The “closing shift” horror subgenre has found a new standout with Before Exit: Gas Station on Xbox. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, Before Exit: Supermarket, this sequel takes the mundane task of locking up a retail space and infuses it with a thick layer of dread and mystery.

The Gameplay Loop

At its core, Before Exit: Gas Station is a blend of walking simulator, shopkeeper management, and “spot the difference” anomaly detection. You play as an employee tasked with completing a checklist: cleaning the floors, taking out the trash, organizing shelves, and handling the final customers. The catch? You must follow your instructions to the letter. If the list says don’t touch the garage door, you don’t touch the garage door—even if something behind it is making a noise.

What’s New?

Compared to the first game, Gas Station feels more expansive yet more intimate. The inclusion of an outdoor area, a garage, and a backroom adds variety to the environment. The developer, Take IT Studio!, has also introduced a more cohesive narrative, complete with voice acting that brings the protagonist and the world to life. There is a greater focus on horror this time, with subtle environmental shifts and “anomalies” that feel genuinely unsettling rather than merely mechanical.

Final Verdict

For $9.99, Before Exit: Gas Station offers a highly polished experience for fans of “liminal space” horror. It rewards players who have a keen eye for detail and the patience to survive a workweek where nothing is quite as it seems. If you enjoy the tension of wondering whether a shelf was moved or if someone is watching you from the darkness outside, this is a must-play.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.