We Happy Few is an intriguing but uneven single-player adventure: its alternative-1960s England and Joy-obsessed society are the main draw, while critics have also faulted its gameplay execution, pacing, performance, and tedium. Metacritic’s critic aggregate is mixed, so it is a better fit for players drawn to the setting and story than for those seeking consistently smooth action.
What is We Happy Few about?
Developed by Compulsion Games, We Happy Few is an action-adventure set in an alternative 1960s England where society is organized around a drug called Joy. Steam’s description sums up the player’s options as: “Hide, fight and conform your way out of this delusional, Joy-obsessed world.” Steam store page
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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We Happy Few - PlayStation 4 | $19.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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We Happy Few Deluxe Edition - Xbox One | $13.23 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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We Happy Few - Xbox One | $9.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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The Art of We Happy Few | $23.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The premise gives the game a distinctive identity. Reviews point to the setting and narrative as appealing elements, but those strengths do not erase concerns about how the experience plays and unfolds.
What do critics think of We Happy Few?
Metacritic gives the game a 62 Metascore, based on 60 critic reviews, and classifies the result as “Mixed or Average.” Its critic-review breakdown is 13% positive, 78% mixed, and 8% negative; the percentages may not total exactly 100 because of rounding. These are Metacritic’s aggregate figures, not a verdict on every player’s experience. Metacritic: We Happy Few
#1 Best Overall
- Play as three flawed characters who explore their own connections to the events surrounding the rebuilding of Wellington Wells
- Each character has a unique storyline in which they interpret and react to the events around them in different ways
- As you hide, conform, or fight back as character, you will encounter dark humor, a spot of hope, and even some redemption along the way
- In We happy few, No two playthroughs are alike
- While the citizens of Wellington Wells will always want to ensure that you've taken your Joy the procedurally generated world will ensure that your experience with We Happy Few is different and unique
The split is useful context for prospective players: reviewers found reasons to respond to the world and story, but also raised objections to execution, performance, pacing, or tedium. The overall score reflects that divided reception rather than a clear consensus that the game is either a must-play or a failure.
Is We Happy Few worth playing?
It may suit you if an unusual dystopian setting and narrative are more important than consistently polished pacing or gameplay. If you mainly want tightly executed action and dislike drawn-out or tedious stretches, the review concerns are a meaningful reason to be cautious. That recommendation reflects critic commentary, not a claim based on personal play.
Rank #2
- Includes both the We happy few game, and the Season Pass
- Aside from a procedurally generated world, there are many ways to customize your We Happy Few experience as you choose from a range of difficulties for new and experienced players alike
- Play through the story, or customize the sandbox world to your liking
- Try permadeath, if you want to satisfy all your masochistic needs; Collect recipes, scavenge items, and craft dozens of weapons, tools, and devices
- Creep, crush, or conform your way through puzzles and encounters, and; Fight with your bare hands or the crazy weapons you create
Before choosing a version, confirm the platform and whether you want only the base game or its additional story content. The storefront lists the base game and three DLC items: Roger & James in They Came From Below, Lightbearer, and We All Fall Down. Check the store page for current regional availability and what each item includes. Steam store page
What platforms is We Happy Few on?
Metacritic lists We Happy Few for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One; it gives the release date as August 10, 2018. Steam also lists August 10, 2018, and identifies Compulsion Games as both developer and publisher. Metacritic identifies Compulsion Games as developer and Gearbox Publishing as publisher, so publisher attribution differs between the two listings. Metacritic: We Happy Few Steam store page
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Rank #3
- Play as three flawed characters who explore their own connections to the events surrounding the rebuilding of Wellington Wells
- Each character has a unique storyline in which they interpret and react to the events around them in different ways
- As you hide, conform, or fight back as character, you will encounter dark humor, a Spot of hope, and even some redemption along the way
- In We Happy Few, No two playthroughs are alike
- While the citizens of Wellington Wells will always want to ensure that you've taken your Joy the procedurally generated world will ensure that your experience with We Happy Few is different and unique
Those platform listings do not establish current physical stock, regional prices, or the availability of a particular edition. Check the relevant platform or retailer listing for the exact version before buying.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you buy the base game or DLC?
Steam lists three DLC items alongside the game: Roger & James in They Came From Below, Lightbearer, and We All Fall Down. The listing establishes their names, but not region-specific availability or all of their contents. If you are interested in additional content, review the current storefront descriptions and confirm whether the base game or a bundle is required before purchasing. Steam store page
Quick Recap
Rank #4
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