Firewatch

A gorgeous, spellbinding game that plays with your thoughts and delivers a narrative throughline that you never see coming. An absolute must for fans of storytelling in games.

84%Game Brain Score

story, graphics

replayability, stability

89% User Score Based on 53,693 reviews

Critic Score 79%Based on 47 reviews

Platforms

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About

Firewatch is a first-person mystery adventure game set in the Wyoming wilderness of 1989. As fire lookout Henry, you explore your surroundings, communicate with your supervisor over a handheld radio, and uncover a paranoid and suspenseful plot. Your only emotional lifeline amidst the isolation and beauty is the buddy relationship you develop with your supervisor, Delilah.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

89%

Audience ScoreBased on 53,740 reviews

story19.3k positive mentions

replayability385 negative mentions

The graphics are stunning, featuring a painterly art style that beautifully captures the Wyoming wilderness and enhances the immersive storytelling experience.
The emotional depth of the narrative, particularly the relationship between Henry and Delilah, is widely praised for its engaging dialogue and character development.
The humor and sharp dialogue between characters add charm to the game, balancing lighthearted moments with deeper emotional themes.

The game is criticized for its short length and lack of replay value, with many players feeling disappointed by the abrupt and unsatisfying ending.
Gameplay can feel repetitive and linear, often described as tedious due to extensive walking and backtracking, leading to a sense of monotony.
Technical issues, including bugs and performance problems, detract from the overall experience, with many players reporting glitches that disrupt gameplay.

