SILENT HILL: The Short Message launched on January 31, 2024—the same day Konami announced it—and was made available free on PlayStation 5. Konami describes it as a short, complete story that stands independently of the series’ other titles.
When did Silent Hill: The Short Message come out?
Konami announced SILENT HILL: The Short Message on January 31, 2024, and said it was available that day. PlayStation published its game page the same day.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Burnhouse Lane - PlayStation 5 | $29.96 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Hell Let Loose: Vietnam - PlayStation 5 | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Luna Abyss: Adrift Edition - PlayStation 5 | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Silent Hill 2 (PS5) Brand New Sealed , PS5 | $46.21 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Yuoni Sunset Edition PS5 (PS5) | $64.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Is The Short Message free, and what platform is it on?
PlayStation’s US game page and store listing describe the digital game as free to play exclusively on PS5. Store availability can vary by region. The official listings cited here specify PS5; they do not establish a PS4 or PC release.
Is it a full game or a demo?
Konami calls it “a short game with a complete story” and says it is independent of previous and upcoming Silent Hill titles. That describes a self-contained short experience, rather than a demo for another entry.
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#1 Best Overall
- Adventure-style inventory puzzles. Light platforming and combat sections
- Original soundtrack by micAmic and guests. Chess - Solve classic adventure-style inventory puzzles.
- Soundscapes From the Void - Original soundtrack by mimic and guests. Branching dialogues and decisions that shape how the story plays out
- Hands On the Wheel - Play through light platforming and combat sections. Mind Your Tongue - Experience branching dialogues and make decisions that shape how the story plays out.
Can you buy a physical copy?
Limited Run Games later offered a PS5 Deluxe Edition as a collector’s physical release. Its July 10, 2026 announcement said preorders would run through August 9, 2026. The edition included the game and collector items and was listed for $69.99.
As of October 8, 2026, Limited Run’s product page marks the edition sold out and in production, so it is not currently listed as available to order there. For existing preorder orders, the page estimates shipping between March 1 and June 30, 2027. The physical edition is not required to play the free digital game.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Evolutionary gameplay
- Japanese locations imbued with a hauntingly beautiful sunset
- A tragic story of friendship, betrayal and the characters' struggle against their own demons
- At the end of the game, an alternate ending will be available to you - what story will this new path reveal?
Rank #3
- WELCOME TO THE ABYSS: "Don’t be afraid, little wanderer. You need only go deeper, the better to be seen by us. The slumbering, silent one breathes deep and waits. All we need is the key. All we need is you."
- BURIED MYSTERY: Uncover the mysteries of the mimic moon and the abyss within its depths. Come face to face with remnants of the colony’s downfall & discover your role within this doomed world. Learn all the secrets the abyss has to offer.
- NAVIGATE FORSAKEN CHARMS: Sprint, jump & dash your way through this brutalist alien megastructure. Experience fluid first-person platforming as you travel through Luna & the depths of the abyss.
- WITHSTAND THE ONSLAUGHT: Face corrupted souls & twisted cosmic horrors of Luna Abyss with a weapon in hand. Master your tools, adjust on the fly, and survive in a bullet hell.
Rank #2
- Fight in epic 50 vs 50 multiplayer battles. Play as the North Vietnamese Army or the US Armed Forces.
- Immersive jungle warfare recreates the real-world intensity of the battle. 6 distinct game modes: Offensive, Warfare and 4 alternative new game modes.
- 6 large-scale maps – all with lighting and weather variants and extreme terrain. Emergent gameplay encourages the use of the chain of command to build teamwork and deploy a unique set of tactics and weapons for each battle.
- Multiple vehicles including helicopters and patrol boats. Build tunnels as the NVA and deploy your forces in stealth to ambush the US Armed Forces.
- Enhanced player movement improves in-battle functionality. Revamped tutorial and player onboarding. Updated interface and user experience.
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.
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