Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 75 | 25 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 96% | 90 | 772 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 80 | 12 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 98% | 94 | 829 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Acclaim gate: the raw blend lands at 91.4, but scores above 88 must be earned in front of a mass audience; this verdict rests on 1,576 player reviews, a largely self-selected fanbase. As more players weigh in, the ceiling rises (full scale unlocks at 100,000 reviews).
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (May 13, 2024) · 300 reviews sampled · 829 total reviews in window · weighted 226.3 up / 4.2 down · computed 1h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (21)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 90
“Despite its difficulty, Withering Rooms is a very entertaining game that you simply have to finish at all costs. But one playthrough definitely won’t be enough, you’ll also need to see the other endings to better understand the whole story. The game also offers plenty of puzzles (some of which are a bit trickier) that provide a pleasant challenge. Personally, I also really enjoyed meeting new characters, searching for hidden paths, and, of course, changing Nightingale’s outfits. The Medusa Head is my favorite piece in the main character’s wardrobe. Even if you’re not a fan of the Souls games, you should definitely give this one a try, as it’s surprisingly addictive.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Withering Rooms tells an unhinged story of various descents into insanity. Nightingale Williams is an interesting focal point for these crazed inhabitants that all dwell inside an ancient idol’s dream world. This great hook is partnered with a robust roguelite inventory to make things a harrowing survival with every step. Mostyn House is not for the faint of heart, those braving the corridors of this nightmare will find a fun yet disturbing time, just be prepared to swap between difficulties in some situations.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Withering Rooms isn’t for the faint of heart, but for those who persevere, a world of rewarding challenges, twisted horrors, and deep satisfying progression awaits.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“By the end of Withering Rooms, what remains is a layered and difficult-to-define impression that resists any neat or definitive judgement. his is not a game striving for conventional polish or immediate accessibility, but rather one that derives its value from atmosphere, experimentation, and an unmistakably singular creative vision. It is precisely this strong, at times uncompromising identity that makes it as fascinating as it is divisive. Its most striking quality is its creative ambition. In a genre often defined by familiar conventions, Withering Rooms attempts to bring together survival horror, roguelite structure, and RPG mechanics in one cohesive framework. The integration is not always perfectly smooth, but it makes clear the game’s intent to move beyond well-worn genre boundaries. The result is uneven at times, yet it achieves something increasingly uncommon: a game that resists easy categorisation or straightforward comparison. Atmosphere, however, is where the game most consistently succeeds. The Mostyn House, with its shifting architecture and near-living presence, functions as more than a setting, it becomes the structural and emotional core of the experience. It is a space that does not merely frame the action, but actively shapes it, sustaining a persistent sense of unease. That said, Withering Rooms is unmistakably designed for a specific audience. It is neither immediately legible nor particularly forgiving. Its roguelite structure, fragmented narrative delivery, and reliance on iterative learning create a deliberate barrier to entry. Progress is earned through repetition, observation, and adaptation rather than explicit guidance, demanding a level of patience and engagement that not all players will be willing to offer. One of the game’s more interesting qualities is the way it absorbs its own imperfections into its design language. Repetition, narrative opacity, and occasional mechanical rigidity are not fully disguised; instead, they often become part of the broader atmosphere of instability and disorientation. This does not always work to the game’s advantage, but it frequently strengthens its distinctive personality. Longevity and replayability follow a similarly uneven rhythm. The multi-run structure offers considerable potential for extended play, yet engagement varies in practice. At times, the game delivers genuine discovery and tension; at others, repetition becomes more apparent. The result is an experience that shifts between freshness and familiarity rather than maintaining a steady pace. Emotionally, the game avoids traditional horror escalation in favour of a slower, more persistent form of tension. It rarely relies on overt shocks, instead cultivating a steady accumulation of unease that lingers well beyond individual encounters. It is a quieter approach to horror, but often a more enduring one. Ultimately, Withering Rooms is best understood not as a pursuit of refinement, but as a work of clear creative conviction. It is imperfect, unapologetically niche, and occasionally frustrating, yet also deeply authentic. In an increasingly crowded horror landscape, its strongest achievement is simply this: it feels wholly and unmistakably itself. For players willing to meet it on its own terms, it offers an experience that is challenging, atmospheric, and frequently unforgettable.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Withering Rooms boasts a surprising amount of content, rivalling some AAA titles. Players will encounter a variety of outfits, weapons, enemies, and challenging boss battles, offering a high value proposition. For fans of Bloodborne seeking a 2D action RPG with a focus on witchcraft, Withering Rooms provides a compelling experience despite its uneven rogue-lite mechanics.