by theygamesFor as open-ended as they are, having a central goal is what makes the best sandbox games tick, whether it’s running your farm in Stardew Valley or conquering the hardest bosses in Terraria. One particularly popular fantasy, it seems, is running a tavern – that blend of cozy and busy, combined with the soothing bustle of a rural setting. One of 2024’s best such offerings is bar management sim Ale and Tale Tavern, and if you and your friends are on the hunt for your next co-op game, you can get it now at its lowest price yet since launch.
Ale and Tale Tavern is, as you might expect, all about managing a tavern. You’ve got to cook meals, pour drinks, serve customers, and clean the dishes so things flow smoothly. There’s much more to it than that, however; this is an open-world sandbox game featuring everything from gathering and fishing to hunting, story quests, and dangerous monsters. The result is something that feels like a compelling blend of the management game aspects of Stardew Valley and the more open-ended exploration of Minecraft or Valheim.
With support for up to four-player co-op, you can decide whether you want to go it alone or jump in with friends, although it definitely feels like Ale and Tale Tavern is at its best as a co-op game. You can all coordinate and work together on a single task, or spread out and each focus on the things you like doing most. Since launch, that loop has earned it a very positive Steam score, with 88% of player reviews recommending it.
An Ale and Tale update towards the end of 2024 brought a few new key features, including a combat overhaul with new moves to give fights a bit more strategic depth. It also introduced a range of very cute owl helpers who can manage tasks such as serving food and tidying the inn. Whether you want to automate the busy work so you can focus on more exciting jobs, or simply need another few pairs of hands to stay on top of the crowds, they’re a fantastic addition.
Ale and Tale Tavern is 36% off on Steam through Friday January 31, which means you’ll pay just $9.59 / £8.18 for your copy. That makes now an ideal time to convince your friends to buy it and join you on this fantasy entrepreneurial endeavor.
For even more options to kick off 2025 right, take a look through the best simulation games on PC right now, as well as the best open-world games.
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