Thu. Mar 26th, 2026

“No Vacation for an Executioner”: A Soulslike Horror Inspired by Beksiński’s Art Arrives on Steam

Screenshot from No Vacation for an Executioner showing a monstrous creature

In “No Vacation for an Executioner,” players are thrust into a world where they must confront terrifying monsters.

The highly anticipated “No Vacation for an Executioner” recently made its debut on PC via Steam. Developer JayO describes the project as a horror action RPG that evokes the classic retro style of PlayStation 2 era games.

From a gameplay perspective, the title draws clear inspiration from the challenging soulslike genre. The story is set in the late 17th century, following a disillusioned executioner who makes a desperate escape from the gallows. This act of defiance propels the protagonist into a perilous journey where he must face the dire consequences of his decision:

His flight triggered a monstrous uprising, and now he must quell the chaos, cleanse the world, and unravel the mystery of the ‘Dark Oil.’

JayO has revealed that the game’s creative wellspring includes Claude Quétel’s book “The Hangman of Paris” and the profoundly dark and surreal paintings of Zdzisław Beksiński. The developer also clarifies, “However, despite any initial impressions, the plot is not connected to the historical Sanson dynasty.”

For those eager to experience the macabre world of “No Vacation for an Executioner,” a playable demo is currently available on Steam.

By Artemius Grimthorne

Artemius Grimthorne Independent journalist based in Manchester, covering the intersection of technology and society. Over seven years investigating cyber threats, scientific breakthroughs and their impact on daily life. Started as a technical consultant before transitioning to journalism, specializing in digital security investigations.

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