Police Stories: The Academy
Released Aug 2022
Welcome, trainee! Use tactics and special equipment to become a true cop in the free version of Police Stories: The Academy. Neutralize criminals, search for clues and find a "rat" in the police station alone or in co-op with a partner.
91% positive · 1,534 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Where to get it
Free on Steam
Evaluation
Police Stories: The Academy is a free standalone prequel to Police Stories, released on August 2, 2022. It launched as a self-contained package with three missions, a new story, and co-op support. No post-launch content updates, DLC, or expansions have been announced or shipped for The Academy itself.
All four developer news posts in the context (Devlogs #5 through #8, published between October 2025 and August 2026) are focused entirely on Police Stories 2, a separate upcoming game in the series. These devlogs detail new mechanics and systems under development for the sequel — officer recruitment stats, interactive environment elements, level design processes, and new equipment — but make no mention of new content coming to The Academy. Each post also includes a direct store link to the Police Stories 2 Steam page, reinforcing that the sequel is a distinct product.
The Academy appears to serve as a promotional entry point for the broader Police Stories franchise. It launched complete and has remained unchanged since August 2, 2022. There is no evidence of any planned or unshipped content for this game.
Evidence
Store description presents The Academy as a free standalone prequel with 3 missions, a new story, and co-op — a complete, self-contained package with no mention of future content.
Devlog #8 details new tools and mechanics being developed for Police Stories 2, a separate upcoming sequel. No mention of new content for The Academy. Includes a direct Steam link to Police Stories 2.
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
HypeTrain Digital
Achievements
—
Platform
Windows
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Not rated
Players
Single-player · Multiplayer · Co-op · Local/Split Screen
About this game
Police Stories: The Academy is a free version of Police Stories with a new story, missions, and locations. Here, Rick and John are still inexperienced trainees who are just learning to be cops.
Another day at the police academy goes awry when unrest breaks out in the city. To make matters worse, a "rat" who works with the local mafia has turned up at the police station. And, of course, only two student cops can defy all the trouble!
Like the original game, The Academy is inspired by SWAT 4 and cop TV shows. A fresh take on top-down shooters with an emphasis on tactics where decisions have to be made in a split second. Rescue hostages, neutralize criminals and defuse bombs in single-player or co-op mode. And remember, shooting first is not the best decision!
- 3 new missions and locations, plus the police academy training ground. Help young Rick and John become brutal cops!
- The Surrender System allows you to apprehend the suspects without resorting to violence. Fire a warning shot near them or engage them in melee combat - those are just some of the ways you can make them submit.
- Issue commands to your fellow cop Rick Jones. Make sure to use him wisely - and who knows, he might save your life in return.
- Randomly placed criminals, hostages and evidence make every level run unique. The placement changes every time you restart, leading to new interesting situations and opportunities.
- As a law enforcement officer, you will have access to end-of-the-line police equipment, such as under-the-door cameras, door blast charges and many others.
- Various types of lawbreakers, from small petty criminals to well organised gangs and terrorists. Each type has not only unique weapons, but different behaviour and shooting skill.
- Complex Tactical Gameplay: Try not to get spotted, don't waste bullets, regularly check your surroundings and make sure to take criminals down quietly.
- All your actions are scored in real time. Playing aggressively won't get you a high enough result to start the next mission - so keep that in mind!
- Co-op. Complete mission together for better scores and more fun!
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Oct 3, 2026
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