story
39,182 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
49%
48%
3%
The story of "Firewatch" is widely praised for its emotional depth and engaging narrative, focusing on themes of isolation, connection, and personal struggle. Players appreciate the well-written dialogue and character development, particularly the relationship between the protagonist, Henry, and his supervisor, Delilah, conveyed through radio conversations. However, many reviews express disappointment with the game's short length and the abrupt, unsatisfying ending, which leaves several plot threads unresolved, leading to mixed feelings about the overall narrative experience.
- “It's the best story told by a game by a long shot.”
- “A very emotional story that I wish I could experience for the first time 100 times over.”
- “The story is thrilling and immersive - there were even a couple of unexpected moments that jump scared me.”
- “I found the storyline severely lacking and was left very disappointed in the end.”
- “The story presented will not wrap up any bows; the character dynamics are going to feel strange to some degree; the gameplay will have you feeling lost and potentially even frustrated.”
- “The ending was a bit underwhelming, however the story overall was very captivating!”
graphics
9,469 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
69%
30%
1%
The graphics in Firewatch have been widely praised for their stunning, painterly art style that beautifully captures the Wyoming wilderness. Players appreciate the vibrant colors and atmospheric design, which enhance the immersive storytelling experience. While some note minor graphical glitches, the overall aesthetic and visual presentation are considered a highlight of the game, contributing significantly to its emotional impact and appeal.
- “This was an absolutely stunning game; everything from the visuals to the characters was amazing.”
- “The visuals are absolutely stunning, and the peaceful surroundings make you want to explore every corner of the forest.”
- “Firewatch is a truly captivating experience that combines breathtaking visuals, an emotionally charged narrative, and immersive gameplay to create something truly special.”
- “The graphics are simple, but I think they're very beautiful and soulful.”
- “The graphics are slightly cartoonish, similar to games like Raft or Team Fortress 2, but still look pretty.”
- “The graphics are very unique for itself, the environment is truly beautiful and the soundtracks fit really well with the game.”
gameplay
5,729 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
67%
6%
The gameplay of "Firewatch" is primarily characterized as a walking simulator, focusing on exploration and narrative rather than complex mechanics or action. Players navigate a beautifully rendered wilderness using a map and compass, engaging in dialogue with a radio companion, which enhances the immersive storytelling experience. However, many reviews note that the gameplay can feel repetitive and linear, with a total playtime of around 3 to 5 hours, leading to mixed feelings about its value at full price.
- “The gameplay was simple but still enjoyable.”
- “The gameplay is pretty simple—mostly wandering and talking—but it’s the emotional depth and the slow-burn mystery that made me keep playing.”
- “Firewatch is a truly captivating experience that combines breathtaking visuals, an emotionally charged narrative, and immersive gameplay to create something truly special.”
- “The gameplay will have you feeling lost and potentially even frustrated.”
- “It falls perfectly into the flawed games category; it could be great, but dialogues and scenery are not enough; Firewatch has no depth, no scenario, no gameplay.”
- “The gameplay itself was pretty boring, and the game would often glitch out, even soft-locking sometimes.”
atmosphere
3,491 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
76%
23%
1%
The atmosphere in "Firewatch" is widely praised for its immersive and captivating qualities, effectively blending stunning visuals, a haunting soundtrack, and engaging dialogue to create a unique emotional experience. Players often describe the game as a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling, where the sense of isolation and connection with nature enhances the narrative's depth. Despite some criticisms regarding the story's conclusion, the overall ambiance and character interactions leave a lasting impression, making it a must-play for fans of atmospheric and narrative-driven games.
- “Never in a story have I felt the sort of fear or unease that this game has done through its story, and the tension created through the atmosphere and the music is second to none.”
- “10/10 for the story and atmosphere, with a scene-setting soundtrack to boot (props to Chris Remo).”
- “The atmosphere in this game is phenomenal.”
- “I found myself often being pulled out of the atmosphere to face, not nature blocking my path, but poorly designed 'invisible' barriers.”
- “The atmosphere is eerie, and I never felt at peace or relaxed.”
- “The ending was a little lackluster for all the build up, no spoilers but the atmosphere alludes to something darker happening that never really manifests.”
music
3,313 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
61%
38%
1%
The music in Firewatch has been widely praised for its atmospheric quality, enhancing the game's emotional depth and immersive experience. Composed by Chris Remo, the soundtrack is noted for its subtlety, often appearing at key moments to amplify tension or evoke feelings of solitude and reflection. While some players wished for more frequent musical cues, the existing score effectively complements the stunning visuals and narrative, making it a standout aspect of the game.
- “The music and sounds of nature perfectly enhance the atmosphere, creating a sense of complete isolation and adding emotion to every moment, making you experience each event as something personal.”
- “The soundtrack, composed by Chris Remo, is haunting and subtle, perfectly complementing the tone of the game.”
- “The beautiful art style and atmospheric soundtrack make every moment feel immersive, while the evolving relationship between Henry and Delilah keeps you emotionally invested.”
- “The music is sparse, but used to accent important moments.”
- “The soundtrack is very mellow and fits with the tone of the game very well.”
- “The soundtrack is small in number but absolutely perfect for the story.”
emotional
3,185 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The emotional aspect of "Firewatch" is widely praised for its deeply engaging narrative and character development, particularly the relationship between Henry and Delilah, which resonates with players on a personal level. Many reviewers noted that the game effectively evokes a range of emotions, from joy and humor to sadness and introspection, often leading to tears during pivotal moments. Despite some criticism regarding the ending's emotional payoff, the overall experience is described as a poignant journey that leaves a lasting impact, making it a must-play for those who appreciate story-driven games.
- “A very emotional story that I wish I could experience for the first time 100 times over.”
- “The way their relationship develops over the radio feels real and emotional, with every interaction adding layers to the story.”
- “Henry struggles to escape his sadness, trying to forget that his beloved wife is forgetting him, while a father copes with the death of his son, creating a powerful emotional journey.”
- “Essentially a walking simulator with a very boring story.”
- “Incredibly flat and boring story that leads nowhere.”
- “Zero replay value, no combat and a boring story that doesn't go anywhere make this game not worth playing.”
replayability
1,380 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
62%
28%
The game's replayability is generally considered low, with many players noting that it offers a short experience of around 3-5 hours and lacks significant incentives to replay. While some dialogue choices can lead to different interactions, they do not substantially alter the overall narrative, resulting in minimal replay value. Most reviewers recommend purchasing the game on sale due to its brief length and limited replayability.
- “The story has so many layers that are easy to miss; despite being a pretty short and formulaic game, it actually has a lot of replay value and the atmosphere balances cozy and suspense really well.”
- “While it doesn't have perfect replayability, it is worth the price.”
- “The game is very short (~2-3 hours) and so far doesn't have much replay value for me, but there is some replayability like being able to explore the area freely and so on.”
