We made it to the Magic Door with less than 10 seconds left. A couple of last-second run-ins with the guards populating the Constable Guildhall took time we didn't have, but we managed to escape—contract completed, mission objective fulfilled, and pockets loaded with the ill-gotten gains liberated from the cops.
Moments like this are when Thick as Thieves truly sings. Whether it is sneaking out of a tight spot, figuring out a new route, or making a last-second escape with zero seconds on the clock, the tension is palpable. By combining co-op play, unique character toolkits, and excellent level design, this title offers a compelling experience that keeps you coming back for one last job.
A Heist in 1910s Kilcairn
Set in the fictional Scottish city of Kilcairn, the game exists at the collision of magic and technology. The premise begins with a heist: breaking into the Thieves’ Guild to steal the Vistara Diamond. However, this isn't just a shiny trinket; the diamond reveals nearby guards, hidden traps, and secret treasures, including "magic doors" where the best loot is kept.
As you uncover the true nature of the diamond, you peel back the history of the city and its prominent families. What starts as a simple robbery evolves into a much larger narrative that takes roughly 12 hours to fully unravel. While the story isn't delivered through traditional cutscenes, it is woven into the world via:
- Text-based communiques providing mission objectives.
- Scattered notes offering clues about security or loot locations.
- Environmental storytelling found mid-mission.
While the lore is compelling, players should be aware that much of it can be missed during co-op play—though playing with a friend is highly recommended for the best experience.
Mastering Stealth and Tools in Thick as Thieves
If you have ever played a stealth game, you will feel right at home. The core loop involves being hyper-aware of your surroundings to avoid detection. Success requires constant decision-making as you navigate various obstacles.
Essential Thieving Mechanics
To succeed in your missions, you must master several key elements:
- Environmental Navigation: Crouching under tripwires, avoiding pressure plates, and disabling rotating turrets or "magic eyes."
- Lockpicking: A dedicated minigame used to open doors or secure treasures from display cases.
- Mission Objectives: Balancing monetary goals (stealing a specific amount of loot) with contract-specific objects that appear during the heist.
The guards can be a nuisance, but the game ensures you always have an "out." While their patterns are predictable, they are sensitive to sound and sight. If caught, they will attempt to zap you with lightning. To handle them, you can sneak up for a knockout or use smoke grenades to stun them before fleeing.
As you level up by completing contracts, you gain access to powerful consumables like the Insult Fairy, which distracts guards, or the Pickpocket Fairy, which is essential for grabbing keys from a distance.
Choosing Your Thief: Spider vs. Chameleon
A major strength of this experience is how it encourages players to play smart rather than just playing quiet. Each thief has four item slots: one for the Diamond, two for general tools (smoke grenades, fairies), and one unique ability.
The game features two distinct characters:
- The Spider: The starting character, equipped with a grappling hook for vertical movement.
- The Chameleon: An unlockable thief who can disguise themselves as a guard to walk through crowds.
While the Chameleon is suave and charming, the Spider's ability to simply bypass obstacles entirely makes her incredibly potent. Whether you are choosing to go over a guard or using a smoke grenade to choke him out, Thick as Thieves rewards players for taking smart risks and playing offensively when necessary.
