Thick as Thieves PC release date May 20, 2026
Thick as Thieves will launch on PC on 20 May 2026. This date was confirmed by developer OtherSide Entertainment at the Triple-I Initiative showcase and on the official Steam store page. The Steam listing explicitly shows a planned release date of 20 May 2026. At launch the game will be available on Steam for Windows PC; console versions (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S) were announced but do not yet have a firm release date.
Thick as Thieves Steam release time and launch details
The Steam store page for Thick as Thieves has been updated with the May 20 release date. It notes that the game “plans to unlock in approximately 5 weeks” and invites players to add it to their Steam wishlist. No specific hour has been announced, but typically Steam games unlock at midnight Pacific Time on release day. Once live, the Steam page will allow purchases and will grant immediate access on launch. Players are encouraged to wishlist the game on Steam now, which will send a notification when Thick as Thieves goes live.
What kind of game is Thick as Thieves
Thick as Thieves is a stealth-action heist game from OtherSide Entertainment. It is described as a magical, jazzy heist adventure set in an alternate 1910s Scottish city. The game blends early 20th-century technology with supernatural elements – for example, players might sneak past enchanted guard dogs or disable electrical traps with magic sap. Marketing materials emphasize creativity and improvisation: the developers cite inspiration from immersive-sim classics like Thief and Deus Ex, promising missions that reward unique approaches. In short, Thick as Thieves combines a film-noir gangster vibe with high-tech gadgets and arcane tools, all packaged in bite-sized stealth-action heists.
Thick as Thieves gameplay: stealth-action heists and short-session missions
Gameplay centers on short, replayable heist missions that emphasize stealth and strategy. Each mission is a contract from the Thieves’ Guild: you must plan an infiltration, loot treasures, and escape without being detected. According to the developers, no two heists play out identically – raising the difficulty will randomly change guard patrols and security layouts, creating fresh challenges on each run. The Steam description notes a multi-hour, replayable campaign spanning Kilcairn’s landmarks. Otherside explicitly calls the missions “short, engaging missions that change with every playthrough”. By design, these missions are compact and varied: players can tackle contracts in minutes, and the game offers multiple difficulty levels (from Novice to Master Thief) to keep each session dynamic.
Thick as Thieves solo mode: what to expect
Thick as Thieves can be played entirely solo. OtherSide has confirmed that while the game is built as a multiplayer title, it fully supports offline single-player action. In solo mode, you control one thief through each contract, with AI adapting guard behavior as needed. The team found through playtesting that one-player runs were extremely fun, so they kept solo play as a core option. The official FAQ explains that players will “be able to enter matches solo” and enjoy missions offline; however, some special rewards are tied to cooperative multiplayer. In practice, expect to run heists on your own, using the same gadgets and strategies as in co-op, while occasionally losing out on multiplayer-only unlocks.
Thick as Thieves co-op multiplayer: how it works
In co-op mode, two players team up to pull off heists together. Each player chooses one of two distinct thieves, each with unique talents and abilities. Players then coordinate their approach: for example, one might disable alarms while the other sneaks in to grab the loot. The game’s multiplayer is purely cooperative – there is no player-versus-player component at launch – so both thieves work against AI guards.
The developers plan to support cross-platform co-op, meaning PC and eventual console players should be able to play together. Communication and teamwork are key in co-op: the design encourages synchronized stealth, such as timing smoke bombs and distractions so both thieves can slip past patrols. Overall, co-op mode offers the full game experience with a friend or online partner, using all the same mechanics as solo play.
Thick as Thieves setting: 1910s metropolis with magic and intrigue
Thick as Thieves takes place in the fictional city of Kilcairn, an alternate-history metropolis in the 1910s filled with magic and industry. The setting blends a gritty Edwardian-era vibe with arcane elements and jazz-inspired culture. Gaslamps light up foggy cobblestone streets, ornate mansions sit next to steam-powered factories, and magical artifacts are guarded like treasures. Every mission unfolds in Kilcairn’s iconic locations – from opulent vaults to shadowy docks – evoking the feeling of a detective novel with a fantastical twist. This mixture of industrial technology and sorcery is a key theme: guards may wield enchanted rifles, and security systems might involve mechanical contraptions alongside warding spells.
Thick as Thieves developer and publisher: OtherSide Entertainment and Megabit Publishing
Thick as Thieves is developed by OtherSide Entertainment, the studio founded by veteran designers Paul Neurath and Warren Spector. The publisher is Megabit Publishing (part of Aonic UK). OtherSide’s team includes many of the original creators behind Ultima Underworld, System Shock, Thief, and Deus Ex – games that defined the immersive sim genre. Megabit (an imprint of Aonic) handles the game’s marketing and distribution; its logo appears on the Steam store page alongside OtherSide’s. In short, Thick as Thieves comes from a highly experienced developer (with Spector and Neurath prominently involved) and is being published by Megabit Publishing.
