The fourth chapter of the episodic horror series, developed by Mob Entertainment (formerly MOB Games), titled "Safe Haven," was released on January 30, 2025, for PC (Steam) and subsequently arrived on consoles and mobile devices in mid-2025. This chapter continues the protagonist's descent into the deep, dark secrets of the abandoned Playtime Co. factory, specifically the subterranean prison facilities beneath the Playcare orphanage.

1. Release Status and Platforms

  • PC (Steam): Released January 30, 2025.
  • Consoles (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch): Released June 25, 2025.
  • Mobile (iOS, Android): Released July 16, 2025.
  • Title: The official title is Poppy Playtime – Chapter 4: Safe Haven.

2. Setting and Atmosphere: The Prison

Chapter 4 pushes the player deeper into the factory's infrastructure, moving beyond the colorful, massive Playcare facility seen in Chapter 3.

  • Location: The chapter takes place in the secret prison facility buried deep beneath the main factory. This area was used for the "Bigger Bodies Initiative" experiments and to hold failed or unruly experimental subjects.
  • Atmosphere: Developers described it as the "darkest chapter yet," focusing on claustrophobic, heart-pounding terror with haunting visuals and immersive sound design.

3. Gameplay Mechanics and Upgrades

The gameplay continues the franchise's blend of puzzle-solving, exploration, and survival horror, with new GrabPack functionality:

  • New GrabPack Hand: The player acquires a Flashlight Hand upgrade for the GrabPack, essential for navigating the intensely dark environments of the prison and the subterranean areas.
  • Puzzles: Puzzles revolve around the new environment, involving computer systems, hidden pathways, and avoiding the new antagonists.

4. Main Antagonists and Allies

Chapter 4 introduces new characters, some of whom act as rare allies, while others expand the lore of the "Bigger Bodies Initiative."

Primary Antagonists

  • The Doctor: This new character acts as the main psychological threat, heavily tied to the computer and security systems. The "creepy eye" aesthetic of the Doctor is featured throughout the chapter, giving the impression that the player is constantly being watched.
  • The Prototype (Experiment 1006): The overarching, unseen villain of the entire series. The final confrontation of the chapter involves the Prototype, who uses a new toy as a "suit," providing the clearest physical glimpse of the entity's true form yet.

New Toy Characters (Antagonists & Allies)

  • Doey the Doughman: A new, large, dough-shaped character who is tragically revealed to be a combination of the consciousnesses of three different children extracted and merged into a single experimental body. Doey initially acts as a protector of the remaining toys, but is later manipulated.
  • Yarnaby: Described as a scary, but often friendly, yarn ball character who serves as one of the new, albeit temporary, allies who guides the player through the facility.

5. Major Lore Revelations

Chapter 4 delivered significant plot twists, furthering the central mystery of the Playtime Co. factory and the "Hour of Joy."

  • Ollie is the Prototype: The chapter strongly implies and later confirms the fan theory that Ollie, the helpful voice guiding the player via telephone in previous chapters, was in fact the manipulative Prototype all along.
  • Poppy's Hidden Agenda: Poppy continues to aid the player but her motives are questioned. In the final sequence, the Prototype (speaking as Ollie) demands Poppy to "come home," and Poppy ultimately abandons the player and Kissy Missy to leave on her own. This heavily implies a deep, complex, and potentially rebellious history between Poppy and the Prototype, possibly suggesting they knew each other when they were human.
  • The Doctor's Identity: Dr. Sawyer, the creator of the Bigger Bodies Initiative, is confirmed to be connected to the factory's security system, suggesting he was another victim of the experiments.

6. The Ending and Chapter 5 Tease

The chapter concludes with the player having to place explosives to destroy the foundation of the prison as part of Poppy's plan.

  • The Final Confrontation: The player fights the Prototype (wearing the Doey suit) and eventually succeeds, but the safe haven where the allied toys were staying is destroyed.
  • Poppy's Departure: Poppy leaves with the implication that she is going to confront or rejoin the Prototype, abandoning the player.
  • Next Location: The final scene of the chapter sets the stage for the next installment, confirming that Chapter 5 will be the next destination in the saga.