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A sunset in Firewatch.
Image via Campo Santo

Is Firewatch Scary?

Firewatch may look like a scary game, but you'll be surprised about how different the experience can be from the game's trailers.

Firewatch is an indie title that captures every player with its colorful aesthetics, gripping storyline, and lighthearted dialog from the main characters. Firewatch launched in 2016, and since then, some gamers have been wondering if the game is worth playing, while a few others are asking a particular question. Is Firewatch a scary game? If you are here, you must be looking for an answer, so get ready to find out if Firewatch will scare you like other indie titles.

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Is Firewatch a Horror Game?

No, Firewatch is not a horror game. Gamers may think Firewatch is a horror title from watching the game’s trailer, but the game is far from that. Firewatch offers players tense moments where the worst outcome comes from the players’ minds thinking about what scary scenario they’ll face next. However, the game doesn’t have scary images or jump scares.

Trashed campsite in Firewatch.
Image via Campo Santo

While playing Firewatch, I expected jump scares, monsters coming out of the woods, or a serial killer coming from behind me, but none of that happened throughout my playthrough. The game’s developers make you feel at the edge of your seat every time you need to leave your post, and all this is achieved through the game’s dialog, soundtrack, and scenery. When these three elements work together, Firewatch goes from a simple indie game to a gripping experience that will have you invested in all the mysteries and situations the game throws your way.

The game’s soundtrack makes you feel tense every time you go into a cave, learn something new about the terrain, or uncover something about an old mystery that had locals estranged. Playing Firewatch with your headphones on will be your best bet to experience the game as intended, so get the best pair of headphones available and enjoy all the mystery and thrill the game offers.

Firewatch‘s dialog between Henry and Delilah is another key element that makes the experience more captivating. Delilah is your only companion through your playthrough, and she plays a major role in building the game’s atmosphere. Delilah’s playful banter and feedback from what is happening around you will help you feel like a breathing part of the world, so don’t miss any opportunity to talk to her and learn more about her and your surroundings.

In some situations, Delilah’s input makes the difference between having an eerie or relaxed atmosphere in your playthrough. A relaxed hike can turn into a tense adventure at any time with the help of Delilah’s input and the game’s soundtrack, so do not underestimate how powerful a few lines of dialogue will be in your playthrough.

For more content about the game, go to our Firewatch guide hub.


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Author
Image of Carlos Hurtado
Carlos Hurtado
Carlos is a gaming writer for Gameskinny and a former freelance writer for Gamerant and Attack of the Fanboy, with many guides and news articles across both websites. When he is not camping on Insurgency: Sandstorm blaming his team, you can find him testing new weapon builds to beat sweaty players on Call of Duty: Warzone. Besides gaming, he likes to spend time with his family, watch old movies, and go to the beach.