- “There is no replayability in it and it's really short.”
- “Too bad there's little replay value once the story has played out.”
- “The game is short and has no replay value, as well as having unethical developers, making it not worth the current $20.”
humor
1,092 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The humor in "Firewatch" is widely praised for its sharp, witty dialogue and the engaging banter between the main characters, Henry and Delilah. Players appreciate the blend of humor with deeper emotional themes, noting that the interactions often evoke genuine laughter while also addressing serious topics. The game's ability to balance lighthearted moments with suspense and poignancy contributes to its overall charm, making it a memorable experience for many.
- “The writing is sharp, and the evolving dynamic between Henry and Delilah feels incredibly real, balancing humor, flirtation, and emotional weight.”
- “The dialogue is sharp, humorous, and emotional, making every conversation feel meaningful and impactful.”
- “The banter between the main character Henry and Delilah is hilarious, develops their characters, and allows you to become attached to them.”
- “It's supposed to be funny but I found it obnoxious, especially since the game's opening establishes you as a middle-aged adult.”
- “Detestable characters, dry unfunny dialogue overloaded with bland sarcasm masquerading as wit, anti-climactic and unresolved ending.”
- “Ironically, you are called a big dumb idiot a few times, but unfunny enough that's all you are ever allowed to be, as the game pulls the ejector on your passenger seat, on the cusp of it having any consequence at all.”
stability
522 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
7%
93%
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting a variety of bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, particularly with achievements and character movement. Common issues include soft locks, interaction glitches, and minor visual bugs, which some players found frustrating, while others noted that these did not significantly detract from their overall experience. Despite these stability concerns, many players still enjoyed the game's narrative and visuals, suggesting that while it is buggy, it remains a worthwhile play for those who can overlook these technical shortcomings.
- “Runs great on both PC and Steam Deck, providing a smooth experience.”
- “The game is polished and virtually bug-free, with only minor animation issues that are infrequent.”
- “It's very easy to look at, silky smooth, and almost entirely bug-free.”
- “Game is a buggy mess, encountered 2 softlocks, couldn't finish the game, really disappointed.”
- “The actual gameplay is unfortunately clunky and buggy, but the map is perfectly sized and the story is paced well.”
- “The game is also very buggy, I try to interact with things and just glide away.”
optimization
407 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
34%
43%
23%
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues such as frequent stuttering, frame rate drops, and bugs, particularly on various hardware configurations. While some users experienced smooth gameplay, especially on higher-end systems, the overall consensus indicates that the game is poorly optimized, especially for lower-end machines and certain platforms like Apple Silicon Macs. Despite its stunning visuals and exceptional voice acting, the technical shortcomings detract from the overall experience for many players.
- “Performance-wise, the game runs well, almost always at a buttery 144fps.”
- “The game itself runs smoothly and has great visuals and a very interesting setting.”
- “Good optimization, very stable 165 fps on 1440p-high on a GTX 980 (overclocked).”
- “The biggest downside is the frequent and severe dips in framerate that take you out of the experience: the technical part could use some optimization.”
- “The game is visually stunning, if you happen to be running whatever the devs optimized this experience for; sadly, it wasn't what I'm playing on.”
- “The story and beauty of the game seem amazing, but at this moment it is horribly optimized and unplayable.”
character development
385 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
51%
45%
4%
Character development in Firewatch is widely praised for its depth and emotional resonance, particularly in the relationship between the main character, Henry, and his supervisor, Delilah. Players appreciate the engaging dialogue and the way the narrative unfolds through their interactions, creating a strong sense of attachment to the characters. However, some critiques mention that the character development can feel rushed or incomplete, particularly towards the game's conclusion, leaving players wanting more from the story's resolution. Overall, the game is celebrated for its exceptional writing and character design, making it a standout in narrative-driven gaming.
- “What truly elevates Firewatch is its character development and voice acting.”
- “The storytelling is exceptional, with engaging dialogue and strong character development that keeps you invested throughout.”
- “The character development is incredibly in-depth.”
- “Character development was mostly limited to successive revelations, but this was well enough for the game, and more would have been too much.”
- “However, the story, although gripping, lacked depth and character development.”
- “There is zero character development coming from Henry and Delilah; both finish the game exactly as they started.”
grinding
326 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
34%
65%
The grinding aspect of the game is frequently described as tedious, primarily due to extensive walking, backtracking, and navigation challenges that can detract from the overall experience. While some players find the story engaging enough to endure these repetitive elements, many express frustration with the lack of meaningful gameplay and the feeling of being on a "walking simulator." Overall, the game is noted for its beautiful environment and narrative, but the grinding nature of the gameplay can lead to a sense of monotony.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “Time for grinding will be required.”
- “Boring walking simulator game, trash story, anticlimactic ending and so tedious; if you want to try this game, get it on sale. Personally, I wouldn't even play this if it was free, and I wish I could take back the 5 hours of my life wasted on this game.”
- “The biggest issue with the game is the walking part of the walking simulator – it just feels tedious.”
- “The traversal can be a little tedious here and there, but I really enjoyed my playthrough of this game and I'm glad I finally picked it up.”
monetization
43 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
7%
2%
91%
The monetization aspect of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many players feeling misled by its advertising, which promised a rich narrative experience but delivered a lackluster story and minimal gameplay. While there are no in-game purchases or microtransactions, the overall sentiment suggests that the game feels like a cash grab, leaving players disappointed and questioning the value of their purchase. Despite some enjoyment of the walking simulator elements, the overwhelming consensus is that the game fails to meet expectations set by its promotional materials.
- “It’s a simple, narrative-driven game that doesn’t overcomplicate things with a crazy HUD, a ton of weapons, or skills to unlock before you can progress the story. There are no microtransactions, which is refreshing to experience something simpler sometimes.”
- “[*][b][u]In-game purchases[/u][/b]: none”
- “This game isn't for anyone who only plays games for the multiplayer or loves microtransactions.”
- “This shouldn't have been made into a game at all in the first place, and it feels like a blatant cash grab.”
- “In all honesty, this lacked potential and could have been better, but it seems the people who made this game were more interested in a cash grab and thought using good animation was enough to make a good game.”
- “By the end, when you combine this with the realization that your choices made in the game made no difference contrary to advertising, that you've explored everything the game had to offer in far less time than suggested, and that there are still many loose ends left hanging, it quickly overwhelms the thrill enjoyed only a short while before.”

79%Critics’ scoreBased on 49 critic reviews

Buy Firewatch

4h Median play time

5h Average play time

4h Main story

5h Completionist

4-5h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 953 analyzed playthroughs

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