Firewatch is one of the more underrated games out there. Compared to others on the market that are geared towards a battle royale mode, Firewatch banks on a more soul-searching approach through the eyes of the main character, Henry.
Focusing on solitude, space, and ultimately finding oneself, Firewatch is a game that explores nature in every sense of the word. Set against the Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming, this video game is designed to give more than just a storytelling tour that captivates at every turn.
If you want a truly engaging, twisted, and sinister game that’s designed to give you unparalleled gaming experiences, you’re in for a treat. Take a look at how this video game works and what it has to offer.
Getting to Know Firewatch
Created by Campo Santo, Firewatch was first released on February 9, 2016. It is a single-player first-person video game set in storytelling mode. This means that every choice players like you make affects the overall outcome of the story.
The game stars a young man named Henry, who has a summer job looking out for fires in the picturesque Shoshone National Forest in Cody, Wyoming after a life with his wife, Julia.
In search of solitude and space, Henry takes players along with him for the ride, seeking out answers for life’s most complicated questions. Although thrust in a place of solitude, Henry is never truly alone – he speaks with his supervisor, Delilah, about the things happening in the forest.
Riveting and story-driven, Firewatch is set in the summer of 1989 and takes players on a thrilling and gripping ride that evolves with every decision. Spanning days and weeks at a time, this game turns from a fun and light game to a dark and mysterious one – all while watching the stories of Henry and Delilah unfold right before your very eyes.
How to Play Firewatch
A story-driven video game, Firewatch is propelled by the actions and choices of players. At the very beginning, it starts off by giving players an overview of Henry’s life with his wife Julia and the circumstances that propelled him to find solace in the forest.
As you learn more about Henry, you’ll be given the option to choose a dog that Julia and Henry will be adopting and other key decisions that can influence what the main character does at some points. Later on, you’ll be hiking through the forest and doing tasks assigned by Delilah. At times, you also need to find certain clues.
As you first run the game, you’ll be given the option to make decisions or choices in a limited amount of time based on the available options on the screen. This includes the timeline from Henry’s relationship with Julia up to Delilah’s tasks and prompts.
These choices will help further the story of the game and will determine the eventual outcome. These choices can take the conversation with Delilah, the supervisor, in different directions, one that can easily strengthen or destroy your relationship. Simple as that.
Some pro-tips to navigate the game, however, would be to constantly check the map, use the radio for everything and communicate with Delilah, explore the park, and of course, take photos using the camera. All of these are essential for inspecting the happenings in the game.
Where to Get Firewatch
As of writing this article, the game is available for purchase for only $19.99. This can be played on a variety of platforms, including Mac, Linux, and Windows. It can also be played on the Playstation 4, Nintendo Switch, and the Xbox One.
The Bottom Line
Now that you know more about Firewatch, you can now appreciate this gaming mode. In no time, you can discover not only more about the mysterious blanket covering the Shoshone National Forest but also learn more about yourself through the emotional storytelling of this game.