idk if im just stupid but....in the tut, idk WHY ITS STUCK?? like, the non blood relative is Thomas Sheridan because its the only one i found with that last name, and i put all of the sister's CORRECT names and occupations but its just..stuck??? idk am i that dumb??
Hi! I'm not sure if I'm overlooking something obvious but I can't seem to get past the tutorial. I have the names and careers filled out but I can't find photos anywhere. I've searched every term I can think of but none have shown pictures of the 3 girls. There is the photo I start with but I'm not sure how to use that.
WOW!!!!! This was freaking awesome! I have never played a game in this sort of style and safe to say finishing this mystery was one of the worst things to happen to me because I know I won't find a game exactly like this again. So fun, and so unique! Usually I'm horrible at these sort of games but this game was JUST easy enough that I could complete (over the course of a few days and some brute forcing lol), but hard enough that it felt super rewarding when I locked in family members.
a really unique take on a detective "sleuth it out" game. 10/10!
I didn't get far but I love the era that this game showcases and the amount of work it must have taken!!! As a PA boy who has visited Butler, I thought Maybe I've met this guy before ! 😅 Continued success! I won't finish but i love to learn more about how the game works! I doubt you made a dev log video series but I'll jump on youtube to see someone break down the story for me.
I only got 30 min in but part of why i stopped was wondering what the payoff would be ? Clearly most people play because its a well done game in their style, but for me I was wondering if the research had a payoff beyond completing the tree 🤔 People are raving in the comments here and overwhelming on steam so there must be something there and i have ideas but not the time. Anyway well done !
Sorry to hear that. It's very likely something on your browser blocking the cookie that the game uses to save. I hope you still managed t have a good time!
Searching for and finding this page after completing the Steam game feels somehow fitting lol.
Really appreciate the candid disclosure of AI art, and very cool that you made it a priority to get a real artist for the paid final product! The Steam Version truly is spectacular and all the hard work shows through!
hii! is the steam version different enough to still be a challenge/mystery? i finished this version and love it, and ive been looking for similar games to challenge myself!!
Yes and no. The main game is mostly the same, and you would have to complete it again. But it comes with a free expansion/sequel called Roottreemania that is more like an extra challenging second mystery.
i'm sooo closeeeee... 41/49 and i have Zero available photos that match the timeline T-T... finding out who's who is easy enough but all the pictures are running away from me. really fun game! i'm not giving up yet >:)
Spoilers (kinda) below: I couldn't find the pictures 'cause I kept forgetting to input certain numbers into a search for someone's username. I like how the little details that unravel the final mystery were shown at the end; I didn't realise I should've searched for Volume 1 of a certain book, considering we get a glimpse of Volume 2.
Cool mystery! I'll have to check out the Steam version when I get the chance.
Is there a way to reach out regarding content creation? I'm a YouTuber that works with key distribution sites, such as Lurkit, Keymailer and PressEngine, but unfortunately I don't see a campaign for 'The Roottrees Are Dead' on either of them.
I would to love to review/give my impressions about the Steam version. It looks great!
im going to explode, 6 hours into the game i accidentally reloaded and it didnt save because of my cookie blocking :( it is like 7 am tho so maybe thats my sign to go the fuck to sleep
I'm really sorry to hear that! On the bright side, it's usually a lot easier to catch back up to where you were and sometimes by redoing searches you'll notice new things that might have seemed less useful the first time before you knew as much about the family.
Also, if you're enjoying it enough, it might be worth getting the Steam version (if possible) since you have to start over anyways. I know it might sound like I'm trying to make a sale, but that's not my intention.
The Steam version contains a bunch of extra hours (about 6-8 depending on how stuck you get) of more challenging content than this version of the game in a new mystery, but you can only experience the second mystery in the Steam version by finishing the main story, so if you had to re-do that work anyways it could go towards unlocking that
do you have a timeline for when your next game like this one will be ready? i have been searching for more games like this ever since i played it almost two years ago, and have yet to find anything that even comes close!!
