Citadel Project Escapes Into Steam Early Access
Solo studio Reliquary Software's stealth game, a sickle-wielding prisoner's escape from a medieval fortress, lands in early access on November 11.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Gaming
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Reliquary Software has released a demo of The Citadel Project, a stealth game casting the player as a sickle-wielding prisoner trying to escape a fortress patrolled by shambling undead guards. The full game launches into Steam early access on November 11.
Why it matters
The release gives players a first look at a solo-developed title that blends the designs of Thief and Dark Messiah with the megastructure trend popular in first-person indie games. Shadow-shrouded environments and a stealth-first approach set it apart in a crowded indie landscape.
The demo drops players into subterranean caverns after an escape from incarceration, where the crossbow fires water bolts and moss quarrels. Early access arrives on Steam on November 11, with pricing and full content scope not yet specified.
The players
Reliquary Software
A solo indie studio responsible for The Citadel Project, a stealth game drawing on the design traditions of Thief and Dark Messiah.
Nightdive Studios
A developer known for remastering classic PC games, including the upcoming Thief Remastered.
The details
The Citadel Project features bonfire-style checkpoints where characters can be upgraded, a combat parry system, and mechanics that let players shove enemies off ledges into spike traps. Its story is conveyed through item descriptions and notes collected during play.
Timeline
November 11: The Citadel Project launches into Steam early access.
December 3: Nightdive's Thief Remastered is scheduled to launch.
December: A Ubisoft-approved community edition of Dark Messiah, adding co-op and new modes, is due.
Gaming Lineage
The Citadel Project draws directly on the immersive stealth design of Thief and Dark Messiah while adopting the megastructure-based level design now common in first-person indie games. Its release arrives alongside a Thief remaster and a Dark Messiah community edition, two signs of renewed interest in that lineage.
Players can wishlist and join The Citadel Project through Steam early access starting November 11, giving them the chance to try the game before its full release. Those interested in the Thief and Dark Messiah lineage can also look forward to the Thief Remastered launch on December 3 and the Dark Messiah community edition due in December.
The takeaway
Stealth fans have several titles to follow this winter, from a new indie escape game to remasters of two classic immersive-sim franchises. Checking Steam for the November 11 early access date is the simplest way to try The Citadel Project firsthand.
What happens next
The Citadel Project enters Steam early access on November 11, Thief Remastered launches December 3, and the Dark Messiah community edition is due in December.
Further reading
For more on the games shaping this genre, browse the latest in Gaming.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pcgamer.
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