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Withering Rooms pays homage to survival horror classics like Clock Tower while injecting fresh roguelike RPG elements to create one of the most unique indie horror games we've ever played.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“If one excludes the fact that in some places the game shoots itself in the foot, wanting to show that it can give something more, we are talking about a worthy game that will arouse interest.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Withering Rooms provides a great horror RPG experience with its gameplay. You never stop being a fragile girl trying to leave a horrible dream. But the tools to fight back give you courage and let you battle the undead. Coming up with strategies is genuinely rewarding and adds variety to the combat. Learning from your mistakes and making death painful forces you to pay attention. The story isn’t as strong as it could be and some aspects could use better explanations. However, Withering Rooms is not a horror experience you want to miss if you’ve been looking for a challenge.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Withering Rooms feels like a fresh take on the roguelike genre. A clunky combat system and a story that doesn’t quite draw players in aside, this is still an enjoyable game and a good first attempt for the developer.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Withering Rooms might not be the easiest game to get into, but eventually, the combination of roguelike, puzzle, and action game elements will keep you entertained.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“The content in Withering Rooms is comparable to what could be expected from a big AAA game. The various gimmicks and mechanics that affect how you play the game always make players consider what to do and how to overcome unbelievable odds. Countless outfits, weapons, enemies, and plenty of imposing boss battles will give gamers a lot of bang for their buck. If you ever thought Bloodborne needed to be 2D and about witchcraft, you have come home.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“Withering Rooms feels incredibly nostalgic and yet does plenty of new things, making for a horror game that utterly stands out. Its creativity, downright amazing writing, and incredible characters will suck you in, and the tense, ever-present horror of the Dream will keep you on the edge of your seat.”
read full review ↗
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Try Hard Guides…and 9 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- v1.25 - French & Spanish added, DemoMay 13, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- 1.24 - New Ring, Balance Changes, Bug FixesApr 22, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- v1.23Apr 9, 2024
- Full Release (Rival Witches)Apr 5, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- v1.21 - Secret Room, Polish and BugfixesJan 26, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- v1.20 - Bloody Man UpdateDec 17, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- 1.19 - Subterranean GroveNov 14, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- 1.18 - Level Up Hotfix & Puzzle OracleNov 3, 2023
- 1.17 - Balance changes, polish and bug fixesNov 2, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- 1.16 - Artifacts & Combat ImprovementsSep 28, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- 1.15 - HotfixAug 21, 2023
- Japanese (beta) Support & Bug FIxesAug 19, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- 1.12 - Burial Ground Rewards, Polish, Balance & BugfixesAug 13, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- v1.11 - Church of Burdens and Infinite ArenaJul 31, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- Church Basement & Blackett House UpdateJul 1, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- Bog UpdateMay 31, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- Withering Rooms 1.08May 22, 2023
- 1.07 - Head and Body OutfitsMay 7, 2023
- 1.06 - Upgrade Weapons & SpellsApr 21, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- 1.05 - Village Pub & Bug Reporting ImprovementsApr 8, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- 1.04 - Item Shortcut Pages and AI ImprovementsMar 26, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- 1.03Mar 22, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- v1.02 - Shortcut & Controls ChangesMar 13, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- Cholera Clinic UpdateMar 9, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- v1.00 - New Laboratory Crafting Recipes & Balance ChangesJan 31, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- 0.99 - Small HotfixJan 25, 2023
- 0.98 - Volumetric Lighting and Melee ImprovementsJan 23, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- 0.97 - Bug FixesJan 15, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- 0.96 - Full MapJan 12, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- 0.95 - Remembrance TearsJan 4, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- 0.94 - Comfy ChairDec 26, 2022significant · resets scoring window
- 0.93 - Labyrinth UpdatesDec 18, 2022significant · resets scoring window
- 0.92 - Spirit BranchDec 9, 2022significant · resets scoring window
- 0.91 - Balance Changes & PolishDec 3, 2022significant · resets scoring window
- 0.90 - New Rings and PolishNov 30, 2022significant · resets scoring window
- 0.89 - Sickle and Balance ChangesNov 16, 2022significant · resets scoring window
- v0.88 - Melee Combat OverhaulNov 12, 2022significant · resets scoring window
- 0.87 - Balance Changes & Bug FixesNov 3, 2022significant · resets scoring window
- 0.86 - Quick Item Display, Golden Spear and moreOct 28, 2022significant · resets scoring window
- 0.85 - Bug FixesOct 26, 2022
…and 3 earlier patch announcements.