Right now we're working on The Incident at Galley House. It's a remake of a game called "Type Help".
I would estimate the earliest it could possibly be released is maybe March or April of 2026 but it's not really possible to know for sure (until we're closer to actually being able to test which is still a ways off) so to be safe I'd estimate sometime after that even.
In the meantime I'd be sure to check out Return of the Obra Dinn and Curse of the Golden Idol if you haven't already. Those are probably the most often recommended games similar to Roottrees.
This game is meant to be played in a browser so there is no downloadable executable. There is a newer, better, downloadable version of the game available on Steam (but it is not free like this version)
I do believe if you use the itchio client you might still be able to download this free version. (I am not sure, this is just what I have been told by other users)
If it's truly the only thing you need, then it is probably already in your inventory. It's impossible to get one of the other images without first getting the one you're asking about.
This is the original version of the game. It's different than the version on Steam, which has updated puzzles, changes to content, a better UI, and a whole expansion that does not exist in this version.
The history of the game is that I made this version and released it for free due to its use of AI art, then worked with another developer named Evil Trout to remake it from scratch for Steam with actual art and a MUCH better interface.
Had to sleuth to find my old login to post this comment: I just sunk 4 whole days attempting to solve the whole family tree and that extra bit right at the end. This has to be one of the best game I've ever found on this site. Genuinely satisfying clue hunting and a family full of lore that adds up to a really good payoff. Can't wait for a followup!!
If you're stuck in the tutorial there's likely something wrong with your answers, but in very rare cases your browser might be preventing the game from saving, which can cause issues. If you come to the discord server using the link in the game and post screenshots of what is happening people can help you diagnose the problem.
If you search for her name on the computer it gives you a bit of a hint as to why you can't find her name in the dropdown list. (It's not a bug, that's part of the game)
just wanted to comment (again) that even though im excited for the incident at galley house and know you currently arent planning on continuing the roottrees, i would love to see the entire {you know who} not dead thing get continued! again, great work! love this sm
i was down to my last 4 and losing my mind. finally had to turn to discord for some answers. clocked the hidden lock even before then and was SO excited to write it all down. getting the game on steam too for even more sleuthing. thanks for the game!
← Return to mystery
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idk if im just stupid but....in the tut, idk WHY ITS STUCK?? like, the non blood relative is Thomas Sheridan because its the only one i found with that last name, and i put all of the sister's CORRECT names and occupations but its just..stuck??? idk am i that dumb??
Did you end up getting this to work? Most likely there's an image or name wrong for one of the sisters.
no, and i double-checked all of the pictures. i'm going to the pharmacy right now and i'll see if it works.
ok i fucked up the pictures. im stupid, i admit.
An incredible game. 10/10. Very satisfying.
Got all of it but Miller's first name, took me hours though.
red herring lol
The audible gasp i let out when i realized why they hated E.C
for some reason rhose's name doesn't show up on the name dropdown?
When you search for her on Spidersearch, play very close attention to what the game says.
Hi! I'm not sure if I'm overlooking something obvious but I can't seem to get past the tutorial. I have the names and careers filled out but I can't find photos anywhere. I've searched every term I can think of but none have shown pictures of the 3 girls. There is the photo I start with but I'm not sure how to use that.
Click the faces on the photo in your evidence
Ah, I can't believe I hadn't tried that. Thank you!
I was lowkey expecting some bigger conspiracy twist — like a murder or something lol. Still a super fun game!
this game seems fun its just i cant get past the tutorial because of the jobs
I'm not sure what this means exactly. Is the job dropdown list not working for you?
no im just not sure where to find the info thats it
It should be located in the same place you find the other info including how to place which picture and the girls' names.
