Grab a free Steam key for Tavern Keeper, a new fantasy RPG with flickers of Stardew Valley

One of my favorite books is Travis Baldree's Legends and Lattes. As a high fantasy fanatic and self-professed coffee connoisseur, it's literally the perfect story for me, and while its sequel, Bookshops and Bonedust, didn't hit quite as hard, I love the juxtaposition of the seemingly mundane with the magical. Tavern Keeper, a cozy RPG with flickers of Stardew Valley's management, does exactly the same thing: you open pubs across a sprawling fantasy world, and are tasked with keeping them running. If you're a seasoned Coffee Talk barista, Greenheart Games' latest is perfect for you, and we're giving away ten free Steam keys - and an extra special surprise - to celebrate its early access launch.

From the creators of Game Dev Tycoon, Tavern Keeper thrusts you into the world of fantasy pub management. You'll have to build your own bar, hire all of the relevant staff, befriend the locals, and decorate to your heart's content. You'll gradually expand your drink-driven empire to new locations, with each zone presenting unique challenges. Building an inn in a bustling city feels like a one-way ticket to success, for example, while trying to score customers in a desert could prove harder.

But every day is a new day, bringing with it tricky choices to make. Part management game, part RPG, there's an overarching narrative that you'll follow throughout, presented in the form of a magical storybook narrated by Steven Pacey (of Blake's 7 fame).

As you progress, you'll encounter different, earth-shattering scenarios that could, if you're not careful, put you out of business. You'll have to deal with staff sickness, cleanliness checks, and possibly the odd fire if you aren't careful. The life of a tavern keeper isn't easy, and that's before I even mention the customers.

But who doesn't love a challenge? If you were planning to pick up Tavern Keeper (or, alternatively, if my wily words have sold you on it), then I've got good news for you. To celebrate the game's early access launch, we're giving away ten Steam keys.

Nine winners will receive one Steam key each, while one top winner will get a key and a real-life recreation of the game's storybook (pictured above). So if you're in the market for a magical, ancient tome, then make sure you enter the giveaway down below. Just make sure you do so before Thursday, November 13 at 5am PST / 8am EST / 1pm GMT / 2pm CEST.

PCGN - Tavern Keeper code giveaway

Tavern Keeper is out now in early access on Steam. You can pick it up here.

If you're looking for even more magic, we have a list of all the best fantasy games for you to peruse. Alternatively, if you prefer the quirky management systems of ConcernedApe's magnum opus, we have a rundown of all the best games like Stardew Valley, too. If you're having trouble with the widget above, drop by our Discord server and we'll help you troubleshoot.