Summary
The critically acclaimed indie gemFirewatchis currently available on Steam for just $2 thanks to a midweek deal. A bundle featuring the game’s soundtrack has also been heavily discounted and can be bought for a superb price.
Released in February 2016, the first-person adventure gameFirewatchreceived overwhelming praise from both critics and regular gamers alike for its immersive gameplay, brilliant sound design, and excellent dialogue. The title, which was developed by the Washington-based studio Campo Santo using the Unite engine, ended up selling 2.5 million copies by 2018, and it has become a beloved indie star in the video game industry. Those who have long been interested in playingFirewatchcan now pick up the PC version of the game for less than the price of a cup of joe.
A midweek deal on Steam has slashed 90% off fromFirewatch’s usual $19.99 price tag, which means the title can be had for just $1.99 until the sale ends on January 15. This is the cheapest the game’s ever been on the platform, data provided by analytics websiteSteamDBshowed. A bundle that includesFirewatchand its original soundtrack has also received a 71% discount, bringing its cost down from $25.98 to $7.58. Alternatively,Firewatchwas added to Xbox Game Pass in August 2023, so members of Microsoft’s game subscription service can enjoy the title at no extra cost.
Despite offering just around four hours' worth of playtime,Firewatchis hailed as a true masterpiece in narrative storytelling. It is often considered to be one of thebest walking simulators ever made, standing shoulder to shoulder with other incredible indie titles likeJourney,What Remains of Edith Finch, andGone Home.
Campo Santo’s debut title received many award nominations following its release, and while it did not bring home anytrophies from The Game Awards 2016,Firewatchwon Best Indie Game in that year’s Golden Joystick Awards. The 2016 Game Developers Choice Awards and the British Academy Games Awards both recognizedFirewatchas that year’s best debut title as well.
Valve acquired Campo Santo in 2018after the small 12-member team had already announced its next project,In the Valley of the Gods. Development onIn the Valley of the Godswould ultimately be put on hold, but it was never officially scrapped. Campo Santo co-founder Jake Rodkin, who worked at Telltale Games before moving on to makeFirewatch, revealed that this was the result of team members working on other Valve projects likeHalf-Life: AlyxandDota Underlords.
Firewatch
WHERE TO PLAY
Firewatch is a single-player first-person mystery set in the Wyoming wilderness.The year is 1989. You are a man named Henry who has retreated from his messy life to work as a fire lookout in the Wyoming wilderness. Perched high atop a mountain, it’s your job to look for smoke and keep the wilderness safe. An especially hot, dry summer has everyone on edge. Your supervisor Delilah is available to you at all times over a small, handheld radio—your only contact with the world you’ve left behind. But when something strange draws you out of your lookout tower and into the forest, you’ll explore a wild and unknown environment, facing questions and making choices that can build or destroy the only meaningful relationship you have.