Thick as Thieves Warren Spector game: why stealth fans are watching
Stealth fans are especially excited because Thick as Thieves is led by Warren Spector (creator of Deus Ex, Thief: Deadly Shadows) and Paul Neurath (co-creator of Thief and Ultima Underworld). This partnership of stealth game pioneers lends the project high credibility. Marketing materials emphasize their involvement: for example, the Steam page lists “From Warren Spector (Deus Ex, Thief) and Paul Neurath (Thief)…”, and previews repeatedly note that immersive-sim veterans are at the helm. Because these designers defined what modern stealth-action could be in the 1990s and 2000s, many players are watching Thick as Thieves with great interest, hoping for a return to classic Thief-style gameplay.
Thick as Thieves immersive sim elements and player freedom
Thick as Thieves incorporates many immersive sim design elements to reward player creativity. The game gives players multiple ways to approach each mission: for instance, one can sneak silently through the shadows or create a distraction using gadgets, and these choices are meant to significantly affect the outcome. The developers stress that “every mechanic and choice has been made with intent”, indicating that there are no filler mechanics – every tool and ability is designed to serve multiple tactical purposes.
In practice, missions react dynamically: raising the difficulty may shift guard patrols and alarm placements, and players can combine items (like Slithersap and smoke bombs) in creative ways to open new paths. The emphasis on freedom and improvisation is reminiscent of Dishonored and Thief, with a world that encourages experimentation rather than strict linear solutions.
Thick as Thieves missions and objectives: how the heists are structured
Heists in Thick as Thieves are framed as multi-stage contracts. A typical mission follows four key objectives: plan your approach, infiltrate the target location, steal the designated valuables, and then escape without being detected. For example:
- Plan: Examine a map of the area and choose entry points (e.g. front gate or roof).
- Infiltrate: Sneak through corridors or ventilation shafts, using stealth to avoid guards.
- Steal: Locate and pick up the objective (such as a jewel or document) hidden in the guarded area.
- Escape: Evade pursuing guards and exit the location to complete the contract.
Each contract is set in one of Kilcairn’s guarded landmarks (museums, banks, nobles’ mansions, etc.). Missions are short-session but replayable: new guard patterns and loot placements appear on higher difficulties, keeping each attempt fresh. At launch there will be 16 different contracts across two large maps. Many missions also tie into the narrative backdrop – for example, stealing documents to uncover secrets of the city’s Constabulary or nobility. Completing objectives rewards cash and prestige, which can be used to upgrade gear and unlock harder missions. In all, heists are designed to be concise but rich in variation, fitting the game’s focus on replayable stealth.
Thick as Thieves gadgets, tools, and stealth options
Players have access to a variety of ingenious gadgets and abilities to carry out their thievery. For example:
- Slithersap: A device that short-circuits electrical lights and cameras, plunging rooms into darkness.
- Smoke Bomb: Generates a smoke cloud that breaks enemy lines of sight, allowing sneaking past guards.
- Pickpocket Fairy: A magical flying helper that can flip switches or loot pockets from a distance.
These tools let players disable security, create diversions, or remotely interact with the environment. At launch there are six unique pieces of gear in total, which can be mixed and matched to suit different play styles. Beyond gadgets, the two thieves also have passive skills (such as increased stealth or agility) that can be upgraded over time. Whether you prefer high-tech gizmos or arcane contraptions, Thick as Thieves aims to give players all tools needed – from stealth to subterfuge – to complete each heist their own way.
Thick as Thieves PvPvE changes: what happened to the original multiplayer plan
Originally announced as a 4-player PvPvE title (with humans and AI competing), Thick as Thieves has dropped its competitive mode in favor of solo and two-player co-op play. In April 2026 OtherSide announced that focus would shift away from player-versus-player, because test players had far more fun running missions together or solo. The studio stated: “as development progressed… we found that we were having more fun with solo and co-op play,” so they decided to refine those modes.
The publisher noted that PvPvE may return later, but it won’t be in the launch version. This pivot means that at release there will be no competitive multiplayer – both thieves will always cooperate, and all enemies will be AI-controlled guards. Fans disappointed by the change have been reassured that the gameplay will be deeper and more polished without the complexity of PvPvE.
Thick as Thieves system requirements and PC performance expectations
The official PC system requirements have been published. On minimum settings the game needs: Windows 10, an Intel Core i5-4570 CPU, 12 GB RAM, and a graphics card equivalent to NVIDIA GTX 1060 (6GB). The recommended specs (for higher settings and smoother framerate) are Windows 11, Intel Core i7-8700, 16 GB RAM, and a GPU like the NVIDIA GTX 2070 (8GB). In all cases an SSD is required for installation (the game takes about 10 GB of space).
These requirements suggest Thick as Thieves targets 1080p gaming at a stable framerate on modern PCs. In practice, players with mid-range GPUs (roughly GTX 1060 to 2070 class or equivalent) should meet these specs comfortably. There are no official details yet on console performance, but the PC spec list implies the game can run well at standard PC resolutions on recommended hardware.