WOW!!!!! This was freaking awesome! I have never played a game in this sort of style and safe to say finishing this mystery was one of the worst things to happen to me because I know I won't find a game exactly like this again. So fun, and so unique! Usually I'm horrible at these sort of games but this game was JUST easy enough that I could complete (over the course of a few days and some brute forcing lol), but hard enough that it felt super rewarding when I locked in family members.
a really unique take on a detective "sleuth it out" game. 10/10!
Cool, but i never buy games from Steam so i guess ill pass. Best of luck to you.
Very interesting. I have been playing this the whole night and can't go to sleep because I have to uncover this family tree. Very nice idea.
I didn't get far but I love the era that this game showcases and the amount of work it must have taken!!! As a PA boy who has visited Butler, I thought Maybe I've met this guy before ! 😅 Continued success! I won't finish but i love to learn more about how the game works! I doubt you made a dev log video series but I'll jump on youtube to see someone break down the story for me.
I only got 30 min in but part of why i stopped was wondering what the payoff would be ? Clearly most people play because its a well done game in their style, but for me I was wondering if the research had a payoff beyond completing the tree 🤔 People are raving in the comments here and overwhelming on steam so there must be something there and i have ideas but not the time. Anyway well done !
Thanks!
i think imma give up for now i think im a bit to dense to get the hints
same, I wanted to try it but i dont care to do research and learn about this family, but i love that this was made and is doing well here and on steam
this game ruind my life ever time for some random reason it would restart and Id have to d everythinng again
Sorry to hear that. It's very likely something on your browser blocking the cookie that the game uses to save. I hope you still managed t have a good time!
Tony from The Million Year Picnic says 'Hi' back!
Thanks! I hope you enjoyed the store, it's really neat in there.
Searching for and finding this page after completing the Steam game feels somehow fitting lol.
Really appreciate the candid disclosure of AI art, and very cool that you made it a priority to get a real artist for the paid final product! The Steam Version truly is spectacular and all the hard work shows through!
hii! is the steam version different enough to still be a challenge/mystery? i finished this version and love it, and ive been looking for similar games to challenge myself!!
Yes and no. The main game is mostly the same, and you would have to complete it again. But it comes with a free expansion/sequel called Roottreemania that is more like an extra challenging second mystery.
oooo, thanks!
i'm sooo closeeeee... 41/49 and i have Zero available photos that match the timeline T-T... finding out who's who is easy enough but all the pictures are running away from me. really fun game! i'm not giving up yet >:)
boo-yah!!!
Spoilers (kinda) below:
I couldn't find the pictures 'cause I kept forgetting to input certain numbers into a search for someone's username. I like how the little details that unravel the final mystery were shown at the end; I didn't realise I should've searched for Volume 1 of a certain book, considering we get a glimpse of Volume 2.
Cool mystery! I'll have to check out the Steam version when I get the chance.
Congrats!
Hey!
Is there a way to reach out regarding content creation? I'm a YouTuber that works with key distribution sites, such as Lurkit, Keymailer and PressEngine, but unfortunately I don't see a campaign for 'The Roottrees Are Dead' on either of them.
I would to love to review/give my impressions about the Steam version. It looks great!
Our discord (on the main menu) would likely be the best way to contact us.
Thanks! Shot you a message on Discord!
I would like to buy the remake version but I would prefer not to buy it on Steam if I can avoid it. Do you plan a GOG release? It would be great :)
At the moment Steam is the only platform where it is available and we have no plans for other platforms.
im going to explode, 6 hours into the game i accidentally reloaded and it didnt save because of my cookie blocking :( it is like 7 am tho so maybe thats my sign to go the fuck to sleep
I'm really sorry to hear that! On the bright side, it's usually a lot easier to catch back up to where you were and sometimes by redoing searches you'll notice new things that might have seemed less useful the first time before you knew as much about the family.
Also, if you're enjoying it enough, it might be worth getting the Steam version (if possible) since you have to start over anyways. I know it might sound like I'm trying to make a sale, but that's not my intention.
