Beholder received a generally favorable critical reception, but critics were more impressed by its grim surveillance premise and atmosphere than by the variety of its routine gameplay. Metacritic’s PC page displayed a 75 Metascore from 26 critic reviews when accessed in 2026: 18 positive, eight mixed and none negative. Metacritic’s PC critic page
What is Beholder?
Beholder is a dystopian strategy game released on November 9, 2016. You play a landlord installed by the state in a totalitarian country. Your job is to spy on tenants, collect information and decide whether to report people suspected of plotting against the government. Steam’s listing names Alawar Stargaze (Warm Lamp Games) as developer and Alawar as publisher.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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Beholder: Complete Edition (Nintendo Switch) | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Beholder 3 - For Nintendo Switch | $20.19 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Beholder 3 - PlayStation 4 | $19.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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AUSPDICE 32mm Beholder Miniature, DND Eye Monster for Tabletop RPGs, S01 | $13.70 | Buy on Amazon |
What did critics think of Beholder?
The 75 Metascore is Metacritic’s live PC critic aggregate, not a permanent or universal verdict. Its 26-review distribution was 69% positive, 31% mixed and 0% negative when accessed in 2026. The score points to a game that found a receptive audience among critics, while the mixed reviews show that its concept did not overcome every concern about execution. Metacritic
What critics praised
Reviewers responded to the central moral conflict: surveillance is not just a setting, but the player’s work, and reporting a tenant can carry real human consequences. Critics also highlighted the oppressive mood, distinctive monochrome character art, music and narrative stakes.
#1 Best Overall
- You must SIGHT and LISTEN on the sly.
- You must HUSME in the flats while the inhabitants are gone.
- You must SEARCH their rooms for anything that might threaten the authority of the State.
- You must create PEOPLE PROFILES and REPORT anyone capable of violating laws or conspiring against the State.
- You'll meet dozens of characters.you'll complete dozens of missions..You will make decisions that will eventually affect the way the story unfolds..You will determine one of the multiple possible endings in the game.the end for which you are completely and exclusively responsible.
GamingTrend summed up the blend as “a management sim and a moral quandary all in one.” GameGrin praised its presentation and design, calling it “a gem that should be experienced by everyone at least once,” while also describing the experience as oppressive and depressing. These are excerpts attributed to the publications on Metacritic, not a single shared critic statement. Metacritic review excerpts
What critics criticized
The main reservation was that the moment-to-moment play could feel repetitive beside the strength of the premise. GameSpot’s review summary said the strong concept was held back by “repetition and an unexciting script.” Eurogamer Poland’s displayed excerpt likewise judged the theme and difficult decisions stronger than the gameplay.
Rank #2
- Work two jobs: in an apartment block and in the Ministry
- Different political factions are fighting for power. Pick your side wisely.
- Complete quests from the Ministry: promote the ideology of the totalitarian state, manipulate flags and spread whatever propaganda you’re told to
- Install surveillance cameras and search apartments and offices
- Maintain your cover by doing everyday chores like paying bills, fixing up apartments, and keeping your tenants happy
Routine management could also intrude on the narrative: High-Def Digest noted that residents’ schedules interrupted the story and described the game as too short. Together, these comments suggest a distinctive, tightly focused experience whose atmosphere and choices made a stronger impression than its gameplay variety did for some reviewers. Metacritic review excerpts Metacritic
Metascore and user score are different measures
Metacritic’s overall Beholder page displayed a 7.7 user score from 414 user ratings when accessed in 2026. That figure comes from user ratings, not the 26 professional PC critic reviews behind the 75 Metascore, so the two scores should not be treated as interchangeable. Metacritic’s overall page
Rank #3
- Work two jobs: in an apartment block and in the Ministry
- Different political factions are fighting for power. Pick your side wisely.
- Complete quests from the Ministry: promote the ideology of the totalitarian state, manipulate flags and spread whatever propaganda you’re told to
- Install surveillance cameras and search apartments and offices
- Maintain your cover by doing everyday chores like paying bills, fixing up apartments, and keeping your tenants happy
Is Beholder worth playing?
It is a stronger fit if you want a narrative strategy game built around surveillance, moral pressure and a bleak atmosphere—and are comfortable with repetitive routines and limited gameplay variety. If you mainly want a varied management loop, the reservations critics raised may matter more than the premise’s appeal. The reviews describe a focused game with memorable thematic tension, not a broad simulation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Beholder: Conductor the same game?
No. Beholder: Conductor is an official series spin-off, announced as available on Steam on April 23, 2025. It is separate from the 2016 game covered by the critic aggregate above; its announcement describes a narrative-driven experience involving passenger monitoring, secret missions, consequential choices and multiple endings. Official Steam Community announcements
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Detailed Miniature: This miniature meticulously with lifelike features and an intricate design. for wargaming and gaming purposes,compatible with most tabletop RPG environments.
- High-Quality Printing: The miniature is produced using advanced 3D printing technology, ensuring intricate details and a premium finish.
- Durable Material: Crafted from sturdy and long-lasting materials, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear and tear.
- Painting Required: The miniature comes unpainted, allowing for customization and creativity in painting and detailing.
- Versatile Usage:Suitable for professional tabletop RPG games as DND and many other RPGs.Or as a collectible display piece for miniature enthusiasts.
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