Where to wishlist Thick as Thieves on Steam
You can add Thick as Thieves to your Steam wishlist right now via the official store page. The game’s Steam listing includes a “Wishlist” button – clicking it will notify you on launch day. Megabit’s website also provides a direct link (via a “Wishlist Now” banner) to the Steam page. Checking the Steam page now shows the May 20 release date and lets you sign up for news updates. In short, search Steam for “Thick as Thieves”, click the wishlist icon, and you’ll be alerted when the game becomes available.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- When will Thick as Thieves be released on PC?
Thick as Thieves is confirmed to launch on PC on 20 May 2026. (Steam’s store page and official announcements both list May 20, 2026 as the release date.) - What platforms will Thick as Thieves be available on?
The game is confirmed for PC (Steam) on May 20, 2026. Console versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S were announced as forthcoming in 2026, but no specific console launch date has been given yet. - Is Thick as Thieves single-player or multiplayer?
It supports both. Thick as Thieves is a multiplayer-focused game (designed for two-player co-op) but also offers full single-player play. The developers emphasize it’s “multiplayer at its heart,” but allow offline solo play. You can play missions solo against AI guards at any time. - Does Thick as Thieves have co-op multiplayer?
Yes – the core multiplayer mode is two-player co-op. Two players team up online as different thieves to run heists together. (There is no PvP mode at launch; both players cooperate against AI.) - What happened to the PvPvE mode?
PvPvE was originally planned, but OtherSide dropped it before release. In April 2026 the studio announced that Thick as Thieves would focus on solo and co-op play instead of PvPvE. This change means no competitive multiplayer is included at launch, though the developers left the door open for it to return in a future update. - What is the setting of Thick as Thieves?
The game is set in Kilcairn, a fictional Scottish city in the 1910s. It’s an alternate-history metropolis blending industrial-era technology with real magic and jazz-age style. Environments include grand estates, factories, and city streets all rich with period detail. - Who is developing Thick as Thieves?
OtherSide Entertainment is the developer – the studio founded by Paul Neurath and later joined by Warren Spector. OtherSide’s team includes the creators of Thief and Deus Ex, among other classics. The game is published by Megabit Publishing (an Aonic UK company). - What are the system requirements for Thick as Thieves?
The official PC requirements are: Minimum – Windows 10, Intel Core i5-4570 CPU, 12 GB RAM, NVIDIA GTX 1060 (6GB) GPU, SSD, 10 GB free. Recommended – Windows 11, Intel Core i7-8700 CPU, 16 GB RAM, NVIDIA GTX 2070 (8GB) GPU, SSD. These specs suggest a mid-range gaming PC is needed for solid performance. - Can I wishlist Thick as Thieves on Steam?
Yes. The Steam page for Thick as Thieves is live, and you can click “Add to your wishlist” there. The Megabit Publishing website also offers a direct “Wishlist Now” link to the Steam store. Wishlisting ensures you’ll get a Steam notification when the game launches. - Will Thick as Thieves support cross-play between PC and consoles?
The developers plan to support cross-platform play. Megabit’s FAQ states they “expect Thick As Thieves to offer cross-platform play,” so PC and console players should be able to team up. This means when console versions release, they will likely play alongside the PC version.
Conclusion
Thick as Thieves is shaping up to be a unique stealth-heist game for fans of the genre. Slated for a 20 May 2026 release on PC, it offers both single-player and two-player co-op modes and features immersive gameplay reminiscent of Thief and Dishonored. The game’s jazz-influenced, magical 1910s setting and the involvement of veterans Warren Spector and Paul Neurath have generated considerable excitement. With its confirmed release date, feature list, and official Steam page now live, interested players can wishlist the game on Steam and prepare for a new twist on stealth-action heisting.
Sources and citation
- https://store.steampowered.com/app/3341000/Thick_As_Thieves/
Steam. “Thick As Thieves.” - https://megabit-publishing.com/games/thick-as-thieves
Megabit Publishing. “Thick As Thieves.” - https://www.gameinformer.com/2026/04/09/thick-as-thieves-gets-may-launch-date
Game Informer. “Thick As Thieves Gets May Launch Date.” April 9, 2026. - https://www.pcgamer.com/co-op-heist-em-up-thick-as-thieves-reveals-may-release-date/
PC Gamer. “Co-op heist-em-up Thick as Thieves reveals May release date.” April 2026. - https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/warren-spectors-multiplayer-thief-successor-changes-direction-instead-of-pvpve-its-now-focusing-on-2-player-co-op-and-singleplayer/
PC Gamer. “Warren Spector’s multiplayer Thief successor changes direction.” April 2026. - https://www.dsogaming.com/news/thick-as-thieves-will-be-released-on-may-20th/
DSOGaming. “Thick As Thieves will be released on May 20th.” April 9, 2026. - https://startupfortune.com/stealth-legends-pivot-to-co-op-with-thick-as-thieves/
Startup Fortune. “Stealth Legends Pivot to Co-Op With Thick as Thieves.” April 10, 2026. - https://blog.playstation.com/2024/12/12/thick-as-thieves-announced-for-ps5/
PlayStation Blog. “Thick As Thieves Announced for PS5.” December 12, 2024.
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