The Lamplighter’s League by Harebrained Schemes is one of those games that grabs you with its stylish pulp adventure vibe and doesn’t let go, even if it stumbles a bit along the way. If you’ve ever daydreamed about globe-trotting through an alternate 1930s filled with occult conspiracies, ragtag heroes, and over-the-top villains, this is your jam. It’s a turn-based tactics game with real-time stealth elements that feels like a love letter to old adventure serials, Indiana Jones, and a dash of Lovecraftian weirdness.
Picture this: It’s 1932 in a world where secret societies have been duking it out in the shadows for millennia. The noble Lamplighters League, a band of heroic scholars, has kept the evil Banished Court in check for ages. But then the best of the best get wiped out, leaving only the dregs—thieves, assassins, mercenaries, and other lovable scoundrels—to step up. Enter Pelham Locke, the last surviving member of the original League, who recruits you to lead this motley crew against three powerful houses of the Banished Court. Their goal? Reach the mysterious Tower at the End of the World and reshape reality to their twisted liking. No pressure, right?
Harebrained Schemes, the studio behind the excellent Shadowrun Trilogy and BATTLETECH, poured their tactical expertise into this new IP. Announced in early 2023 and released on October 3, 2023, for PC and Xbox platforms (including day-one Game Pass), The Lamplighter’s League blends strategic campaign management with pulse-pounding missions. You operate from a hidden hideout, planning operations across the globe to sabotage the Court’s plans, rescue allies, steal artifacts, and slow down those ominous doomsday clocks tied to each enemy faction. Let one fill up, and it’s game over!
The gameplay is addictive once it clicks. Missions start with real-time infiltration, where you sneak your three-agent team through enemy territory, avoiding patrols, setting up ambushes, and positioning for the big fight. Get spotted? No big deal—transition seamlessly into turn-based tactical combat. Here, it’s all about clever ability use, cover, positioning, and chaining combos that feel incredibly satisfying. Your agents have unique kits: snipers, brawlers, support characters, and more, each with flavorful backstories and personalities that shine through dialogue and interactions. Upgrading gear, unlocking new abilities, and managing the hideout (including side expeditions for resting agents) adds depth without overwhelming you.
What really stands out is the character roster. You recruit around 10 misfits throughout the campaign, each a standout. There’s the reluctant assassin, the disgraced healer, the gadget-wielding inventor types— all with unforgettable voices and writing that sells the pulp noir charm. Combat encourages experimentation; abilities often interact in fun ways, letting you extend turns or pull off cinematic plays. Enemies are varied too, from fascist-inspired goons to psychic horrors and undead forces, keeping fights fresh as you jet around exotic locales like mysterious islands, shadowy cities, and ancient ruins.
Visually, the game nails that pulp aesthetic with vibrant, cartoonish yet atmospheric art. Characters pop with style—think fedoras, leather jackets, and dramatic lighting. The score and voice acting elevate everything, making cutscenes and story beats feel like you’re watching a high-budget adventure flick. Exploration and story progression reward curiosity, with plenty of intrigue, betrayals, and larger-than-life moments involving the three Scions of the Banished Court: a ruthless military leader, a mad inventor, and a mystical princess commanding sea creatures. It’s equal parts thrilling and cheesy in the best way.
Of course, it’s not perfect. The game is slow to start, there is some repetition in mission structures and maps, occasional performance hiccups (especially at launch), and enemy AI that doesn’t always challenge as much as it could. And the constant threat of the Doomsday Clock itself might be off-putting if you just want to take your time, complete every mission and strategize. The strategic layer is solid but lighter on base-building depth compared to some XCOM-likes. Commercially, it underperformed, leading to big layoffs at Harebrained Schemes and eventually the studio parting ways with Paradox Interactive. That’s a shame because there’s real heart here—mixed reviews landed around the 70s on Metacritic, praising the fun combat and story while wishing for more polish.
Still, for tactics fans craving something different from the usual grid-based grinds, The Lamplighter’s League delivers a memorable ride. The blend of real-time stealth into turn-based combat feels fresh, and the campaign’s pacing keeps you invested in your ragtag team. Later updates added quality-of-life improvements and even new content, making it a better experience today. If you’re on Game Pass, it’s a no-brainer to dive in. Even at full price on sale, the charm and replayability with different agent combos make it worthwhile.
Diving deeper into the lore, the alternate 1930s setting is packed with flavor. Occult magic clashes with emerging technology, creating wild enemy designs and mission variety. You’ll disrupt radio towers broadcasting propaganda, raid ancient tombs, and navigate political intrigue across continents. Each agent has personal arcs that intersect with the main plot, adding emotional weight—saving a fallen comrade or recruiting someone with a shady past tied to the enemy feels impactful.
Combat rewards smart play over brute force. With limited action points, you’ll prioritize high-value targets, use the environment (explosive barrels, anyone?), and manage cooldowns creatively. The “best of the worst” theme shines as your scoundrels bicker, bond, and pull off impossible saves. It’s empowering watching a team of outsiders become legends. The hideout serves as a narrative hub too, with conversations revealing more about the world and your crew’s motivations.
Harebrained Schemes clearly had fun crafting this. Their experience with narrative-driven tactics shines through in how characters feel like a true ensemble cast rather than disposable units. The pulp inspiration from 1930s magazines is evident everywhere—from the dramatic narration to the over-the-top villain monologues. It captures that swashbuckling spirit while grounding it in meaningful strategy.
If you’re into squad-based games but tired of pure military sims, this offers a refreshing change with its adventure flair. The mix of genres—stealth, tactics, RPG elements, and story—creates a unique package. Sure, it had launch issues and didn’t set the sales charts on fire, but that doesn’t diminish the enjoyment for players who click with its vibe. Many who stuck with it through the slower early hours came away loving the finale and the crew.
Overall, The Lamplighter’s League is a solid recommendation for anyone who loves tactical depth wrapped in stylish storytelling. It might not dethrone giants like XCOM, but it carves its own fun niche. Grab your trench coat, load up that revolver, and join the League—you just might save the world (or at least have a blast trying). With its accessible yet deep systems and memorable world, it’s easy to sink dozens of hours into without regret. Here’s hoping the “best of the worst” get more adventures in the future.
