Disco Elysium: The Final Cut

About

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a single player role playing game. It was developed by ZA/UM and was released on October 15, 2019. It received very positive reviews from players.

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a critically acclaimed role-playing game that combines elements of detective work and urban exploration. As a hard-boiled cop with a twisted sense of justice, you must solve a grisly murder while navigating the seedy underbelly of a city on the brink of revolution. With its rich, immersive world and innovative gameplay mechanics, Disco Elysium offers a truly unique RPG experience.

Genres & Tags

Role Playing

Play Modes

Single-Player

+10

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93%

Audience ScoreBased on 58,300 reviews

story6.2k positive mentions

grinding321 negative mentions

The story of Disco Elysium is a masterclass in narrative-driven gaming, praised for its depth, complexity, and emotional resonance.
The unique hand-painted art style and haunting soundtrack create a captivating atmosphere that enhances the game's melancholic tone.
The character development and intricate skill system allow for a rich narrative experience, making each character feel human and memorable.

The pacing can be slow, and certain skill checks may lock players out of story progression, detracting from the overall experience.
Some players find the gameplay tedious and overly reliant on reading, which may not appeal to those seeking more action-oriented experiences.
The game has received criticism for its technical issues, including bugs and performance hiccups that disrupt gameplay.

story
15,222 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
57%
2%
The story of *Disco Elysium* is widely praised for its depth, complexity, and emotional resonance, often described as a masterclass in narrative-driven gaming. Players appreciate the intricate character development and the way choices significantly impact the storyline, creating a unique experience with each playthrough. However, some critiques mention that the pacing can be slow, and certain skill checks may lock players out of story progression, which can detract from the overall experience.
- “Your initial goal of solving a murder in the city of Revachol quickly spirals and branches out into an intricate web of really memorable quests and encounters all across the city.”
- “The story is interesting for those who are interested in investigating style pretending to be a detective who has lost their mind.”
- “The story, the choices, the conclusions, the feelings, the ideas that it wants to convey are next level.”
- “This isn't a game, but some pretentious story created by screenwriters who jerk off to their own nonconformity, in which there is neither entertainment, aesthetics, nor good music.”
- “The story isn't good, the backstory is dry, the lore is not engaging.”
- “The story unfolds so stupendously slowly and all the characters fill you in with ridiculous backstories and narration till you are bored to death, none of it fluid like an actual conversation or social interaction.”
gameplay
4,508 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
69%
4%
The gameplay of *Disco Elysium* is primarily dialogue-driven, with a heavy emphasis on skill checks and character interactions rather than traditional combat mechanics. Players navigate a richly detailed narrative through choices that influence the story and character development, often relying on dice rolls to determine the outcomes of their actions. While some players appreciate the innovative mechanics and deep storytelling, others find the gameplay slow, tedious, and overly reliant on reading, which may not appeal to those seeking more action-oriented experiences.
- “An unique, slow-paced gameplay with lots of interesting encounters and dialogues.”
- “The gameplay experience is a masterclass in narrative integration, centered entirely on dialogue, exploration, and deduction.”
- “The gameplay revolves entirely around dialogue, choices, and skills that literally represent your personality, so if you enjoy deep narratives, unconventional RPGs, and mental challenges that make you laugh, cry, and rethink your life, this is the game for you.”
- “I'm quite confident I just didn't 'get it', but after playing for a few hours, I discovered there's a core mechanic that means if you fail a skill check (over which you have no control of course) the game ends... you lose... and must start again or reload until you don't fail the skill check.”
- “Unfortunately, it is all of these things, and also relatively boring if you don't buy into the very specific gameplay of 'search rooms for objects and take stuff from increasingly sarcastic inner monologues'.”
- “The gameplay is 90% arguing with your own brain and 10% failing to grab things without dying.”
humor
4,080 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in "Disco Elysium" is widely praised for its cleverness and depth, seamlessly blending dark comedy with poignant moments. Players often find themselves laughing out loud at the absurdity of situations and the witty dialogue, which ranges from hilariously absurd to deeply philosophical. The game's writing is noted as exceptional, with many reviewers highlighting its ability to evoke a spectrum of emotions, making it both a funny and thought-provoking experience.
- “The writing is amazing too, funny as shit, erudite, and unexpectedly emotional at times.”
- “It's extremely clever, funny, satirical, emotional at times, and generally one of the most well thought out and widely branching RPGs that I have ever played.”
- “The humor is very dry, like 'Airplane!' or 'Hitchhiker's Guide.'”
- “It has a horrible unfunny narrative and horrible dialogue.”
- “The voice acting is horrible and not funny.”
- “Jokes which are not funny, an invented world full of strange names that are only that... strange names.”
graphics
3,241 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
54%
45%
1%
The graphics of "Disco Elysium" are widely praised for their unique and beautiful art style, often described as painterly or reminiscent of oil paintings, which effectively enhances the game's melancholic atmosphere. While some players note that the graphical fidelity may not be cutting-edge, the artistic direction and character portraits are considered exceptional, contributing significantly to the immersive storytelling experience. Overall, the visuals are seen as a vital component that complements the game's rich narrative and complex themes.
- “The art style is unique and ties in so well with the voice actors and plot.”
- “The hand-painted art style is beautiful and adds to the game’s melancholic atmosphere.”
- “The visuals, soundtrack, everything about this game is fantastic.”
- “The graphics are uninspired with an art style that almost borders on somewhat interesting.”
