Thick as Thieves Review: Is the Heist Worth It in 2026?

Our Thick as Thieves review confirms that this title, developed by Markdown Co, remains a distinct entry in the stealth genre for PC players in 2026. By blending 1910s aesthetics with magical elements, the game offers a cooperative experience centered on high-stakes heists and environmental navigation. Players looking for a tactical stealth challenge will find that the core gameplay loop—infiltrating, securing objectives, and escaping under pressure—provides a consistent test of coordination and timing.

Setting and Narrative Structure

The game takes place in Kilcairn, a fictional Scottish city where industrial technology and magic intersect. Players begin their journey by infiltrating the Thieves’ Guild to acquire the Vistara Diamond. This artifact functions as a primary gameplay tool, highlighting guards, traps, and hidden magical doors that contain high-value loot. The narrative unfolds over approximately 12 hours, focusing on the history of the city and a prominent local family. Much of this story is delivered through text-based communiques and scattered notes found within the levels, requiring players to actively search for lore rather than relying on cinematic exposition.

Thick as Thieves Co-op Gameplay Review

The core of the experience is built around cooperative play. While solo play is possible, the design favors teams of two who can utilize unique toolkits to overcome security measures. Thick as Thieves co-op gameplay review metrics indicate that communication is essential for managing mission objectives, which often involve simultaneous tasks. Because story details are frequently contained in notes that can be easily missed during the heat of a heist, players are encouraged to coordinate their search efforts to ensure the full narrative context is captured.

Stealth Mechanics and Level Design

Stealth in this game requires constant awareness of the environment. Players must navigate obstacles such as tripwires, pressure plates, rotating turrets, and magical surveillance eyes. The gameplay demands a slow, deliberate pace, often involving crouching to minimize noise and extinguishing light sources like candles and lamps. The level design is structured to force players into making frequent tactical decisions, such as choosing between a safer, longer route or a high-risk path that offers more loot. For more on the evolution of stealth titles, see our stealth games coverage.

What is the Verdict on Thick as Thieves

When assessing what is the verdict on Thick as Thieves for modern players, the evaluation rests on the balance between its mechanical depth and its limited content. The lock-picking minigame serves as a functional, repetitive task that punctuates the tension of the heist. The pressure of a ticking clock adds a layer of urgency, particularly during final escapes from locations like the Constable Guildhall. However, the game leaves players wanting more once the 12-hour campaign concludes. The lack of additional content or post-game modes is a notable limitation for those seeking long-term replayability. For further analysis of similar titles, check out our PC reviews archive.

Thick as Thieves PC Review Pros and Cons

In evaluating the overall experience, several clear advantages and disadvantages emerge for those considering a purchase in 2026:

• Strategic Depth: The level design encourages creative problem-solving and risk management.
• Cooperative Synergy: The unique character toolkits make the two-player experience feel distinct and necessary.
• Atmosphere: The 1910s Scottish setting combined with magical elements provides a unique visual and thematic identity.
• Narrative Accessibility: The decision to hide story elements in notes can lead to missed context, especially during intense co-op sessions.
• Content Volume: The 12-hour runtime is relatively brief, and the absence of expansive post-launch content limits the long-term value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Thick as Thieves worth buying in 2026?

Thick as Thieves is worth buying if you enjoy cooperative stealth games that prioritize puzzle-solving and level design over traditional combat.

Can you play Thick as Thieves in co-op?

Yes, Thick as Thieves is designed for co-op gameplay, which is the recommended way to experience the heist mechanics and unique character toolkits.

How long does it take to beat Thick as Thieves?

A typical playthrough of the main story in Thick as Thieves takes approximately 12 hours to complete.