The Steam version contains a bunch of extra hours (about 6-8 depending on how stuck you get) of more challenging content than this version of the game in a new mystery, but you can only experience the second mystery in the Steam version by finishing the main story, so if you had to re-do that work anyways it could go towards unlocking that
YAYAYAYAYAYA
do you have a timeline for when your next game like this one will be ready? i have been searching for more games like this ever since i played it almost two years ago, and have yet to find anything that even comes close!!
Right now we're working on The Incident at Galley House. It's a remake of a game called "Type Help".
I would estimate the earliest it could possibly be released is maybe March or April of 2026 but it's not really possible to know for sure (until we're closer to actually being able to test which is still a ways off) so to be safe I'd estimate sometime after that even.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3641000/The_Incident_at_Galley_House/
In the meantime I'd be sure to check out Return of the Obra Dinn and Curse of the Golden Idol if you haven't already. Those are probably the most often recommended games similar to Roottrees.
amazing game and now i'm trying so hard to find more like it lol!! will definitely have to play the official version soon.
I really, really like it! I'm trying hard to solve everything without getting outside help.
I can't find a way to download this game?
This game is meant to be played in a browser so there is no downloadable executable. There is a newer, better, downloadable version of the game available on Steam (but it is not free like this version)
I do believe if you use the itchio client you might still be able to download this free version. (I am not sure, this is just what I have been told by other users)
haha Yeah I didn't understand that at first, that it was browser. Thank you! Maybe I'll just go get the steam one.
Does anyone know how to find Wolf Roottree's photo? It's the last thing I'm stuck on :')
If it's truly the only thing you need, then it is probably already in your inventory. It's impossible to get one of the other images without first getting the one you're asking about.
Wait, this is free on Itch.io?
This is the original version of the game. It's different than the version on Steam, which has updated puzzles, changes to content, a better UI, and a whole expansion that does not exist in this version.
The history of the game is that I made this version and released it for free due to its use of AI art, then worked with another developer named Evil Trout to remake it from scratch for Steam with actual art and a MUCH better interface.
I also didn't know it was a one-person project. Great job. Also love how AI makes it possible to make prototypes like this.
Basically, it's the V1 of a finished game :3
carefull spoiler alert!!
****************in the Spidersearch article ("elias roottree jr.") it says
****************" "Hunchtop House." "************if you type Hunchtop House. **************************(with the dot) you get no result.***********
just a tiny mistake..sorry to mention it .--.
Had to sleuth to find my old login to post this comment: I just sunk 4 whole days attempting to solve the whole family tree and that extra bit right at the end. This has to be one of the best game I've ever found on this site. Genuinely satisfying clue hunting and a family full of lore that adds up to a really good payoff. Can't wait for a followup!!
HOW do i get the game to progress? i filled in everything but idk how to move on pls help
Which part are you stuck on?
the first one?
If you're stuck in the tutorial there's likely something wrong with your answers, but in very rare cases your browser might be preventing the game from saving, which can cause issues. If you come to the discord server using the link in the game and post screenshots of what is happening people can help you diagnose the problem.
i cant find rhose roottree's name so i cant even start the game what do i d
If you search for her name on the computer it gives you a bit of a hint as to why you can't find her name in the dropdown list. (It's not a bug, that's part of the game)
i figured it out thank you
so glad i found this because i was completely lost here lol
pure art
just wanted to comment (again) that even though im excited for the incident at galley house and know you currently arent planning on continuing the roottrees, i would love to see the entire {you know who} not dead thing get continued! again, great work! love this sm
This game was such a breath of fresh air to me, so well paced and engaging, One of my favorite gaming experiences
that. was. amazing.
i was down to my last 4 and losing my mind. finally had to turn to discord for some answers. clocked the hidden lock even before then and was SO excited to write it all down. getting the game on steam too for even more sleuthing. thanks for the game!