- “The art style seems almost unfinished, like I am playing a concept art sketch instead of a finished and fully animated game.”
- “The graphics look okay at first glance, but during gameplay it is difficult to see depth and figure out what I am looking at much of the time.”
music
2,901 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
46%
2%
The music in *Disco Elysium* has been widely praised for its haunting and atmospheric qualities, effectively enhancing the game's melancholic tone and immersive storytelling. Composed primarily by British Sea Power, the soundtrack is noted for its ability to evoke a range of emotions, from nostalgia to introspection, and is often described as a perfect complement to the game's unique art style and narrative depth. However, some players have pointed out that the limited variety of tracks can lead to repetitiveness during extended play sessions, though many still find the music memorable and integral to the overall experience.
- “The writing, the music, the illustration... it all comes together to create a unique, haunting experience.”
- “The music perfectly shapes the melancholic mood of Revachol.”
- “The soundtrack is a triumph in its own right.”
- “The music is repetitive and forgettable, and there's only a couple of voice acting performances that were passable.”
- “The soundtrack is okay to listen to initially, as each music track is well made however there are very few music tracks in the whole 30-hour game which can make the music kinda boring to listen to after a while.”
- “The music, even though sometimes you'll hear some tracks over and over, they are quite pleasing and set the correct ambient for the moment, either for making it tense, nostalgic or inspiring.”
emotional
1,623 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of "Disco Elysium" is widely praised for its profound depth and complexity, with players reporting a range of feelings from laughter to tears throughout their experience. The game's writing masterfully balances humor and heartbreak, creating a narrative that resonates deeply with players, often prompting introspection and emotional reflection on personal struggles and societal issues. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke genuine emotional responses, making it a standout title in the realm of narrative-driven games.
- “It's a game that knows how to be both funny and emotional in equal measure (albeit not without its own pitfalls), and i'm excited to have a third playthrough after a couple months of 'cooling off' before starting a playthrough as another type of detective.”
- “This game is a beautiful, absurd, heartfelt work of art.”
- “The emotional power of the writing helped me gain clarity and focus in my own life.”
- “Fairly convoluted world building, boring story, and depressing art style.”
- “I wanted to like this game; honestly, it's a boring game with a boring story. It probably gets better, but the story is so bad I couldn't force myself to keep playing.”
- “Boring story with monotonous gameplay; waste of time.”
atmosphere
1,179 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
38%
2%
The atmosphere of "Disco Elysium" is widely praised for its depth and immersion, characterized by a unique hand-painted art style and a haunting soundtrack that enhances the game's melancholic and surreal tone. Reviewers highlight the intricate world-building, rich character development, and the profound narrative that evokes a range of emotions, from humor to existential dread. Overall, the game's atmosphere is described as captivating and unforgettable, making it a standout experience in the RPG genre.
- “The gorgeous art, the razor-sharp writing, the atmosphere so thick you could bottle it.”
- “The world of Revachol West exudes a palpable atmosphere of melancholy and faded glory, brought to life through its painterly art style and evocative sound design, including a haunting, ambient score by British Sea Power.”
- “The atmosphere is executed perfectly; it's dark, depressing, and it was able to touch me in ways not many games are capable of.”
- “The atmosphere of the world is eerie and broken down.”
- “The atmosphere reeks of hardship, disco, and cosmic horror that may force you to stick your head firmly into the void.”
- “The atmosphere is very well, all elements composed together very well which make the game very complete.”
replayability
920 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
58%
2%
The game's replayability is frequently highlighted as a strong aspect, with many players noting the diverse skill trees, character builds, and branching narrative paths that encourage multiple playthroughs. While some reviews mention that the core story remains largely the same, the variety of choices and interactions available can lead to significantly different experiences, making it highly replayable for those who enjoy exploring different character archetypes and dialogue options. However, a few players express concerns about the potential repetitiveness of certain elements and the linearity of the main plot, suggesting that while replayability is present, it may not be as extensive as initially expected.
- “The sheer number of choices and skill interactions offers immense replay value.”
- “Beautiful art, emotionally resonant storytelling, humor, interesting characters, and strong replayability.”
- “The game has high replay value, as you can develop and play your character in very different ways, as befits a proper RPG.”
- “The replayability of this game is not the best, as there isn't anything that different between the endings or playstyles.”
- “While the heavy use of skill checks leaves some room for replayability, knowing all the twists and turns the story has to offer will make it hard to revisit.”
- “My only regret is that the game lacks replayability.”
grinding
370 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
11%
87%
The reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game is largely perceived as tedious and slow, with many players expressing frustration over repetitive dialogue, lengthy text, and the lack of engaging gameplay mechanics. While some appreciate the depth of the story and character interactions, the overall consensus is that the experience can feel like a slog, particularly for those seeking more dynamic or action-oriented gameplay.
- “It's not tedious anymore.”
- “No grinding and over leveling to be found.”
- “What surprised me is that this game doesn't have combat, so even casual gamers can take it up without the fear of getting stuck somewhere because of choosing incorrect skills at the start or not grinding enough experience.”
- “For those seeking traditional gameplay loops or faster progression, the experience can feel incredibly slow, tedious, and overly dense.”
- “It's extremely tedious and linear once you understand the only thing different about your next playthrough is that you just get new dialogue reacting to the same predicaments.”
