Disco Elysium — Review (2026): Is It Worth Playing?
Disco Elysium is an RPG from ZA/UM, released in October 2019 on PC and later on consoles. The protagonist is an amnesiac detective who wakes up in a hotel room in the city of Revachol and must solve a murder, figure out his past, and not die from alcohol and his own demons.
What is the game about
You are Harrier "Harry" Du Bois, a detective with a double name and lost memory. The investigation of a murder in the slums of Revachol intertwines with political intrigue, personal drama, and philosophical reflection. Instead of combat — dialogues and skills: your mind is divided into 24 "voices" that argue with each other.
Gameplay
- 24 skills: from Logic and Encyclopedia to Empathy and Physical Pain.
- Dialogues instead of combat: any conflict is resolved with words.
- Moral choices: become a communist, fascist, liberal, or nihilist — the game reacts.
- The Final Cut: expanded edition with full voice acting and new quests.
Should you play it in 2026
Yes. Disco Elysium is one of the most important games of the decade: literary, funny, and sad at the same time. If you love Fallout: New Vegas, Planescape: Torment, or simply good books — this is a must-play.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Genius writing | No combat — only dialogues |
| Unique skill system | Slow pace |
| Deep choices | Some console bugs |
FAQ
Do I need to know previous games? No, Disco Elysium is standalone.
How many hours? 30–40 hours.
Is it on consoles? Yes, including Switch.