Silent Hill F was almost set in the actual location that inspired the series’ name, but a certain famous mountain got in the way. This little detail shows how real-world geography can affect game design in unexpected ways.
In a recent chat at Anime Expo 2025 with Famitsu, the game’s writer Ryukishi07 shared some behind-the-scenes insights about the setting. Initially, the team considered Japan’s Shizuoka Prefecture, which literally translates to “Quiet Hill” or “Silent Hill,” as the perfect place to ground the game’s eerie atmosphere.
Sounds like a neat coincidence, right? But here’s the thing: Mount Fuji, that iconic stratovolcano, partly sits in Shizuoka and dominates the scene. Ryukishi07 felt that its looming presence didn’t quite match the moody, foggy vibe the game needed. “Mount Fuji looms over the entire area, so its presence would overwhelm the foggy atmosphere of the work,” he explained.
So, the team actually visited Shizuoka to get a feel for it, but the mountain’s shadow was just too much. Instead, they found inspiration in the grid-like townscape of Kanayama, located in Gero, Gifu Prefecture. This fictional town of Ebisugaoka in Silent Hill F is based on Kanayama’s layout.
The game follows high school student Shimizu Hinako as she explores her hometown engulfed in fog that shifts into a nightmare. It’s said to lean more into action than previous entries, developed by NeoBards, and will release on consoles and PC on September 25.
So, what do you think? Would you have liked to see a Silent Hill set near Mount Fuji, or is the foggy, less imposing townscape a better fit? I’m kinda glad they went with the latter, but it’s interesting how a mountain can change the whole mood.
Watch the release date trailer below to get a glimpse of the atmosphere they aimed for:
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
