Epic Tavern
Early access since Sep 2017
Award Winner: PAX 10 2019 | Winner, Momocon 2018 Indie Games Awards | "A fascinating reverse-RPG" - PC Gamer | "A cross between The Sims and a rousing game of Dungeons and Dragons" - Geek & Sundry
57% positive · 345 reviews
Not yet
In early access, still in active development
Medium confidence
Active Development
Not yet
In early access, still in active development
Medium confidence
Active Development
Where to buy
Steam $24.99 Green Man Gaming Steam key $24.99
Can't confirm — worth a look
We couldn't confirm these stores carry this game.
IndieGala Steam key Search Prices in USD, as listed by each store.
Buying through an affiliate store helps support the site
Evaluation
Epic Tavern has been in Early Access since September 2017 and remains so today — the Steam Early Access flag is still active. Hyperkinetic Studios has maintained a long development history across this period, shipping multiple major content updates and feature patches over the years.
The most recent developer communication was on October 23, 2025, when Build 1209 ("Foundations of Fate") was released. This update migrated the game to Unity 2021, rebuilt core systems including the adventurer lifecycle and death/recovery mechanics, and overhauled data and tooling infrastructure. The developer explicitly stated this foundational work "marks the completion of critical groundwork" and that "the tavern is alive, and development continues with renewed energy" — framing the release as a stepping stone toward further visible content, not a conclusion.
Looking at the broader history, the game has seen multiple substantial updates: a major quest and systems overhaul in December 2018 ("Invasion of the Nether Queen"), a narrative and skills patch in June 2019, feature patches in November 2021 and October 2022, and the Critical Choices major content update in July 2023. The October 2025 build extends this pattern. As of today, October 8, 2026, the last developer communication was on October 23, 2025 — approximately one year ago. While this is a noticeable gap, the October 2025 post explicitly committed to continued development, and the game's update history shows periodic long intervals between substantial releases. The developer has never indicated development is winding down or that a 1.0 release is imminent.
This remains an unfinished Early Access title with a stated commitment to further development.
Evidence
Build 1209 (Foundations of Fate) released: major engine migration to Unity 2021, core system rebuilds, and explicit statement that 'development continues with renewed energy' and the codebase is ready to support new visible content.
Critical Choices major content update shipped, overhauling the adventuring system with new side quests, conditional choices, and spirit management.
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
Epic Tavern Holdings
Achievements
25
Platform
Windows
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Not rated
Players
Single-player
About this game
Award Winner: PAX 10 2019
Winner, Momocon 2018 Indie Games Awards
"A fascinating reverse-RPG" - PC Gamer
"A cross between The Sims and a rousing game of Dungeons and Dragons"
- Geek & Sundry
One of "The Best New Steam Games You Might Have Missed This Week"
- Rock, Paper, Shotgun
Epic Tavern is a narrative-focused fantasy-management-RPG where you rule the land from your Tavern. Recruit heroes, send them on quests, and reap the rewards! Build a legendary Tavern to attract Heroes from every corner of a dangerous and magical world. By bringing together courageous parties and sending them off on dangerous (and oftentimes crazy) adventures, every decision you make will alter the destiny of your Epic Tavern!
Player Choice: In Epic Tavern, every quest choice made and every adventurer befriended could unlock new quests, new alliances, or access to characters, items, and tavern building opportunities. The experience grows as you play - your choices will directly steer the fate of your intrepid adventurers!
The Tavernmaster: You and your tavern are at the center of a world full of danger, intrigue and unlimited adventure. Your every choice determines the future of your establishment, bringing heroes and stories together in fellowships that will become the stuff of legend. This is where friendships are made, and where great adventures are started. In Epic Tavern, you build the destiny of your world, one drink at a time.
The Adventurers: A multitude of characters drawn from 20+ classes and walks of life will visit your tavern. Mages, warriors, assassins, and more will be at your disposal! Befriend them over drinks and learn their secrets. Between quests, take their experience, level them up, and influence the nature of their destiny.
The World: You will send your new friends on quests to explore the land of Beor. These quests unfold into an epic storyline unique to your playthrough. Epic Tavern pushes the limits of a player-centric narrative and creates a brand new model of the classic RPG experience. The impact of your choices will inexorably change your adventurers and the World itself!
Attract Adventurers: Build a legendary Tavern that draws the greatest heroes in the world. Befriend your patrons by loosening them up with frothy pints and hire the Adventurers whose traits you desire.
Unlock Quests: Perk up your ears and listen for whispers and rumors to find the opportunities you'd like your Adventurers to pursue.
Assemble your Party: Choose your heroes based on their skills and strengths. Equip them with special weapons and relics, and then send them off to claim victory in their quests.
Track their Progress: Follow your party on the map and see in detail how the quest is unfolding. Each encounter could yield treasure and XP, or tragedy and defeat.
Sort Out the Results: Use what is earned to boost your Tavern's renown, level-up your victorious Heroes, and prepare for ever more treacherous quests.
Not All Challenges are Overcome: Expect to meet failures on your path to glory. Whether or not a quest ends in victory, expect your adventurers to change! Every triumph and every sorrow weave the fabric of your world's unique destiny.
The Path of Transformation: Quests will lead to important changes in your characters. What if your decision to send a fatigued and injured character on a quest leads to critical failure that results in a Total Party Kill? It’s not just a matter of who you send, but also of what happens to them on their travels.
Grand adventure awaits in the world of Epic Tavern!
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Oct 8, 2026
Something about this evaluation looks wrong Report illegal or harmful content