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ROUTINE is no longer on the way: Lunar Software’s first-person sci-fi horror game launched on December 4, 2025. Its “13 years later” story runs from the game’s public 2012 teasers and development milestones to that release—not from a precisely documented start date for every stage of development.
What is ROUTINE?
ROUTINE is a first-person science-fiction horror game developed by UK studio Lunar Software and published by Raw Fury. Players investigate an abandoned lunar base that has gone quiet, searching its facility for answers while an unknown threat stalks the station. The setting draws on an imagined 1980s vision of the future, rather than a sleek, uniformly futuristic aesthetic. The official game site and Steam listing describe the game and its premise.
Why did ROUTINE take 13 years to arrive?
The 13-year framing is grounded in a public milestone, not a precise accounting of the entire development process. Lunar Software’s presskit references a Gamescom 2012 teaser, and the studio said in an August 31, 2012 post that it had added the game to Steam Greenlight after releasing that teaser. The game launched on December 4, 2025. It is accurate to say ROUTINE was teased or in public development in 2012 and released in 2025; the sources do not establish that every phase of development lasted exactly 13 years. Lunar Software’s presskit and its 2012 post document those early milestones.
How does ROUTINE play?
Explore and investigate without waypoint markers
The game asks players to explore different sectors of the lunar base, observe their surroundings, and investigate clues. It does not use waypoint markers to direct the player, so working out where to go next is part of the experience. Observation and reviewing information help players make sense of the station and find a way forward. Steam’s game description outlines these design features.
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Use the Cosmonaut Assistance Tool
The Cosmonaut Assistance Tool, or C.A.T., is an in-game device—not a real-world product. It can access important terminals, help with navigation, and identify clues. The developers frame it as a last resort when attempting to defend yourself against threats, rather than a dependable weapon.
Survive by choosing when to run, hide, or defend yourself
ROUTINE emphasizes survival rather than straightforward combat. Players may need to run, hide, or try to defend themselves. The game also uses full-body awareness, diegetic sound, and minimal interface elements to keep attention on the environment.
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Why does ROUTINE look retro-futuristic?
The lunar base is built around familiar objects as well as analogue technology. Aaron Foster, Lunar Software’s Art and Design Lead, explained the choice in an Xbox Wire launch-day article: “A chair is still a chair; it doesn’t need to look “sci-fi” if its purpose is straightforward.” Foster also described the tactile appeal of cameras, VCRs, and CRTs, and the goal of imagining a believable moon base as people in the 1980s might have pictured it. The limited interface and subtle guidance reinforce that grounded approach. Read Foster’s launch-day article on Xbox Wire.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where can you play ROUTINE?
ROUTINE released on December 4, 2025. The Xbox Wire launch article said it was then available on Xbox PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Xbox Cloud, with Game Pass. The Xbox store currently lists PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and handheld play; Steam lists the PC game. Storefront access, subscription terms, prices, and regional availability can change, so check the live listing for your platform before buying or subscribing. Xbox’s current store listing and Steam’s listing provide current platform details.
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What to know before you start
- Expect exploration and environmental investigation, not waypoint-led navigation.
- The C.A.T. is a fictional tool used in the game for terminals, navigation, and clues.
- The story’s 1980s influence shapes a grounded, analogue lunar station rather than a uniformly futuristic one.
- Current price, subscription access, and regional availability should be confirmed on the storefront you plan to use.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