- “The endless dialogue is interesting initially but becomes tedious as the game progresses.”
character development
288 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
48%
2%
The character development in this game is widely praised for its depth and intricacy, allowing players to shape their character's identity through choices and interactions. Reviewers highlight the unique skill system and dialogue options that create a rich narrative experience, making each character feel human and memorable. Overall, the game is celebrated as a masterclass in storytelling and character development, offering a profound exploration of identity and personal growth within a beautifully crafted world.
- “This game is a beautiful and intelligent political commentary mixed with deep world building and character development.”
- “The character development, depth of quests, and overall story are great.”
- “Disco Elysium is a masterclass in storytelling and character development that elevates the RPG genre to new heights.”
- “Although this game contains some novel ingredients like a quite fun internal and external dialogue and character development, I find it overhyped and not very fun to play.”
- “Played for about an hour, wherein nothing fun or interesting happened via gameplay, story, or character development.”
- “This game is not an RPG; it has very limited character development.”
stability
201 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
5%
1%
94%
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting a range of bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, including freezes, audio issues, and visual inconsistencies. While some users experienced a relatively smooth experience with minimal problems, a significant number noted that the game's technical issues detracted from their overall enjoyment, leading to frustration and lost progress. Overall, the game is described as "buggy," with varying degrees of impact on playability depending on the platform and individual user experience.
- “The game runs straight out of the box and appears to be bug free.”
- “Runs great on Linux, and very well integrated to work with a controller.”
- “Almost completely bug free to boot, which is impressive as hell.”
- “Worse, technical issues still pop up, including audio glitches and performance hiccups that further break immersion.”
- “Either a blank screen or crashes/freezes etc. I can't refund it because of all the time I spent trying to fix it.”
- “The game is also buggy and unpolished.”
optimization
193 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
51%
21%
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players experiencing performance issues such as audio stuttering, frame rate drops, and long loading times, particularly on certain hardware configurations. While some users report smooth performance and stability, especially on lower-end systems, others highlight significant optimization flaws that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game's technical performance appears inconsistent, with notable praise for its artistic elements overshadowed by these optimization challenges.
- “The PC version ('The Final Cut' with full voice acting) is well-optimized and stable, running smoothly on a wide range of hardware due to its stylized visuals.”
- “Amazing tabletop RPG experience and super well optimized!”
- “I was so happy when I found out I could run this thing on my old MacBook... it is luckily not visual-heavy so it runs smoothly without any hiccups.”
- “The optimization in skill points is horrendous; forgetting thoughts in the thought cabinet shouldn't require skill points because it takes away the player's feeling of freedom.”
- “Worse, technical issues still pop up, including audio glitches and performance hiccups that further break immersion.”
- “The optimization is not great; the movement and the environment feel choppy, and the interaction mechanics are very aged. There are tons of loading screens in some places, which are annoying.”
monetization
38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
5%
32%
63%
The monetization aspect of the game has drawn significant criticism, with reviewers expressing disappointment over the introduction of microtransactions and a shift away from the original creators' vision. Many feel that the game's new direction prioritizes profit over quality, leading to a linear experience that undermines its depth and narrative richness. Overall, players recommend caution in purchasing, suggesting to wait for sales to minimize financial support for a company perceived as exploiting its intellectual property.
- “Za/um, the publishers of the game, have fired the main leads that developed this story; this world full of depth for over a decade, took their IP, and is now moving towards a monetization approach that no longer follows the vision the original creators had in mind when building the world of Disco Elysium.”
- “Now they're trying to hire all new people including a 'sales & monetization specialist' with responsibilities that include -”
- “However, I cannot recommend buying such a game with the main fact that this IP was robbed from its original creators, who were then fired from the studio. A port being made for Android phones adding in-app purchases strips away one of the most important subplots, the political vision quest, for a quick buck, and shows general disrespect to the IP by cancelling its own sequel(s) repeatedly.”
- “The original creators were booted by the company in the name of monetization, which is really ironic considering the game's stance on such topics.”
- “Za/um, the publishers of the game, have fired the main leads that developed this story—a world full of depth for over a decade—and are now moving towards a monetization approach that no longer follows the vision the original creators had in mind when building the world of Disco Elysium.”

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20h Median play time

35h Average play time

7-40h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 260 analyzed playthroughs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a role playing game.

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is available on PC, Mac OS, Phone, iPad and others.

On average players spend around 35 hours playing Disco Elysium: The Final Cut.

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut was released on October 15, 2019.

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut was developed by ZA/UM.

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut has received very positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a single player game.

Similar games include Disco Elysium, Pentiment, Life is Strange, Always Sometimes Monsters, Slay the Princess and others.

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