Need to Know

Surveillance simulation about state power, private lives, and divided loyalties

Monomyth Games · Released Aug 28, 2018

Reviews: Mostly Positive; 75% of 181
Recent reviews: Not enough recent
Players: 2; daily peak, Oct 29, 2026
Steam Deck: Untested
Last update on Steam: 1 year ago; Oct 13, 2025
Minimum PC: HD 520; 4 GB RAM · 3 GB disk; Full requirements

What is Need to Know?

In this surveillance simulation, you work for the Department of Liberty, a modern intelligence agency. Assignments involve examining browsing histories, emails, and other personal records to judge suspects and decide what action to take. Higher clearance grants more surveillance powers, while you can serve the agency, help underground groups leak information, or use classified data for personal gain.

For you if...

+you like comparing digital evidence to solve investigative puzzles
+you enjoy political thrillers set in the modern world

Not for you if...

−you want freeform investigations rather than following assigned cases

What players say

75% of 181 reviews are positive

Players praise the story and writing, but criticize unclear instructions and limited influence over the plot. A recent reviewer also reports repeated softlocks that prevent further progress.

Screenshots and trailer

Need to Know system requirements

Minimum: HD 520, 4 GB RAM, 3 GB of disk space.

As published by the developer.

Can my PC run Need to Know?

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Minimum

OS: Windows 7
Processor: Intel Core i3
Graphics: Intel HD 520 or equivalent
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Storage: 3 GB available space
DirectX: Version 10

Does Need to Know have co-op or multiplayer?

No: single-player only, no multiplayer modes declared.

Single-player

Does Need to Know run on Steam Deck?

Untested Not yet tested by Valve on Steam Deck.

PC version details

DRM: None declared on Steam
Controller: Keyboard and mouse
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Achievements: 10
Steam features: Cloud saves, Family Sharing, Trading cards
Languages: Text only: English.

Does Need to Know use AI-generated content?

No AI-generated content is disclosed on the game's Steam page.

Self-reported by the developer under Steam rules: it covers AI content that ships in the game, not tools used to make it. Steam page checked on Oct 27, 2026. How to filter AI games on Steam