Unsolved Case

Puzzle· Escape Room· Mystery· Point & Click

Released Nov 2022

A new lead turns up old doubts about an 'Unsolved Case'. A trap, or a copycat killer? In this co-op puzzle game prequel to the award-winning Cryptic Killer series, put on your detective badges as you collaborate and communicate to crack the codes, solve the riddles, and catch the Cryptic Killer.

87% positive · 6,710 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

Steam Free

Evaluation

Unsolved Case launched on November 24, 2022 as a free, standalone prequel to Eleven Puzzles' Cryptic Killer series. The developer has been explicit from the start that this is a contained, self-contained experience — a 30–60 minute cooperative puzzle game designed as a free entry point to the series, not an ongoing content platform. The game has received maintenance and quality-of-life updates since launch: a significant backend rework in January 2023 (Patch 1.2.0), multilanguage support added in April 2024 (Patch 1.4.0), a server-selection feature in August 2025 (Patch 1.5.0), and a security patch in October 2025 (Patch 1.5.1). These are all infrastructure and accessibility improvements, not new story or gameplay content. The developer's creative energy has been directed toward new entries in the Cryptic Killer series. The sequel, Unboxing the Cryptic Killer, launched in April 2023. The next game in the series, Parallel Experiment, was announced in December 2024 and launched in March 2025. Unsolved Case's role as the free, permanent entry point to the series remains unchanged. The most recent developer communication for this game was in March 2026, addressing a technical decision to suspend sales in Russia due to server connectivity issues — a service/operations matter, not a content one. No new story content, DLC, or expansions have ever been announced or hinted at for Unsolved Case itself. The game launched as a complete, intentionally compact product and that has not changed.

Evidence

Developer launch post describes Unsolved Case as a free, permanent entry point to the Cryptic Killer series — a self-contained 30–60 minute experience with no post-launch content cycle announced.

news post · Nov 25, 2022 source content shipped

high

Store description positions the game as a free standalone prequel with a 30–60 minute focused playthrough — no mention of ongoing updates, seasons, or additional content.

description source content shipped

high

Media

Details

Developer

Eleven Puzzles

Publisher

Eleven Puzzles

Achievements

Platform

Windows, macOS

Controller

—

Steam Deck

Not rated

Players

Multiplayer · Co-op

Puzzle Escape Room Mystery Point & Click Adventure Casual Exploration 2D Cartoony Comic Book Logic Hand-drawn Detective Crime Investigation

About this game

IMPORTANT: "Unsolved Case" is a 2-player cooperative puzzle game that requires each player to have their own copy on either mobile, tablet, PC or Mac . Internet connection and voice communication are essential. Need a Player Two? Join our Discord community - find the link in the game details on the right!

CRACK THE UNSOLVED CASE

Unsolved Case is the free, standalone prequel to the cooperative point-and-click puzzle game series 'Cryptic Killer'.

Dip your toes in and go back to where it all began as you team up as detective duo Old Dog and Ally against the Cryptic Killer. For the first time in the series, you'll encounter a labyrinth of puzzles and challenges laid by one of the most devious minds in the world. Solve puzzles, crack codes, and find a way out.

Do you have what it takes to crack the Unsolved Case of the Cryptic Killer? Crack the case during a focused playthrough of 30-60 minutes—perfect for a night of puzzle solving.

THE STORY SO FAR

Years ago, the twisted Cryptic Killer was put away behind bars at the infamous Anagram Asylum. But today, he's back, and he's taunting the detectives. Did they catch the wrong guy, or are they looking at a copycat killer?

A new lead arrives in the form of a mysterious locked box, delivered directly to their addresses. Detectives Ally and Old Dog are once again sent on a chase that'll challenge them unlike any case before. Explore new locations, crack codes, and unravel the mystery. In this prequel, you're invited to step into the detectives' shoes and return to where it all began.

THE ONLY WAY TO ESCAPE IS TO WORK TOGETHER

Two minds are better than one, and the only way you'll be able to crack the Cryptic Killer's codes is by working together. Through separate screens, you and your friend will each be given half of a puzzle at each location. Communicate, collaborate, and work together to push your puzzle-solving skills to the limit.

FEATURES LIST

Full Game for Free
Get started as detectives Ally and Old Dog with this complete prequel game at no cost, providing a glimpse into the larger puzzle series.
30-60 Minutes of Puzzle Solving
Immerse yourself in an adventure filled with engaging puzzles, designed to be resolved within half an hour to an hour.
Two Player Co-Op
In Unsolved Case, the detectives are separated. You’ll see different items and clues than your partner and will be tested on your communication!
Challenging Collaborative Puzzles
Two brains are better than one when it comes to cracking the Cryptic Killer's codes.
Explore Illustrated World
Unsolved Case's hand-illustrated environments are inspired by noir novels.
Draw on… Everything!
You cannot solve a case without taking notes. At any time in the game, you can whip out a notebook and pen to make notes and scribble on your environment.