Clea is a jump scare free, skill-based survival horror adventure.
The game primarily challenges players with skill-based survival horror mechanics, tasking them with navigating the Whitlock Mansion and evading the deadly Chaos Servants that roam the halls. Unlike many horror games that rely on jump scares, this title builds tension and dread through its sound design and intelligent enemy AI.
The Chaos Servants dynamically react to the player's actions and sounds in real-time. Players must carefully listen for the pitter-patter of footsteps and other audio cues to determine the enemies' locations and plan their evasion accordingly. Making even the slightest noise can immediately alert nearby Chaos Servants, putting the protagonist in grave danger.
Survival hinges on the player's ability to utilize stealth mechanics. This includes crouching, peeking under doors to check for threats, and concealing oneself in closets and lockers to avoid detection. Mastering these stealthy maneuvers is essential, as engaging the Chaos Servants directly almost always results in a swift demise.
The game features a scarce save system, where players must consume rare "Arcane Mana" items to preserve their progress. This creates a tense resource management challenge, as players must carefully decide when to risk saving. Additionally, the protagonist's inventory space is restricted, forcing players to thoughtfully select which items to carry.
In addition to the stealth-based gameplay, the experience also presents environmental puzzles that players must solve to advance through the mansion. This includes finding and utilizing key items, as well as deciphering symbol combinations to unlock doors and passages.
The game offers multiple challenge modes, such as "Dark Mode" and "Chaos Mode," which increase the difficulty by further restricting the player's resources and making the Chaos Servants more aggressive. Optional challenges, like completing levels without using saves or hiding spots, reward players with additional story content and customization options.
The game's controls are praised for their responsiveness, allowing players to easily navigate the environment and quickly react to the threats posed by the Chaos Servants.