Netflix is expanding its gaming ambitions with Unhinged, a new interactive first-person survival horror game that transforms your smartphone into the game’s primary controller. Developed by Night School Studio—the team behind critically acclaimed narrative adventures like Afterparty—Unhinged blends cinematic storytelling with immersive gameplay, offering players a horror experience unlike traditional mobile games.
Instead of choosing dialogue options from static menus, Unhinged lets players interact with the world through a simulated smartphone. You’ll answer calls, read text messages, dial numbers, and use your phone’s flashlight as you try to survive a terrifying night inside a seemingly ordinary apartment building.
Here’s everything you need to know before stepping into Netflix’s latest thriller.
TL;DR
- Unhinged is Netflix’s new first-person interactive survival horror game.
- Developed by Night School Studio, creators of Afterparty.
- Players use their real smartphones to interact with the game.
- Features two gameplay modes: Story Mode and Standard Mode.
- The story follows Ava, trapped in an apartment during a Category 5 hurricane.
- Claire, Ava’s best friend, is voiced by Sadie Sink.
- The game is available exclusively through Netflix with no in-game purchases.
- Due to violence, body horror, and strong language, it is intended for mature audiences.
What is Netflix’s Unhinged?
Unlike most interactive movies or visual novels, Unhinged is a fully rendered 3D first-person horror experience built in a real-time game engine.
Rather than watching events unfold from a distance, players become part of the story. Your smartphone acts as the main gameplay device, blurring the line between the real world and the game’s universe.
Instead of relying on traditional controllers, you’ll interact with:
- Incoming phone calls
- Text conversations
- Contacts and phone numbers
- Flashlight mechanics
- Real-time notifications
- Environmental exploration
This design creates a stronger sense of immersion, making every interaction feel personal.
How does Unhinged work?
The game’s biggest innovation is turning your smartphone into an extension of the protagonist.
As Ava navigates increasingly disturbing events inside her apartment building, your phone becomes the only reliable tool available.
You’ll use it to:
- Read urgent messages
- Answer calls
- Search for clues
- Illuminate dark hallways with the flashlight
- Make time-sensitive decisions
- Communicate with other characters
Because the phone mirrors what Ava experiences, players feel less like observers and more like active participants.
What is the story of Unhinged?
The story centers on Ava, a young woman trapped inside her apartment building while a Category 5 hurricane devastates the city outside.
At first, the storm appears to be the biggest threat.
Soon, however, it becomes clear that something much more terrifying is happening inside the building.
The stairwell is mysteriously locked, cutting off any escape route.
A routine welfare check on a neighbor reveals unsettling signs that someone—or something—is still present.
Then comes the realization that Ava is no longer alone.
The apartment building slowly transforms from a place of safety into a prison filled with growing paranoia, disturbing discoveries, and relentless danger.
Adding to the emotional tension is Ava’s connection with her best friend Claire, voiced by actress Sadie Sink, who remains across the street and becomes Ava’s lifeline through phone calls.
How do you play Unhinged?
Netflix has designed the game to be accessible across multiple devices while keeping the smartphone at the center of the experience.
To begin playing:
- Open Netflix on a compatible Smart TV, laptop, or web browser.
- Scan the on-screen QR code using your smartphone.
- Connect your phone to the game.
- Use the phone throughout the experience to progress through the story.
Unlike traditional console games, you won’t need:
- A gaming controller
- Keyboard and mouse
- Separate mobile app purchases
The smartphone itself becomes the gameplay interface.
What are the two gameplay modes?
Netflix gives players two different ways to experience Unhinged, depending on how intense they want the horror to feel.
Story Mode
Story Mode is designed for players who primarily want to experience the narrative.
Features include:
- No countdown timers
- No permanent death
- Relaxed pacing
- Focus on exploration and story
It’s the ideal option for players interested in psychological horror without the pressure of high-stakes gameplay.
Standard Mode
Standard Mode raises the tension significantly.
Players must react quickly during dangerous encounters where every decision can determine whether Ava survives.
Key features include:
- Timed objectives
- Survival sequences
- High-pressure exploration
- Life-or-death decisions
If you fail to locate the correct object or respond in time, Ava dies. However, Netflix avoids excessive punishment by restarting players from the most recent checkpoint rather than forcing a complete restart.
Survival Tips for new players
While much of Unhinged depends on discovery, a few strategies can improve your chances of staying alive.
Stay alert during conversations
Phone calls and text messages often contain clues that become important later.
Ignoring seemingly minor details may leave you unprepared during critical moments.
Use the flashlight carefully
Dark environments hide both useful items and potential threats.
Don’t rush through poorly lit areas simply because they appear empty.
Search every room
Important objects may not always be immediately visible.
Taking an extra moment to inspect your surroundings can prevent failure during timed encounters.
Don’t panic during timers
Standard Mode introduces moments where hesitation can be fatal.
Remaining calm usually leads to better decisions than rushing without thinking.
Wear headphones
Sound plays a major role in building tension and signaling nearby danger.
Headphones also make it easier to hear dialogue, environmental clues, and approaching threats.
Is Unhinged suitable for children?
No.
Although Netflix offers numerous family-friendly games through its subscription service, Unhinged is aimed at mature audiences.
Players should expect:
- Strong language
- Graphic violence
- Psychological horror
- Intense chase sequences
- Disturbing body horror
- Frightening imagery
Some critics have compared its horror elements to franchises like Resident Evil, making it inappropriate for younger players.
Parents should review Netflix’s age rating before allowing children to access the game.
Why Unhinged matters for Netflix’s gaming strategy
Unhinged is more than just another game release.
It reflects Netflix’s continued investment in interactive entertainment that complements its streaming platform.
Rather than competing directly with traditional console publishers, Netflix is focusing on experiences that blend cinematic storytelling with accessible gameplay.
Partnering with Night School Studio—known for emotionally driven narratives and player choice—signals Netflix’s interest in expanding beyond simple mobile games toward premium interactive storytelling.
If Unhinged proves successful, similar smartphone-first experiences could become an important part of Netflix’s long-term gaming ecosystem.
Is Unhinged worth playing?
For players who enjoy narrative-driven horror, Unhinged offers a fresh twist on the genre.
Its smartphone-based gameplay makes the experience feel unusually personal, while the combination of real-time exploration, cinematic storytelling, and psychological suspense distinguishes it from traditional choice-based interactive games.
Fans of atmospheric horror, escape-room style puzzles, and immersive storytelling are likely to find plenty to enjoy—provided they’re prepared for the game’s mature themes and unsettling imagery.
