Split Fiction, the latest co-op adventure from Hazelight Studios, has taken the gaming world by storm since its release on March 6, 2025. Known for its inventive gameplay and creative level design, the game has now revealed an even more challenging secret - a hidden level so difficult that even some of the developers struggle to complete it.
The Discovery of “Laser Hell”
Two dedicated players, known by their online handles “sharkOvO” and “E1uM4y”, stumbled upon a cleverly concealed binary code puzzle within the game’s Isolation level. Cracking this code unlocked access to a secret challenge aptly named “Laser Hell”.
This hidden gauntlet lives up to its name, featuring a series of incredibly precise platforming challenges that require perfect coordination between both players. Spinning lasers, shifting platforms, and split-second timing create an obstacle course that pushes cooperative gameplay to its limits.
Conquering the Unconquerable
SharkOvO and E1uM4y not only discovered this ultra-secret level but managed to complete it - a feat so impressive that it caught the attention of Hazelight’s outspoken director, Josef Fares. In a video message embedded within the game itself, Fares congratulates the duo:
“You have to understand, this challenge, there are barely people on our team that can make it. It took us a lot of time to finish it, and I’m telling you, this is a crazy, crazy achievement you have done.”
A Promise Fulfilled
At the end of his congratulatory message, Fares made an extraordinary offer: the first players to prove they completed “Laser Hell” would be flown to Hazelight Studios in Sweden for an exclusive preview of the company’s next project. True to his word, Fares confirmed via Twitter that sharkOvO and E1uM4y had indeed earned this coveted prize.
The Impact on Split Fiction’s Legacy
This secret level and the resulting real-world reward demonstrate Hazelight’s commitment to creating games that go beyond simple entertainment. By embedding such a significant challenge and tying it to a unique prize, the studio has:
- Increased player engagement long after the main story’s completion
- Created a buzz in the gaming community, driving continued interest in Split Fiction
- Showcased the depth of design and attention to detail present in their games
A New Standard for Easter Eggs?
The “Laser Hell” challenge raises the bar for what players might expect from secret content in games. While hidden levels are nothing new, tying them to real-world experiences is a relatively novel concept in the industry. This approach could inspire other developers to create more meaningful and rewarding secrets within their games.
Looking Ahead
As sharkOvO and E1uM4y prepare for their trip to Sweden, the gaming community eagerly awaits any hints about Hazelight’s next project. Given the studio’s track record of innovative co-op experiences with A Way Out, It Takes Two, and now Split Fiction, expectations are understandably high.
Split Fiction continues to surprise and delight players months after its initial release. With its blend of sci-fi and fantasy elements, coupled with Hazelight’s signature co-op gameplay, it’s no wonder the game is a frontrunner for Game of the Year honors. The discovery of “Laser Hell” adds another layer of excitement, challenging players to uncover and conquer what might be hiding in plain sight.