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Play OverviewPlay Overview

Firewatch (2016) is an explorative adventure where you play a fire lookout in America’s Shoshone National Forest. It has a relational and conspiracy undertone similar to the podcast/radio drama and Netflix show Homecoming. As you talk on the radio to your controller, you learn more about your character. A relationship evolves between the two of them through just these interactions. You slowly uncover a story about loneliness, mental health and catharsis in a grand, sun-drenched landscape.

While many games put you in powerful positions, Firewatch is about powerlessness and empathy. "Somethings we can't stop from happening," one of the characters says in the game. It's a theme that applies to the watchful role of the forest lookouts as well as our main character's relationship with his mentally ill wife.

The game is beautiful to look at and explore. It captures what it's like to be a forest lookout in real life. This is paired with fully voiced story (including a role for Rich Sommer of Mad Man fame). It creates what could be seen as an interactive movie, but the participatory nature of the game makes it stand apart from other media in a way that needs to be experienced first hand to fully appreciate.

Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Firewatch 4 years ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 7 months ago.
Kids not old enough for this yet? There are lots of games similar to Firewatch. Here are some similar younger-rated games:

Play StylePlay Style

This is an Adventure and Narrative game. This is a single-player game.

DurationDuration

Play Time: This game will take between 4 hours and 7 hours to complete.

BenefitsBenefits

This game is good if you want to:

 
This game has helped players develop their Behaviour and Skill as part of the following pathways:

This game has been the inspiration for the following activities:

Age RatingsAge Ratings

Content Rating

This game was rated PEGI 16 for frequent scenes of strong language and scenes of sexual nudity. Strong language is heard throughout and includes the word ‘*!@?*’ and its derivatives. Nudity occurs in Henry’s journal, there are two sketches of him drawn by his wife. In both, he is fully naked while posing.

Skill Level

11+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it's important for parents and guardians to consider the maturity required to process the game content. The exploration of the game require some geographical and orienting skill, while the narrative leans on emotional intelligence and interpretation.

Our Game Pathways reveal how 13-year-olds play this game:

CostsCosts

Firewatch usually costs £14.99 to £16.75. 

Firewatch

XBox Store Xbox One £15.99 Free

Xbox Game Pass

PlayStation Store PS4 £14.99
Steam StoreSALE PC £16.75 £4.18 until 21/03/2024 Free

Xbox Game Pass

Switch Store Switch £14.99
Steam StoreSALE Mac £16.75 £4.18 until 21/03/2024
There are no additional in-game purchases, loot boxes, adverts or subscription costs.

DetailsGame Details

Release Date: 20/09/2016

Price: 75% off

Out Now: Mac, PC, PS4, Switch and Xbox One

Skill Rating: 11+ year-olds

Players: 1

Genres: Adventure and Narrative

Accessibility: 23 features

Components: 3D First-Person, Cartoon and Open World

Developer: Camposanto (@Camposanto)


Taming Gaming Book Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships.

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