Student-Made FPS “Dreadtome” Earns Rave Reviews, Free to Play
A compact, free-to-play first-person shooter developed by students is unexpectedly captivating players with its unique gameplay and visual style. Released on June 12, “Dreadtome” is gaining accolades for its imaginative setting and finely-tuned mechanics.
Exploring the Enchanted Library
The FPS “Dreadtome” eschews mainstream aspirations. This concise, complimentary game, developed using Unreal Engine 5, appeared on Steam without fanfare. Created by a student team from the University of Breda, this title places gamers in a peculiar library, tasking them with survival.
The game’s duration is roughly an hour, but this isn’t seen as a detriment. Players wield a repulsive device to push enemies, along with a simple firearm, navigating intense combat environments. The game emphasizes movement and shooting, favoring atmosphere over lengthy narrative sequences.
Positive Reception and Accessibility
The game has maintained its free-to-play status since its launch on June 12, 2025. The student project has achieved a 94% “very positive” rating on Steam. Although the player base is modest, the feedback has been surprisingly positive for a student project.
The system requirements are somewhat demanding. An RTX 2060 Super or its equivalent is the minimum requirement for 1080p at 60 frames per second on low settings. If your system meets the requirements, there’s little reason not to try it.
The game’s accessibility and unique gameplay make it stand out. This is a reflection of a trend in the gaming industry, where indie titles account for a growing share of game sales, demonstrating the appeal of shorter, focused gaming experiences.
Sometimes, a concise, focused game can be more challenging to develop than a sprawling epic. The free-to-play model makes it even easier to appreciate “Dreadtome’s” offerings. Players can find the Steam store page for the game here.