talents let her weaken enemies, break their defenses, and hit them with devastating attacks. Combat in Unknown 9 mixes melee with strategy, making you think before you attack.

Stealth Done Right
For those who prefer a quieter approach, Haruna’s Shroud ability allows her to go invisible. You can sneak past enemies or set them up for silent takedowns. Her Ripple power also lets you distract enemies, adding a tactical layer to the stealth mechanics.

Stepping: Control Enemies
One of Haruna’s most intriguing powers is Stepping. By earning Stepping Tokens, you can take over enemies for a short time, using them to attack others or create distractions. It’s a unique ability that gives you control over the battlefield in a way most games can’t.

Progression System and Customization
As you progress, you’ll unlock new abilities and upgrade Haruna’s powers through Riffs, which you collect along the way. This progression system lets you customize Haruna’s abilities to fit your playstyle, whether you want to focus on combat, stealth, or mastering the Fold.

Varied Enemy Types Keep Things Fresh
You’ll face off against a variety of enemies, each with different strengths and weaknesses. Some will go toe-to-toe with you in melee combat, while others will keep their distance and attack from range. Haruna’s powers give you the flexibility to adapt, keeping the action exciting and unpredictable.

Key Facts About Unknown 9: Awakening

Feature	Details
Developer	Reflector Entertainment
Publisher	Bandai Namco
Main Character	Haruna, voiced by Anya Chalotra
Key Gameplay Mechanic	The Fold – A supernatural dimension Haruna can access
Combat Style	Mix of melee and supernatural abilities
Stealth Mechanics	Shroud for invisibility, Ripple for distractions
Platforms	PlayStation, Xbox, PC
Standalone Story	Yes, part of the Unknown 9 universe but self-contained

FAQs

1. What is the Fold in Unknown 9: Awakening?
The Fold is a parallel dimension that Haruna can access, allowing her to see hidden enemies, reveal secrets, and gain combat advantages by manipulating the environment.

2. Is Unknown 9: Awakening part of a series?
Yes, it’s part of the Unknown 9 universe, which includes books and comics. However, the game tells a standalone story, so you don’t need prior knowledge to enjoy it.

3. What makes Anya Chalotra’s role special?
Anya Chalotra voices Haruna, bringing a powerful emotional depth to the character. Her performance adds layers of strength and vulnerability to Haruna’s journey.

4. How does Stepping work in combat?
Stepping allows Haruna to take control of enemies temporarily, using them to attack others or set up tactical advantages during battle.

5. Can you upgrade Haruna’s abilities?
Yes, through the game’s progression system, you’ll collect Riffs to unlock and enhance Haruna’s abilities, allowing for a customized playstyle.

Unknown 9: Awakening promises a mix of supernatural powers and a tightly woven narrative. With Anya Chalotra leading the charge as Haruna, and mechanics that make both combat and exploration fresh and exciting, this game offers something different. Whether you’re intrigued by the mysteries of the Fold or looking for a character-driven story, Unknown 9 is shaping up to be a must-play.