Puppet Master: The Game, a free-to-play online asymmetrical horror shooter with a “Very Positive” 87% rating, is about to disappear from Steam. The developers, October Games and Full Moon Features, have confirmed the game will be delisted on February 25, 2026. The surprising part is that no clear reason has been shared for why it’s being removed, leaving the community guessing despite the game’s strong review score and loyal player base.
There is a bright spot for anyone who’s curious or already a fan: if you claim Puppet Master: The Game before the delisting date, it will stay in your Steam library permanently. That includes continued access to the base game and any DLC you already purchased, even after the store page is gone. In other words, you won’t be locked out later—as long as you add it to your account in time.
What makes this delisting sting for horror multiplayer fans is that Puppet Master: The Game isn’t just another quick cash-in. It offers a surprisingly robust take on the franchise with multiple ways to play, including four distinct modes. Highlights include the tense 3-vs-1 “Thief COOP” mode and the competitive 4-vs-4 “Puppet Wars,” giving it more variety than many games in the asymmetrical horror space.
The gameplay also leans into vertical movement and map mechanics in ways that set it apart. Late 2025 updates brought retro-styled “spiderweb” ladders plus trap-door features to maps like Underworld and Arcadia, increasing the pressure during hunts and adding new mind-game routes for both sides. Long-time players often point to how faithfully the game captures classic characters such as Blade and Six-Shooter, helping it stand out in a crowded genre.
That said, the game hasn’t been free of criticism. While many reviews praise the core loop and character feel, some player feedback suggests the overall 1.0 experience can be rough around the edges, with polish sometimes lagging behind the fun parts. Even so, a strong rating across more than 1,300 reviews shows that the game has clearly connected with its audience.
The timing is also interesting. Puppet Master: The Game’s delisting lands during a period when Steam has seen increased “free to keep” activity, with other titles temporarily dropping to 100% off around the same window. For Puppet Master specifically, though, the bigger story is preservation: claim it now, and it effectively becomes a permanent legacy addition to your library once the listing is gone.
The developers had previously looked into expanding the game beyond PC, including exploring console versions and even considering a Kickstarter campaign last year. Those plans were eventually shelved after the team decided they couldn’t confidently deliver the full scope they wanted.
For fans of asymmetrical horror games, February 25, 2026 is the deadline that matters. If you want to keep playing—or simply want to save a well-liked free-to-play horror title before it vanishes from sale—this is the final window to add Puppet Master: The Game to your Steam library before the strings get cut for good.
