We Love It's Guide to…
As an Acolyte in a cosmic-horror wasteland, cast spells, explore side-scrolling realms, and strengthen future runs after each death.
Released 11 May 2022
Cast Spells From Rings
Battle Mutating Monsters
Build Elemental Mages
Source of Madness is a side-scrolling dark action roguelite set in a twisted Lovecraftian inspired world powered by procedural generation and AI machine learning. Take on the role of a new Acolyte as they embark on a nightmarish odyssey.
Developed by Carry Castle · Published by Thunderful Publishing









You play as an Acolyte exploring the Loam Lands, a dark fantasy world beset by grotesque creatures. The side-scrolling roguelite sends you through hostile regions in search of the secrets behind the world’s crisis.
Explore branching environments, battle monsters and bosses, and use magic rather than conventional weapons. Rings grant spells, while other equipment provides additional abilities and bonuses; loot found during a run can shape your build.
Each run brings a new Acolyte, and death sends you back to begin again. Persistent upgrades and unlocks expand your options over time, including new classes and spells, while the game’s acts and difficulty settings offer further challenges.
Players who enjoy the game often highlight its eerie cosmic-horror atmosphere, distinctive surreal visuals, and sound design. Spell combinations, build experimentation, and the roguelite progression also appeal to some. Responses are mixed: many reviewers find combat hard to read or imprecise, and say runs can become repetitive, while others enjoy the unusual chaos and variety.




| Platforms | Windows |
|---|---|
| Achievements | 24 |
| Age ratings |
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| Controller support | Xbox |
| Controller required | No |
| DLC / extras | 1 listed on Steam |
| Content notices |
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| AI disclosure | In Source of Madness, AI shapes the player experience by procedurally generating the Loam Lands, its monsters, and environments. Each encounter is unique, with neural-network-driven animations and behavior, ensuring that exploration, combat, and loot are always unpredictable and tailored to the player’s journey. |
| AI disclosure categories |
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| Website | Official website |