Wicknick is an action, indie, and adventure game for PC that centers on managing a single lantern's light while navigating dangerous darkness with up to three other players. The core loop involves keeping the flame alive, passing or throwing the lantern between crew members, collecting loot, and fending off threats that emerge outside the glow. Combat and movement feel restricted without the light, as stepping into the dark drains health and awakens violet-eyed dangers. The game supports online co-op through Steam, local play on one screen with gamepads or shared keyboard, and solo sessions where a single player recalls the lantern and hauls larger items alone.
Gameplay
The central mechanic revolves around the lantern as both protection and limitation. Inside its glow, players stay safe and deal full damage with sword strikes. Outside it, health drains steadily while enemies become active. The lantern holder cannot carry loot, and loot carriers cannot fight effectively, forcing constant coordination. Larger chests require two players to lift, triggering an alarm that summons waves of enemies at lift landings until the elevator arrives.
Passing and throwing the lantern add tension and strategy. A quick tap hands it to a nearby ally, while holding the button throws it across gaps for a catch. Flashing the light stuns approaching foes or parries attacks at the perfect moment. A fallen player becomes a wisp that drifts until the light returns to revive them. Four distinct puppet characters each bring their own sword style, encouraging varied approaches to chaining basic strikes, charging heavy blows that break armor, and timing flashes for critical damage. Blows lose most of their power in darkness, making positioning around the lantern essential.
Enemies test different aspects of light management. Snuffers attempt to seize the lantern and drag it into shadow. Pouncers lurk at the glow's edge before leaping at exposed players. Clouds of motes swarm the lantern itself to drain its fuel. The Brute's stone armor cracks under a well-timed flash, though its slam attack can still reach targets inside the light. Gems collected during runs purchase toll lamps, lamp posts, and spring boxes that ease future toll payments. Strays encountered in the dark can be carried home if a player has a free hand.
Game Modes
Wicknick offers flexible player counts without separate named modes. Online co-op lets a host invite friends or join existing crews for sessions of one to four players. Local multiplayer supports up to four on a single PC using gamepads, with two players able to share a keyboard. Solo play removes the crew dynamic but keeps the same core loop, allowing one player to manage the lantern and drag heavy chests independently. All options share the same progression systems, including gem spending and stray rescues. Controls are fully rebindable, with support for 14 languages and button prompts that can be switched between Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch styles in the settings menu.
Core Loop and Progression
Each run follows a clear structure from descent to payout. Players enter the dark district carrying the lantern, explore for loot while protecting the light, and eventually lift a chest that raises an alarm. At the bottom landing they set the lantern down and defend the position through successive enemy waves until the lift cage descends. Back at the surface, the haul is measured against a toll. Paying the toll restores district lights and leaves the remainder as the crew's share. Falling short triggers a blunt dismissal from the Chandler. Gems earned offset future tolls through purchases of helpful items, creating a light layer of persistent progression across runs.
Is It Worth Playing?
Wicknick suits players who enjoy coordinated co-op action with a strong emphasis on resource management and positioning. The lantern system creates constant decision-making around who holds the light, who carries loot, and how to handle threats that punish isolation. Local and online options make it accessible for groups or solo adventurers comfortable with the same mechanics. The distinct sword styles and enemy behaviors reward practice with timing and teamwork. Those drawn to indie action-adventure experiences that blend light survival elements with melee combat and simple extraction loops will find a focused, repeatable experience here. The game runs on PC with broad controller and accessibility options already built in.
