PC gamers looking for a fun new game to play may want to check out the strongly reviewed adventure game that’s been made available for free on Steam. This one should be especially enticing for dog lovers as well.
The game is The Red Lantern, which was originally released in late 2021 by Kepler Interactive. Originally priced at $24.99, the game is completely free on Steam until the promotion ends on June 18, 2026, at 1:00 PM. This is notably a free-to-keep offer, so once it’s claimed, it will stay in players’ libraries after the promotional period ends.
Travel Through the Alaskan Wilderness With 5 Dogs
Developed by Timberline Studio, The Red Lantern is a narrative adventure game where the player leads a team of five sled dogs through the Alaskan wilderness. Along with caring for the canines and learning about their stories, players must also stay alert with added survival elements. Staying alive means managing resources, caring for the team of sled dogs, and learning from failures amid the journey home. Aside from the dogs, there will be many other animals to see, though some of them may be vicious, especially when exploring at night.
The dogs are the heart of the game. Players will start out by choosing which dogs they want to complete their team, each one with a unique personality and backstory. Taking care of them will require hunting to collect meat along with taking care of them at camp, allowing them to rest when necessary. Dogs can also be trained after reaching the cabin at the end of the journey, and the remaining animals can be adopted. The Red Lantern even offers a “Zen Mode,” where the player can relax and just let the dogs run without worrying about any encounters.
The Red Lantern Has “Very Positive” Reviews
Reviews for The Red Lantern are categorized as “very positive” by Steam players. One person praises the game for being a “beautiful fairy tale, an adventure and a lesson in humility all at once.” Others have given acclaim to the game’s art style and storytelling elements, though some have warned that it can also be challenging at times when it comes to survival. Perhaps the most common qualm is that the playthrough is a bit short, but given that it’s currently available for free, there’s still not much to lose by checking it out, even if it can be beaten rather quickly.
The official Steam listing reads, “You play as the Musher as she makes the rash decision to start a new life in Alaska. Along with her best friend Chomper, she assembles a dog sledding team and embarks on a journey to find her new home. Unfortunately, she isn’t quite prepared for this adventure. She must learn to adapt so she can take care of herself and her dogs as they try to find their way through the wilderness.”
The Red Lantern is free to keep via Steam from now until June 18.
- Released
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October 22, 2020
- ESRB
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t
- Engine
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unity
- Multiplayer
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Online Multiplayer