Alright, here’s the quick answer: Squirrel Stapler showed up in 2020 as part of the Dread X Collection, then landed on Steam as its own game in September 2023.
If you’re just looking for the key dates, those are the ones to remember: the 2020 collection debut and the 2023 standalone Steam release.
If you’re into odd horror games with a streak of dark humor, you’ll probably want to know how the game grew from a short collection entry into a fuller release on Steam.
Let’s walk through the release timeline, where you can find the game now, and what makes the gameplay so weird and memorable.
Release Timeline and Availability
Squirrel Stapler started out in a collaborative indie bundle, then got a standalone release with more content.
Here’s what happened with the original debut, the Steam launch, and the platforms you can play on now.
Initial Debut in The Dread X Collection II
Squirrel Stapler arrived as part of The Dread X Collection II in August 2020.
That bundle collected short horror games from several indie developers, and David Szymanski created Squirrel Stapler as one of the entries.
You could play the original build as a compact, darkly comic hunting game.
The Dread X Collection release put the game in front of horror fans and reviewers who watch for those indie bundles.
This early version ran on Windows and kept things short and experimental.
Players back then got to see the core mechanics and the weird tone that Szymanski later expanded for a bigger release.
Standalone Steam Release Date
Squirrel Stapler launched as its own game on Steam on September 11, 2023.
This version picked up the pace, added more content, and polished things up compared to the Dread X build.
You’ll find the Steam entry with Windows support and a Steam Deck-friendly setup.
The Steam release also brought in tutorials and bonus features to help new players get started.
Steam’s storefront lists platform details and update history for the standalone release.
If you’ve got a Windows PC, you can buy and download the game straight through Steam.
You’ll also see patch notes and community discussions right on the game’s Steam page.
Console Ports and Other Platforms
At launch, Squirrel Stapler listed PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch alongside PC, so it’s not just for Windows folks.
If you prefer playing on console, these ports let you enjoy the game on your TV or on the go.
Steam Deck users say the game runs well, and Steam’s compatibility tools help with controller mapping.
The standalone release focuses on full controller support, so you don’t need a keyboard or mouse on supported devices.
Mac support isn’t really mentioned in official listings, so check the store page before you buy.
You’ll just sign into your chosen storefront account (Steam or console) to download and play after purchase.
Notable Features and Unique Gameplay
The game mixes dark comedy, weird horror visuals, and hunting mechanics into short, sharp sessions.
You’ll stalk animals, use odd tools, and run into bizarre enemies while the tone flips between funny and unsettling.
Absurdist Horror and Dark Humor Elements
You play as a lonely man who staples squirrels to a corpse to make it “beautiful.”
Yeah, it’s as dark and absurd as it sounds.
The game grew from Dread X Collection II and keeps that festival-style, low-budget horror vibe while cranking up the weirdness.
Visuals and audio lean into disturbing comedy: you’ll see quaint cabin interiors right next to grotesque trophies and frantic, sarcastic narration.
Dialog and set pieces hit a mix of punchy jokes and gross imagery.
That tension keeps things uneasy, but you’ll probably laugh at moments that should feel wrong.
The writing and scene design make the horror feel intentional, not just accidental weirdness.
Hunting Mechanics and Nonlinear Map
You move in first-person, focusing on stealth, tracking, and timing instead of twitch shooting.
The map isn’t linear—paths wind through woods, bushes hide you, and sound cues let you know when squirrels or bigger threats are getting close.
You can use a squirrel call to lure targets or duck into foliage to avoid alpha predators.
Gameplay balances simple action with a bit of strategy.
You have to decide when to sneak, when to set a trap, and when to just go for it.
An expanded options menu lets you tweak difficulty and controls, so you can adjust things to fit how you want to play.
Enemies, Modes, and Extras
You’ll run into all kinds of enemies, from regular squirrels to some really bizarre ones. Ghost squirrels, a massive squirrel bear, and some angry spirits crank up the danger.
There’s even a hidden “GIANT SQUIRRELS” mode and a bunch of extras that toss in more chaos and keep things fresh. You’ll stumble across goodies tucked away in a folder, and the developers keep tweaking the game—bug fixes, better pacing, and the occasional bonus surprise.
The game throws in quick bursts of action and shooter moments, but it mostly sticks to its hunting-sim roots. Achievements and extra modes shake up your goals, while this strange “meet god” encounter ties back into the story’s oddball vibe.
If you’re into short horror games with dark humor and some offbeat mechanics, this one squeezes a surprising amount into a tight package.
Squirrel Stapler’s Steam page and the historical notes show how it went from Dread X Collection II to a standalone release with more content and polish. You can check out the details on SteamDB.
