Deal | A 'Very Positive' tavern-keeping base-building sim is 75% off on Steam for a limited time

Published and developed by ‘Untitled Studio’, and not to be mistaken for the AI slop by the same name on the Google Play store, and released on Steam in 2021, Tavern Master is the first of two of the studio’s games, both leaning towards management sims, a popular genre, especially in the indie bracket.

The game sees gamers assume the role of a medieval innkeeper who starts off with a small room and some mediocre furnishings and opens their first tavern.  As time passes, customers begin visiting your newly formed establishment, and as more customers come, more income is generated, which the innkeeper can spend on upgrading their establishment. 

Management enthusiasts can look forward not only to expanding the inn but also to upgrading its decor and facilities by adding features such as a kitchen, another floor, and even rooms for overnight guests. Manage not only the layout but also the staff you hire, and even the ingredients in the foods you serve. Lower-quality ingredients, though easier to obtain, may frustrate customers and lead them to avoid returning. 

Fans of the management sim often praise the depth of the customization options in the game, and also favourably mention the different combinations that would-be innkeepers can try to maximize the efficiency of their establishment, like best locations for light sources, decorations, and music. However, players note that the game can become a bit stale in the later stages, and is surprisingly easy to complete, even for a cozy sim.

In late 2024, the devs released DLC for the main game, called Tavern Master: Pirates Retreat, a well-intentioned addition that ultimately received lukewarm reception from fans of the original. The DLC introduced a pirate theme to the game, with new mechanics and items, such as exotic foods and drinks, as well as an expedition mechanic akin to Garrison Missions from World of Warcraft. 

As the innkeeper here, players can build their own ship, recruit and man it, and then send it out on expeditions to bring back various treasures. Players enjoyed the new theme, mechanics, and features, but were confused about why it replaced the old game rather than adding to it. Players were even given a sort of head start, where they began the game with a lot more of their tavern already built and running. A decision that irked some of the fans.

Tavern Master is rated Very Positive with over 11,000 positive reviews on Steam, where it can be purchased at a 75% discount for $3.74. The DLC Tavern Master: Pirates Retreat also offers a 40% discount and can be purchased for $2.99.