FAQ & troubleshooting

On itch.io, after purchase, you should see separate downloads: a .zip for Windows (e.g. IdolsOfAsh_v1_24_WINDOWS.zip), a .tar.gz for Linux (e.g. IdolsOfAsh_v1_24_LINUX.tar.gz), and a .zip for Mac (e.g. IdolsOfAsh_v1_24_MAC.zip). They are not interchangeable — wrong archive is the most common “won’t run” issue. Older Linux builds may list .tar.xz; use whatever the game page shows for your version. On Steam, the game installs through the Steam client (no manual zip). See our Download page for filenames and links.

Indie executables are often unsigned, so Windows may show a reputation warning. That is different from a concrete malware detection. Only install from official sources: leafygames.itch.io/idols-of-ash or Steam. If you are unsure, scan with an up-to-date scanner.

Update to the latest build. On Windows, use the ANGLE rendering option in settings if the screen stays black after the brightness prompt (graphics driver workaround). See our Updates / itch.io devlog, then update GPU drivers if it still fails.

Patch 1.12 added adjustable mouse and gamepad sensitivity plus invert-Y. Open the options menu after updating from itch.io. Some players also report input quirks when FPS is low — close background apps if needed.

On itch.io, Leafy Games ships Windows, Linux, and Mac desktop archives (purchase unlocks downloads — see the live file list). Steam installs through the client; check the store page for supported OS. There is no official mobile build — do not trust random APK mirrors. Always verify files on itch.io or Steam.

Recent patches add options to disable volumetric lighting (can help FPS) and a reduce pixelization setting (can help recording / compression artifacts). Try them in the in-game settings; full notes are in the v1.14+ devlogs and our Guide — Graphics & performance.

Leafy Games noted that some v1.14 additions (e.g. certain modes or cosmetics) may not apply retroactively if you already met the unlock conditions before updating — check the official v1.14 devlog for wording. When in doubt, read the post or ask on itch.io comments.

The itch.io page lists: disturbing imagery, mild strobing, themes of illness and suicide. If any of those are unsafe for you, skip the game or ask a clinician / trusted resource first.

Not necessarily in every situation — the game has health, and player observation is that bad landings or slamming into geometry at speed can hurt more than “clean” drops. Details depend on the build; see our spoiler-light Guide — Falls, collisions & health.

Pursuit pressure is part of the design: bad swings and time spent finding anchors tighten the gap. For pacing context (not patch notes), see Guide — Pursuit & pace.

Common community advice: secure a hook you trust before leaning over edges or scouting gaps — recovery is harder under pressure. More in Guide — Movement & grapple.

Without heavy spoilers: many players treat certain interactive story beats as practical milestones. Light overview: Guide — Progress & story beats.

Player reports suggest alternate chains of anchors and lines, not always a single obvious corridor — but experimenting under pursuit costs time. See Guide — Routes & exploration.

This fan site cannot fix the game. Post on the itch.io comments or follow instructions in the devlog so Leafy Games sees feedback.