RPGIs The Black Watchmen worth it for you?
We tell you who should skip it, too.
Play it if you…
Good fit- Alternate-reality game fans who want puzzles that extend beyond the game client
- Players who enjoy researching fictional organizations and paranormal events
- Puzzle solvers who prefer missions with varied investigative tasks over a single puzzle format
Skip it if you…
Saves you a refund- Players seeking a conventional, self-contained game experience may find the web and real-world investigation central to the format.
- Those who prefer a linear sequence of missions may find the mix of puzzles, hidden missions, and community sandbox content less structured.
- Players looking for a standalone Season 1 purchase without optional DLC may not want a game with a separate Season 2 expansion.
Our take on The Black Watchmen
The game’s investigation reaches beyond its in-game interface, so the experience depends on engaging with websites and real-world references as well as missions and puzzles. Season 1 is the purchase described here; Season 2 is offered separately as optional DLC.
What is The Black Watchmen?
The Black Watchmen is a permanent alternate reality game in which the real world serves as part of the game.
Players investigate paranormal activity through missions and puzzles that can involve coded websites, online research, and real-world references. Season 1 includes 25 missions, 65 puzzles, five hidden missions, and community sandbox missions. Hidden missions open through puzzle pieces or secret answers found in the game.
Missions range from decoding ancient messages and examining strange events to hacking virtual defenses and researching occult groups. A mission hub holds briefings and puzzle information, while an agent map shows other players’ locations and may be used for location-based missions. Season 2 is optional DLC with 30 missions, 82 puzzles, and five additional hidden missions.
How The Black Watchmen plays
- 01Real-world investigation
- Some puzzles direct players to coded websites, online sources, and real-world references.
- 02Hidden missions
- Five Season 1 missions become available through puzzle pieces or secret answers.
- 03Mission hub
- The interface brings mission briefings and puzzle information together.
- 04Agent map
- The map displays fellow agents’ locations and can support location-based missions.
Games like The Black Watchmen
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Pirate SoftwareFor:RPG players who want combat built around varied mini-games rather than levels and experienceSkip if:Players seeking traditional RPG progression through levels, experience points, and consumable items
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The Black Watchmen: platforms & release
Is The Black Watchmen worth it?
It is worth it if: alternate-reality game fans who want puzzles that extend beyond the game client. Skip it if: players seeking a conventional, self-contained game experience may find the web and real-world investigation central to the format.
Where can I download The Black Watchmen?
Use the Download Now button on this page: it opens The Black Watchmen's store page, where you can choose how to get it.
What platforms is The Black Watchmen on?
Windows and macOS.






