To change the language to English in Dread Fields, you must navigate to the main menu's 'Налаштування' (Settings) screen, identified by the gear icon, then select the third tab from the left, 'Мова' (Language), and choose 'Англійська' (English) from the list. A common bug on first launch can default the game to your system's region or another language entirely, making this initial navigation confusing if you can't read the text.

This guide will walk you through the process icon by icon, provide advanced fixes for persistent language bugs, and make the case for why you should try the game's phenomenal original Ukrainian voice track once you've settled in.

A Step-by-Step Guide for a Foreign Menu

If your copy of Dread Fields has launched in a language you don't recognize, ignore the text and focus on the symbols. The developers at Gloomwood Interactive used a universal icon system that makes it possible to navigate even if the Cyrillic or Kanji characters are unfamiliar.

Finding the Settings Menu (The Gear Icon)

From the game's stark, windy main menu, you'll see several options. While the text might read 'Нова гра' or 'Завантажити гру', you are looking for the universal symbol for settings.

  1. Look for the Gear Icon: This is your destination. It's typically the third or fourth option down in the vertical list.
  2. Select it. This will take you into the main settings panel, which is broken down into several tabs at the top of the screen.

Once inside the settings menu, you'll see a row of horizontal tabs. Again, focus on the icons, not the text. The order is consistent across all versions of the game.

  1. Graphics (Monitor Icon): The first tab, usually marked with a computer screen or GPU symbol.
  2. Audio (Speaker Icon): The second tab, for adjusting volume levels for music, effects, and the all-important voice-overs.
  3. Language (Globe Icon): This is the one you want. It's the third tab from the left and is always represented by a globe symbol.
  4. Controls (Mouse/Keyboard Icon): The fourth tab, for keybindings.
  5. Gameplay (Joystick Icon): The final tab, for difficulty and other interface tweaks.

Select the third tab, the Globe Icon, to open the language configuration screen.

Dread Fields in-game screenshot

Dread Fields in-game screenshot

Selecting Your Language

Here, you'll find two primary options, often one for 'Voice Language' and one for 'Text & Subtitles Language'. This allows you to mix and match, for instance, using the original Ukrainian audio with English subtitles. The list of languages is written in its own native script. Find your preferred language from this list:

English NameNative Name
EnglishАнглійська
UkrainianУкраїнська
PolishPolski
GermanDeutsch
FrenchFrançais
SpanishEspañol
ItalianItaliano
Brazilian Port.Português (Brasil)
Simplified Chinese简体中文
Japanese日本語
Korean한국어

Select 'Англійська' for English. You can change both the voice and text options here.

Applying and Restarting

After making your selection, you need to find the 'Apply' or 'Confirm' button. This is almost always the button at the very bottom right of the screen. The universal 'back' or 'cancel' button is usually on the bottom left. After applying, the game will likely prompt you to restart. It's crucial you do so for all language assets to load correctly.

Why the Original Ukrainian Audio is a Must-Try

Now that you have the interface in a comfortable language, consider switching the audio back to Ukrainian. Gloomwood Interactive is a Ukrainian studio, and Dread Fields is steeped in their native folklore and culture. The English dub is serviceable, but the original voice acting is where the game's soul resides.

The terror in the villager Anya's voice as she describes the Whispering Husks stalking the sunflower fields is palpable in her native tongue. The cold, philosophical threats of The Warden, the game's primary antagonist, carry a chilling weight that feels more authentic and grounded. The game's setting—a forgotten village haunted by a supernatural Blight—is so intrinsically Eastern European that hearing the dialogue in its intended language, supported by your English subtitles, is arguably the definitive experience.

Dread Fields in-game screenshot

Dread Fields in-game screenshot

Common Language-Related Bugs and Fixes

Sometimes, simply changing the in-game options isn't enough. A persistent bug, particularly with cloud saves or after a fresh install, can cause the language to revert. Here are two reliable methods to force the game into English on PC.

The Steam Launch Options Fix

This is the easiest and safest method for Steam users. It forces the game to start with specific parameters, bypassing any faulty in-game settings.

  1. Open your Steam Library.
  2. Right-click on Dread Fields and select Properties.
  3. In the General tab, you'll see a text box under Launch Options.
  4. Type the following command exactly as written: -language english
  5. Close the window and launch the game. It should now be forced into English.

Editing the Configuration File Manually

If the launch option doesn't work, or if you're on a different platform like GOG, you can directly edit the game's configuration file. This is an advanced method, so be sure to create a backup of the file before you make changes.

  1. Locate the File: Navigate to the game's configuration folder. The standard path is C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\My Games\DreadFields\.
  2. Find the INI: Inside that folder, you'll find a file named config.ini or settings.ini.
  3. Open and Edit: Open this file with a simple text editor like Notepad. Look for a line that reads Language="uk_UA" or something similar.
  4. Change the Value: Change the value inside the quotation marks to "en_US" for American English. The line should now read: Language="en_US".
  5. Save and Set to Read-Only: Save the file. For an extra layer of protection against the game overwriting your change, you can right-click the config.ini file, go to Properties, and check the Read-only box. This will lock your changes in place.
Dread Fields in-game screenshot

Dread Fields in-game screenshot

Understanding All 11 Supported Languages

Dread Fields received praise for its extensive localization efforts. All 11 included languages feature full voice-overs, not just subtitles. This commitment to accessibility is a credit to the development team. Below is the complete list of what's available, confirming that every player gets the full auditory experience.

LanguageNative NameFull Voice-OverSubtitles & UI
EnglishАнглійськаYesYes
Ukrainian (Original)УкраїнськаYesYes
PolishPolskiYesYes
GermanDeutschYesYes
FrenchFrançaisYesYes
SpanishEspañolYesYes
ItalianItalianoYesYes
Brazilian PortuguesePortuguês (Brasil)YesYes
Simplified Chinese简体中文YesYes
Japanese日本語YesYes
Korean한국어YesYes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I play with Ukrainian audio and English subtitles?

Absolutely. In the Language menu (the globe icon), set 'Voice Language' to 'Українська' and 'Text & Subtitles Language' to 'Англійська'. This is the most recommended way to play for maximum immersion.

Why did my game start in Polish / German / etc.?

Dread Fields attempts to auto-detect your location or system language upon first launch. If your Windows display language is set to something other than English, or you're in a region where another language is prominent, the game may default to that language instead. The steps above will fix this.

Will changing the language corrupt my save file?

No. The language settings are independent of your game progress. You can switch languages at any time from the main menu without any risk to your saved games.

I can't read the menu at all. What do the icons mean?

From the main menu, the icons are typically: a single person silhouette ('New Game'), a folder or multiple lines ('Load Game'), a gear ('Settings'), and a power symbol or open door ('Exit Game'). You always want the gear.

Dread Fields in-game screenshot

Dread Fields in-game screenshot

A Final Word

Navigating a foreign menu can be a frustrating start to a game, but the fix in Dread Fields is straightforward once you know to follow the icons. The barrier is temporary. Beyond it lies a masterfully crafted horror experience, made all the richer by its deep-seated Ukrainian roots. Taking the time to set up the original audio with English text isn't just a language choice; it's a direct line to the developers' chilling, authentic vision.