Thief-Inspired Stealth Horror Game The Citadel Project Launches November 11
Reliquary Software's dark fantasy adventure puts players in a hostile fortress where staying hidden matters more than fighting.
The Citadel Project, a first-person stealth game inspired by Thief, will launch in Steam Early Access on November 11, 2026. Developed by solo creator Reliquary Software, the game combines dark fantasy, survival horror, and stealth inside an enormous medieval fortress.
Players control an escaped prisoner exploring the Citadel, a structure built by ancient kings to protect humanity from the Great Storm. A mysterious infection has since overrun the fortress, leaving its inhabitants hostile and its corridors dangerous to explore.
The Citadel Project makes darkness essential to survival
Stealth is the main focus of The Citadel Project, with players relying on shadows and their surroundings rather than direct combat. The game features a dynamic lighting system that calculates how visible players are to enemies based on nearby light sources.
Players can hide in dark corners, extinguish lights, and find alternative routes through the fortress. Staying out of sight is especially important when dealing with infected guards and civilians, who cannot be killed through conventional attacks.
Instead, players can sneak behind enemies and remove the infected growths on their backs. Bodies left in visible locations may alert nearby enemies, while pushing opponents off ledges or into environmental hazards offers another way to deal with threats.
Crossbow bolts open new paths through the fortress
The player's main tool is a crossbow equipped with different types of bolts. Rope bolts help reach higher areas, while fire bolts can eliminate threats. Other ammunition can be used to extinguish light sources or distract enemies.
The Citadel's vertical architecture encourages players to explore beyond the obvious routes. Hidden passages, useful supplies, and notes scattered throughout the fortress provide opportunities to uncover its history while avoiding danger.
Free Steam demo available before Early Access
Reliquary Software released a free demo on September 30, allowing players to try the game's stealth mechanics before launch. The upcoming Early Access version will include two playable areas and approximately three to four hours of gameplay, with additional exploration potentially extending that time.
The developer expects Early Access to last between one and two years. Plans for the full release include six additional areas, more enemies and items, expanded progression systems, and improvements to enemy AI. Players can download the demo and wishlist The Citadel Project through its official Steam page.