SHIFT AT MIDNIGHT

When the midnight bell tolls, terror begins...

Work the graveyard shift at a rural 90s gas station where some customers are only pretending to be human. With just 5 questions per customer, you must examine IDs, cross-check details, and observe behavior to identify dangerous doppelgangers in this unique co-op horror experience.

Shift at Midnight Horror Scene

Game Trailer

Watch the official Shift at Midnight trailer

Game Features

❓ 5-Question Investigation System

You can ask each customer only 5 questions. This core mechanic forces strategic thinking and careful observation as you examine IDs, cross-check computer records, and observe customer behavior.

  • Limited question system creates tension
  • ID verification mechanics
  • Computer database cross-referencing
  • Behavioral pattern observation

👥 Co-op Horror Experience

Work with up to 2 friends as late-night gas station employees. Coordinate investigations, share observations, and survive together when the shift turns dangerous.

  • 1-3 player cooperative gameplay
  • Shared investigation responsibilities
  • Team-based survival strategies
  • Communication-driven gameplay

🛡️ Defense Phase Survival

When creatures escape detection, the game shifts to survival mode. Barricade doors, set traps, and find hiding spots as the store becomes a battleground for survival.

  • Barricade construction mechanics
  • Trap placement system
  • Hide-and-seek survival elements
  • Dynamic threat response

Everything About Shift at Midnight

What is Shift at Midnight?

Shift at Midnight is an online co-op horror game for 1–3 players where you work the graveyard shift at a rural 90s gas station. Some of your customers are only pretending to be human. You can ask each customer only 5 questions, forcing you to examine their ID, cross-check details in the computer, and observe their behavior carefully. The game combines investigation mechanics similar to Papers Please with survival horror elements, creating a unique cooperative experience where communication and observation are key to survival.

How to Play Shift at Midnight

Master the core mechanics to survive your shift:

1

Investigation Phase

Ask up to 5 questions per customer, examine their identification documents, and cross-reference information using the computer system

2

Observation

Study customer behavior, speech patterns, and physical characteristics for inconsistencies

3

Decision Making

Determine whether each customer is human or a dangerous doppelganger based on your investigation

4

Cooperation

Work with teammates (in multiplayer) to share observations and coordinate strategies

5

Defense Phase

If threats are detected too late, barricade doors, set traps, and survive until dawn

Why Play Shift at Midnight?

Experience unique cooperative horror gameplay:

🔍

Innovative Mechanics

Combines Papers Please-style investigation with survival horror

👥

Cooperative Gameplay

Work with friends to identify threats and survive together

🔄

Replayability

Randomized customer encounters and doppelganger behaviors

🆓

Accessibility

Free demo available on Itch.io, no registration required

🧠

Strategic Depth

Limited questions force careful planning and communication

🏪

Authentic Setting

Immersive 90s gas station atmosphere with period-appropriate details

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shift at Midnight free to play?

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Yes! A free single-player demo is currently available on Itch.io. The developers are working towards 20,000 Steam wishlists to unlock a free multiplayer co-op demo. The full version will be a paid release on Steam.

What platforms support Shift at Midnight?

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The demo is available on Windows PC through Itch.io. The full version will be released on Steam for Windows, with potential for other platforms in the future.

How many players can play together?

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Shift at Midnight supports 1-3 players in cooperative multiplayer. You can play solo or team up with up to 2 friends to work together during the night shift.

What makes Shift at Midnight unique?

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The game combines Papers Please-style document verification with survival horror elements. The core mechanic of asking only 5 questions per customer creates strategic tension, while the co-op gameplay adds team coordination dynamics.

Screenshots

5-Question Investigation System
❓ 5-Question Investigation System

In Shift At Midnight, you can ask each customer only 5 questions. This core mechanic forces strategic thinking and careful observation as you examine IDs, cross-check computer records, and observe customer behavior.

  • Limited question system creates tension
  • ID verification mechanics
  • Computer database cross-referencing
  • Behavioral pattern observation
Defense Phase Survival
🛡️ Defense Phase Survival

When creatures escape detection, the game shifts to survival mode. Barricade doors, set traps, and find hiding spots as the store becomes a battleground for survival.

  • Barricade construction mechanics
  • Trap placement system
  • Hide-and-seek survival elements
  • Dynamic threat response
Co-op Horror Experience
👥 Co-op Horror Experience

Work with up to 2 friends as late-night gas station employees. Coordinate investigations, share observations, and survive together when the shift turns dangerous.

  • 1-3 player cooperative gameplay
  • Shared investigation responsibilities
  • Team-based survival strategies
  • Communication-driven gameplay

Download Now

Free Demo

Available on Itch.io

Download the free singleplayer demo of Shift at Midnight and experience 40 minutes of pure horror. Work the night shift, serve customers, and identify terrifying doppelgangers in this atmospheric horror experience.

Platform: Windows PC
File Size: 130 MB
Players: Singleplayer
Price: FREE
Download Demo

Why Download Shift at Midnight?

Windows Compatibility

Optimized for Windows systems with smooth performance

Offline Singleplayer

Complete horror experience without internet connection

Safe Download

Virus-free direct download from official sources

Steam Wishlist

Full Multiplayer Version

Add Shift at Midnight to your Steam wishlist to be notified when the full co-op multiplayer version releases. The complete game will feature expanded content, more NPCs, randomly generated encounters, and additional survival mechanics.

Platform: Steam (PC)
Release Date: Q1/Q2 2026
Players: 1-3 Co-op
Price: TBD
Wishlist on Steam

Installation Guide for Shift at Midnight

1

Download the .zip file

Click the download button above to get ShiftAtMidnight.zip

ZIP
ShiftAtMidnight.zip
2

Extract files

Open the .zip folder and drag everything to a new folder (like your desktop)

Game Folder
3

Run the game

Double click 'ShiftAtMidnight.exe' to start playing

EXE
ShiftAtMidnight.exe
4

Security notice

If Windows shows 'unknown app' warning, click 'More Info' then 'Run Anyway'

This is normal for indie games!
The game is completely safe to run.