Key Takeaways
1. Castle of Blackwater was initially released for $6.99 but became free on July 23, 2025, due to low player numbers.
2. Players who bought the game before it became free will receive special rewards not available to new players.
3. The game is a multiplayer social deduction game set in an enchanting castle, focusing on strategy, trust, and deception.
4. Gameplay consists of three phases: Day (tasks and investigation), Night (task completion and challenges), and Voting (discussions and eliminations).
5. The game has a “Very Positive” rating based on 139 player reviews.
While Steam occasionally introduces new free games, not all of them stay free forever. Many eventually switch to a paid model for various reasons. However, the situation with Castle of Blackwater differs. This action-filled social deduction game was released on the platform on March 25, 2025, with a price of $6.99.
Transition to Free Game
Starting July 23, 2025, it has been available for free on Steam. According to the developers’ official statement, this choice was made because Castle of Blackwater was unable to attract the necessary number of players. Since it’s a multiplayer game, having a low player count means that the matchmaking system won’t be “as healthy as it needed to be.”
Rewards for Early Buyers
Players who previously purchased Castle of Blackwater before its shift to a free model will receive “special rewards” that newcomers will not have. The developers emphasize that past players will benefit from the following:
For those curious about this currently free game on Steam, it’s set within an enchanting castle where strategy, trust, and deception play vital roles in the gameplay. Players find themselves trapped in the castle and have to complete tasks, build alliances, and survive against opponents to emerge victorious.
Gameplay Phases
The game consists of three distinct phases: Day, Night, and Voting. During the day, players must finish their tasks while also investigating any suspicious activities. At night, they can either continue working on their tasks while facing challenges or retreat to safe zones. The voting phase mainly involves players discussing and voting to eliminate those who may belong to the rival faction.
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